Walk along the bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, explore the diverse shopping options, visit historical landmarks, and enjoy the street food. It’s also a great spot for taking in the local architecture and neon lights at night.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street starts from Xizang Middle Road in the west and ends at Henan Middle Road in the east, with a total length of 1,033 meters. It adopts an asymmetrical layout with a 4.2-meter-wide "golden belt" as the main line, running through the entire pedestrian street. Urban public facilities such as benches, shopping kiosks, information booths, billboards, sculptures, street lights, waste bins, telephone booths, etc. are concentrated on the "golden belt", and there are 34 flower beds of various shapes.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, similar to Beijing's Wangfujing, isn't a prime shopping destination, but it's a must-see for any tourist. Day or night, Nanjing Road is a landmark and a must-see in Shanghai. Walking from the Bund along Nanjing East Road to Nanjing West Road, you'll be captivated by the bustling streets, vibrant lights, and vibrant neon signs.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round.
1-2 hours
No tickets required
All day
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, with a history that dates back to the 19th century. It has played a significant role in Shanghai's commercial development and continues to be a symbol of the city’s modernity and economic growth.
Located in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street can be easily accessed by Metro (Lines 2 and 10, Nanjing East Road Station), taxi, or walking from nearby landmarks like The Bund.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is open 24 hours, but the best times to visit are in the late afternoon and evening when the street is lit up with neon lights, and the shops are open. Avoid weekends and public holidays if you want to avoid the crowds.
There is no entrance fee to visit Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. It is a public street, and you can explore it freely without purchasing any tickets.
No tickets are required to visit the street. However, if you plan to visit attractions or shows nearby, such as the Shanghai Museum or the Oriental Pearl Tower, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance.
You’ll need about 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the main pedestrian areas, visit some shops, and enjoy a meal or snack. If you plan to explore side streets or visit specific attractions, you might want to allocate more time.
The main highlight is the pedestrian street itself, with its shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Don’t miss the nearby Bund area, which offers stunning views of the river and city skyline.
Guided tours are available, mainly in Mandarin and English, and can be arranged through local tour operators. Audio guides are not commonly provided for the pedestrian street but may be available for nearby attractions.
Photography enthusiasts will love the view from The Bund, which provides a stunning backdrop of both colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. The street itself, lit up with neon signs, is a perfect spot for night photography.
Start at the eastern end of Nanjing Road and explore the shops, cafes, and landmarks. Then, head towards the Bund for a scenic walk along the waterfront. If you have time, stop at the nearby People's Square and check out the Shanghai Museum or the Urban Planning Exhibition Center.
Night visits are highly recommended as Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is especially beautiful when lit up at night. While there are no light shows directly on the street, you can experience light displays at The Bund and nearby buildings, such as the Shanghai Tower.
The street can get quite crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays. The best time to visit is early mornings or weekdays to avoid the heaviest foot traffic.
There are numerous facilities, including public toilets, rest areas, and a wide variety of food options ranging from street food to high-end restaurants. Many shops are located along the street for a shopping experience.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is easily accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with flat walkways and ramps. However, the area can get crowded, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cards and mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, and cafes along Nanjing Road. Cash is not necessary but is still accepted in some places.
Nearby options include upscale restaurants in luxury hotels like the Fairmont Peace Hotel, as well as casual eateries and street food stalls offering local specialties such as dumplings and xiaolongbao.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in various restaurants along Nanjing Road, including vegetarian Chinese and international cuisine. Halal food can be found in certain restaurants serving Middle Eastern and Chinese Muslim cuisine.
Several high-end hotels are located near Nanjing Road, including the Waldorf Astoria, the Peace Hotel, and the Hyatt on the Bund. Budget options and boutique hotels can also be found in the surrounding area.
Nearby attractions include The Bund, People’s Square, Shanghai Museum, and Yuyuan Garden. These can easily be explored in a day trip along with Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
There are plenty of souvenir shops along Nanjing Road selling items such as silk products, Chinese tea, jade, traditional Chinese art, and branded goods.
The best way to continue your trip is by taking the Shanghai Metro (Lines 2 or 10), taxis, or walking to nearby attractions like The Bund or People's Square. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Didi for convenience.