南京路
One of the world's busiest shopping streets — Shanghai's commercial pulse.
Nanjing Road is the commercial backbone of Shanghai — a 5km pedestrianised strip connecting the Bund to the Jing'an area, lined with flagship stores, department stores, street food vendors, and the constant buzz of one of Asia's most energetic shopping districts. More interesting for its atmosphere and food vendors than the shopping itself, it serves as a perfect evening walk connecting key Shanghai sights.
Multiple metro access points along the route: East Nanjing Road (Lines 2 & 10) at the Bund end, People's Square (Lines 1, 2 & 8) in the middle, and West Nanjing Road (Line 2) at the far end. The eastern pedestrianised section is the most atmospheric. Street food vendors become active from around 5pm.
Opening Hours
Street: always open. Shops: 10:00am – 10:00pm.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
上海市黄浦区南京东路
Show these to locals — large Chinese text designed to be read at arm's length.
Show this to locals:
师傅您好，请送我去南京东路步行街，黄浦区。我想从外滩这头开始走。谢谢！
Hello, please take me to East Nanjing Road pedestrian street, Huangpu District. I want to start from the Bund end. Thank you!
For your eyes only:
The Bund end of Nanjing Road (near Zhongshan East 1st Road) is the most photogenic starting point.
Follow these guides to navigate each part of your visit.
Start at the Bund end (East Nanjing Road metro, Lines 2 & 10)
Walk west along the pedestrianised strip — flagship stores and local chains line both sides
Try street food from vendors appearing from 5pm: egg pancakes (鸡蛋饼), grilled corn, candied nuts
People's Square (about halfway) is a good break point — the Shanghai Museum is on the south side (free with booking)
Continue west into the Jing'an area where the street becomes more upmarket
Return via the Bund promenade for the evening illumination if you started in the afternoon
Nanjing Road is primarily a shopping street — the real attraction is the atmosphere, not the stores, which are mostly Chinese chain brands.
Street food vendors on the side alleys off Nanjing Road are far better value than anything on the main strip.
Pickpocketing does occur on crowded sections — keep bags in front and phones in pockets.
The Nanjing Road electric bus (观光车) runs the full length for a few yuan if your feet tire.
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