Strolling around West Nanjing Road near Zhang Yuan

That day, I had no plans but just woke up feeling like taking a walk in the city, so I stopped by the Zhang Yuan area on West Nanjing Road. The vibe is like walking in Europe a little bit, but still perfectly blended with the Shanghai atmosphere.

The atmosphere is amazingggg.
The old-style red brick buildings have been renovated into trendy cafes and chic brand clothing stores. Every spot is great for photos. There are Zara, Lululemon, and some super stylish Chinese brands.

So many coffee shops! ☕️
Walking around, I found many beautifully designed cafes like Seesaw Coffee, M Stand, % Arabica, or you can sit and enjoy desserts at Lady M. Locals and tourists walk around a lot, but it’s not too crowded.

Zhang Yuan used to be an ancient Western village in Shanghai. Now it’s been renovated into a premium project while keeping the original details. Anyone who loves old architecture will fall in love here.

⏰ Best time: Come in the afternoon to evening for beautiful light, great photos, and all shops open.
📍 Location: Near West Nanjing Road MRT Station (Lines 2, 12, 13), exit 1 or 4, just a few minutes’ walk.

Summary of the vibe:
✔️ Chill walk, beautiful photos
✔️ Lots of cafes, plenty of fashion stores
✔️ Great atmosphere without the chaos
✔️ Another spot that really shows Shanghai’s charm
If you come to Shanghai and want a slightly aesthetic place to stroll, I highly recommend this area!

#TravelChina

Post by Pani Yong | Apr 5, 2025

Most Popular Travel Moments