Chunxi Road
Chunxi Road
Historical Overview
Originally named "Moerxiang Street" during the Qing Dynasty, Chunxi Road underwent major renovations in 1924 under military leader Yang Sen, who integrated Shanghai’s shikumen architecture with local Sichuanese elements. The 1940s saw its rise as a financial hub, hosting banks and theaters. Post-1978 reforms propelled its modernization, with the 2002 pedestrianization marking its rebirth as a tourism landmark. Today, it merges 20th-century history with digital-age innovations like interactive LED screens and AR cultural exhibits.
Structural Layout
The district follows a grid system centered on Chunxi Road’s main axis, branching into three zones:
- Historic Core: Shikumen buildings (1920s-1940s) housing vintage shops and museums.
- Modern Retail: International brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton) and department stores (IFS, Taikoo Li).
- Cultural Enclave: Traditional teahouses, Sichuan Opera theaters, and street art installations.
Key landmarks include the Chunxi Road Clock Tower (1925) and the IFS Giant Panda Sculpture (2014).
Major Attractions
IFS Financial Center: Skydeck observation platform offering panoramic city views.
Taikoo Li: Open-air mall blending historic courtyards with luxury retail.
Chunxi Road Museum: Exhibits on the street’s 100-year transformation.
Zhongshan Square: Central plaza with fountains and street performers.
Sichuan Cuisine Street: Over 200 restaurants serving Mapo Tofu and hotpot.
Chengdu IFS Art Space: Rotating contemporary art exhibitions.
Suggested Itineraries
1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Chunxi Road Clock Tower → Sichuan Cuisine Street (lunch) → Taikoo Li → IFS Skydeck → Zhongshan Square
Highlights: Local food tasting and luxury shopping.
2. Cultural Route (4 hours):
Chunxi Road Museum → Traditional Teahouse Experience → Sichuan Opera Performance → Street Art Tour
Highlights: History, Tea Culture, and face-changing performances.
3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Early Morning: Breakfast at historic “Longchaoshun” Restaurant (1909)
Morning: Taikoo Li Architecture Tour
Afternoon: IFS Shopping + Art Space Visit
Evening: Hotpot Dinner + Kuanzhai Alley Night Market
Ticket Purchase
Free Entry: All public areas accessible without tickets.
Paid Experiences:
IFS Skydeck: ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students)
Sichuan Opera: ¥120–¥300 (premium seats)
Booking: Purchase online via Ctrip or Meituan; opera tickets require 2-day advance booking.
Transportation
Subway: Line 2/3 to Chunxi Road Station (Exit C), 2-minute walk.
Bus: Routes 4, 58, 81, or 98 to Chunxi Road Stop.
Taxi: Direct to "Chunxi Lu Pedestrian Street" entrance.
Bike-Sharing: Dockless bikes available but restricted in pedestrian zones.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid weekends 2–5 PM; visit weekday mornings.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) ideal for outdoor walks.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (10,000+ steps typical).
Try "danhonggao" (egg pancake) and "sangnaopian" (pepper cookies).
Photography: Golden hour (6–7 PM) for IFS panda lighting.
Prohibited: Smoking, drone flying, and loud speakers.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
