Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: From "Main Road" to the century-old prosperity of China's No. 1 Commercial street

The origin of the road name - from "Garden Lane" to "Nanjing Road"
The story of Nanjing Road began with the opening of Shanghai as a trading port. After the British Concession was established in 1845, its eastern section was initially a sidewalk built by British merchants within the territory for foreigners to ride horses and relax. It was called "Park Lane" because it led to a garden. In 1851, the concession authorities opened the first racecourse near what is now Nanjing Road and Henan Middle Road. This road became the main thoroughfare leading to the racecourse and was commonly known by the Chinese as "Big Road" or "Road". As the commercial center of Shanghai moved northward, in 1865, the Municipal Council of the International Settlement officially named this increasingly prosperous road "Nanjing Road" to commemorate the opening of Shanghai after the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing.

The Road to Prosperity - From "Ten-Mile Foreign Trade Ground" to "Walking Paradise"
The transformation of Nanjing Road is a microcosm of the rise of modern and contemporary Chinese commerce from its enlightenment to its take-off.
- The Early Establishment of Foreign Firms and the Commercial Enlightenment (1840s-1910s) : In the early days of the port's opening, foreign foreign firms and banks were the first to be set up here. Large global department stores with Chinese capital, such as Xianshi Company (1917) and Yong 'an Company (1918), opened one after another, introducing modern business management models and window displays, which completely changed the consumption habits of Chinese people. "Visiting companies" became a synonym for modern life, and Nanjing Road became a synonym for "a ten-mile foreign market".
- Neon Lights and the Golden Age (1920s-1930s) : In the 1920s and 1930s, Nanjing Road reached its peak. Xinxin Company (1926) and Daxin Company (1936) joined the fray, and the four major department stores vied with each other in beauty. Installing air conditioners, opening dance halls, using escalators... Countless "firsts in China" have been born here. After nightfall, the colorful neon billboards illuminate the entire street as bright as day, making it the most brilliant sight in the Far East.
- Planned Economy and the Imprint of The Times (1950s-1970s) : After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the commercial landscape was adjusted, but the status of Nanjing Road as the commercial center of Shanghai remained unchanged. The First Department Store (formerly Daxin Company), Hualian Department Store (formerly Yong 'an Company), and others carry the collective memories of several generations of Shanghaites.
- Pedestrian Renovation and Century Rebirth (1999 to Present) : In response to urban development, the eastern section of Nanjing Road was renovated into an all-weather pedestrian street in 1999. This move has reshaped its business ecosystem. Historical buildings have been protected and restored, and international brand flagship stores have flocked in, complementing the time-honored brands. It has successfully transformed into a super urban living room integrating shopping, tourism, culture and exhibition, and continues to exude vigorous vitality.

> In-depth Understanding: Explore More Famous Commercial, Historical and Cultural Districts in China >> [Wangfujing Street, Beijing]

Urban landscape - the flowing hustle and bustle and the eternal skyline
The "natural" landscape of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is an ultimate man-made wonder of urban civilization.
The sea of people: With an average daily footfall of over a million, it is itself a dynamic sight. Tourists and citizens with different accents and purposes converge here, forming a flowing and vibrant modern "Along the River During the Qingming Festival". Observing the crowds is like observing a vivid slice of Chinese society.
- River of Light and Shadow: From the daylight of the day to the neon lights of the night, light is the second language of Nanjing Road. Especially after nightfall, the outline lights on century-old buildings, the LED screens in giant shopping malls, the warm light on the signs of time-honored brands, and the colorful lights on shuttle buses... They interweave into a river of light, dazzling and prosperous, never to rest.
- Perspective Symphony: Standing in the middle section of the pedestrian street and looking eastward, the skyline of classical buildings and the skyscrapers of Lujiazui in the distance are framed together, creating a stunning dialogue between history and the future. This visual contrast that transcends time and space is the unique landscape charm of Nanjing Road.

Humanistic craftsmanship - Frozen business history and Living Life poetry
Every building and every sign here is a footnote to a business legend.
The legendary buildings of the "Four Great Department Stores" :
- First Department Store (formerly Daxin Company) : Opened in 1936, its pioneering escalator once caused a sensation in Shanghai. The architectural style is modern and simple. There used to be an amusement park on the top floor, making it the most advanced commercial complex at that time.
Yong 'an Department Store (formerly Yong 'an Company) : Opened in 1918, the Qiyun Pavilion on the top of its classical eclectic architecture was the place where the first red flag was raised during the liberation of Shanghai. The spiral staircase and old-fashioned elevator inside the store exude a retro charm.
Shanghai Fashion Store (formerly Xianshi Company) and the First Food Store (formerly Xinxin Company) : Both bear a glorious history, and their architectural appearances serve as living specimens for the study of modern commercial architecture in Shanghai.
- Time-honored brand Golden Signboard (History on the Tip of the Tongue)
- First Food Store: It gathers local specialties from Shanghai and across the country. The aroma of butterfly pastries, pork jerky, and candies and pastries fills the air. It is a paradise for bringing souvenirs.
- Shen Dacheng: Founded in 1875, it is renowned for its rice cakes and pastries. Its double-stuffed rice cakes, tiaotou cakes, and green rice cakes are popular all year round. It is a must-visit place to experience the local pastry culture.
Shao Wansheng, founded in 1852, is an expert in zao Zui. He is known as "a delicacy on Chinese zao Zui banquets, and is highly praised by all." His yellow mud snails and zao crabs are truly exceptional.
Taikang Food: The evergreen cookies and Fresh meat mooncakes are classics among classics. The sight of people queuing up in front of the door all year round has become part of the street scene.
- Modern commercial landmark
New World City: A large-scale comprehensive shopping mall integrating shopping, dining, entertainment (Madame Tussauds), and hotels.
- Shimao Plaza: After renovation, it has been transformed into an international "urban theater" style, gathering numerous global brand flagship stores and trendy first stores. The architectural appearance is highly visually striking.
- Huawei Global Flagship Store: Located in the historic Nanjing Tower, it is a model of the integration of technology and historical architecture.

Photography Tips:
Classic panoramic camera position: In front of the large screen at Century Square, you can capture the bustling crowds and the buildings on both sides. The night view is particularly brilliant.
Architectural details camera position
Opposite Yong 'an Department Store: Take a close-up shot of its classical facade and Qiyun Pavilion to showcase a sense of history.
2. Zhongkou Road, Henan Province: Capture the integration of modern buildings such as Hailun Hotel with the old street.
3. Sunken square: Use steps to obtain different perspectives and capture the interaction between people and street scenes.
Humanistic snapshots: Focusing on citizens shopping at the counters of time-honored brands, performances by street artists, and children on the sightseeing train, capturing vivid moments of life.

Five must-do things to Unlock a Complete Nanjing Road Journey
1. Complete a time-traveling stroll through a century of business history
Route: Start from the stone tablet of "Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street" at the entrance of Henan Middle Road and head west all the way. Focus on the historical architectural appearances of the four major department stores and compare their different styles. Step into the First Department Store or Yong 'an Department Store and experience the historical elements preserved inside (such as stairs and elevators).
- In-depth Knowledge: Learn about the competitive past of the four companies, Xianshi, Yong 'an, Xinxin, and Daxin, and how they have driven the modern commercial civilization in Shanghai and even across China.
2. Embark on a culinary tour of time-honored brands
Key point: Don't come after you're full! Reserve your appetite and embark on a "strolling and eating" journey.
- Must-experience: Buy a steaming hot green rice ball at Shen Dacheng, queue up for freshly baked meat mooncakes at Taikang, sample various pastries at First Food, and finally enjoy the rich aroma of zao Zui at the counter of Shao Wansheng. This is the most authentic flavor of Shanghai.
3. Experience a powerful collision between tradition and modernity
- Experience: Admire traditional Chinese goldsmithing at Lao Fengxiang Silver House, and then step into an Apple store or a Huawei flagship store to experience cutting-edge technology. Experience the century-old craftsmanship at Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors Store and then enjoy creative building at the LEGO brand flagship store. This ultimate contrast and integration is the most unique charm of Nanjing Road.
4. Take a ride on the jingling sightseeing train
- Fun Experience: The sightseeing train (Ding-dong car) on the pedestrian street is not only a means of transportation but also a retro photo prop. For just a few yuan, you can easily tour from east to west. It is especially suitable for families with children, allowing you to enjoy the street view from a different perspective.
5. Collect a brilliant memory from sunset to neon lights
- Key: Be sure to stay until night. As the sky gradually darkened, the lights along the entire street came on one after another. The century-old buildings, under the illumination of the lights, revealed a unique charm, and the giant screen animations of the modern shopping malls were dazzling with colors. It is at this moment that Nanjing Road fully reveals the magic of the "City that never sleeps".

Suggested tour route
Half-day "Highlights Quick Overview" Tour (Suitable for Those with tight Schedules)
Enter from the entrance of Henan Middle Road at 3 p.m. → Enjoy the appearance of historical buildings along the way, and quickly browse through time-honored brands such as the First Food Store and Shen Dacheng (1 hour) → Walk to Century Square for a short rest and watch street performances → Continue westward Visit the modern commercial areas of Shimao Plaza or New World City (1 hour) → Have dinner at Yong 'an Department Store or a nearby restaurant → Wait for night to fall and enjoy the dazzling night view, then exit at Xizang Middle Road Exit, which can easily connect to the People's Square Metro Hub.
IntoTravelChina Tips: This itinerary is tight and crowded with people during holidays. Please take good care of your personal belongings and keep a close eye on your companions.

One-day "In-depth Sightseeing and Dining" Tour (Highly Recommended)
In the morning: Enter from Henan Middle Road in the direction of the Bund and first experience the historical atmosphere of the intersection of Nanjing Road and the Bund. Leisurely start the visit to time-honored brands and enjoy breakfast or dim sum at Taikang and Shen Dacheng.
At noon: Stroll to the area near Fujian Middle Road. There are many distinctive restaurants here. You can choose local cuisine or international food for lunch.
In the afternoon: Conduct an in-depth visit to the interiors of the First Department Store and Yong 'an Department Store to experience the historical Spaces. Then, visit modern shopping malls such as Shimao Plaza for concentrated shopping. For afternoon tea, you can choose a well-known coffee shop in the shopping mall.
From evening to night: Choose a restaurant for dinner in New World City or its surrounding areas. After the meal, it was the time when the street lamps were just coming on. We strolled from west to east in the opposite direction to enjoy the full view of the pedestrian street under the night sky. Finally, we arrived at the Bund to enjoy the night view of the Huangpu River, forming a perfect closed loop.
IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodation around the pedestrian street for you, arrange the connection between shopping, dining and transportation, and provide shopping guides for time-honored brands and exclusive discount information, allowing you to save time and effort and fully enjoy the shopping pleasure.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina can offer you a private customized itinerary, including a dedicated tour guide, transportation and activity arrangements, allowing you to enjoy a deep and worry-free trip. >> [Consult for Customization Now]

How to Get There: A Seamless Connection Guide
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is located in the absolute center of Shanghai, and its public transportation convenience is the best in the country.
- Subway (most recommended, no congestion worries) :
Take Line 1, Line 2 or Line 8 to People's Square Station. You can directly enter the west section of the pedestrian street from multiple exits.
Take Line 2 or Line 10 to Nanjing East Road Station. Exit from Exit 1, 2 or 3 and you will reach the eastern section of the pedestrian street.
- Public transportation: Dozens of bus routes pass through stops such as "Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street" and "People's Square", covering the entire city.
- Taxis/ride-hailing vehicles: You can directly locate "East Entrance of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (Henan Middle Road)" or "Century Square of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street". However, during peak hours, the surrounding roads are severely congested, and it may be inconvenient to get on and off the vehicle.
- Special transportation: You can walk all the way from the Bund or reach it on foot through the underground shopping mall passage of People's Square.
Important reminder: It is absolutely not recommended to drive there. The parking Spaces in the surrounding parking lots are tight and the fees are extremely high.

Best visiting time
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is bustling all year round and around the clock, but the best time to experience it is in the pleasant evenings of spring and autumn, as well as at night during holidays.
The golden seasons of spring and autumn (March to May, September to November) : The temperature is moderate and the breeze is gentle. It is very comfortable whether you are shopping during the day or strolling at night. The sunny days in autumn are high, and the night view is particularly clear and transparent.
- Summer Vitality Season (June - August) : The days are hot, but the pedestrian street has sunshades and indoor shopping malls to escape the heat. The night is bustling and lively, perfect for experiencing the atmosphere of a night market. It is necessary to pay attention to heatstroke prevention and cooling down, and prepare rain gear to deal with showers.
- Winter Splendor Season (December - February) : The period from the end of the year to around the Spring Festival is when Nanjing Road is most festive. The lighting decorations for Christmas, New Year's Day and the Spring Festival are magnificent and splendid. The New Year's goods market is bustling with people and filled with a strong festive atmosphere. It's windy by the river. Please keep warm.

Accommodation options
- Nanjing Road/People's Square Area (Ultimate Convenience) :
1. Historical classic hotels: such as the Peace Hotel (near the Bund) and the International Hotel, they are themselves historical landmarks. You can experience the charm of old Shanghai. It only takes a few minutes to walk to Nanjing Road.
2. High-end luxury hotels: Surrounded by hotels such as Le Meridien Shimao and JW Marriott Marquis, it offers an unrivaled city view. After shopping, you can easily return to rest.
Suitable for: Tourists who seek ultimate convenience, wish to immerse themselves in the city center atmosphere, and have a sufficient budget.
- The Bund Area (Scenic Option) :
- Experience: Living in a complex of buildings from various countries, you can enjoy the charm of both the Bund and Nanjing Road at night. The walking distance is about 10 to 15 minutes.
Suitable for: Tourists who have a preference for historical architectural landscapes and plan to visit the Bund frequently.
- Metro line areas (cost-performance options) :
- Experience: Choose hotels near stations along metro lines such as Line 1, Line 2, and Line 8. You can quickly reach People's Square or Nanjing East Road Station by metro. It offers better value for money and a wider range of choices.
Suitable for: Families or tourists who value cost-effectiveness and prefer a relatively quiet accommodation environment.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Suggestions
We strongly recommend booking your favorite hotel in the city center at least one month in advance, especially during holidays. By booking through us, you can not only get real-time room availability and the best possible view rooms, but also package and provide information such as accommodation, special dining reservations, and shopping discounts. You often get joint discounts between hotels and cooperating shopping centers. Tell us your budget and requirements, and we will match the most suitable "Heart of Prosperity Residence" for you. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

The urban prosperity represented by Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street leads westward to the charming landscapes of Jiangxi Province and southward to the poetic West Lake of Hangzhou. This meticulously designed five-day loop perfectly connects the modernity of an international metropolis, the magical and mysterious realms of the valleys in northeastern Jiangxi, and the classical charm of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River, taking you on a rich journey from modern civilization to natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Five-day Tour of Natural and Cultural Highlights of Shanghai, Jiangxi and Zhejiang: Day1-2: Shanghai (Focusing on the Bund and the Classical Gardens of Yu Garden) - Day3: Direct to Wangxian Valley in Shangrao, deeply experience cliff inns and canyon night views - Day4: Full-day tour of "The Most Beautiful Village in China" - Huanling in Wuyuan, enjoy terraced fields and flower fields or the custom of showing off autumn scenery - Day5 Head to Hangzhou and end your journey with a peaceful cruise on West Lake. Suitable for travelers who love natural wonders, photography and immersive cultural experiences. Check out the five-day tour route featuring the natural and cultural highlights of Shanghai, Jiangxi and Zhejiang

The story of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is related to the commercial enlightenment of a city, the changes in citizens' lives and the never-ending prosperity. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating in-depth, personalized and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can help you
Tailor-made itinerary: Based on your shopping, food or historical and cultural interests, we design a perfect route that includes in-depth exploration of Nanjing Road and Shanghai and even the Yangtze River Delta.
One-stop service: Handle special hotel reservations, time-honored brand shopping guides, popular restaurant reservations, and transportation connections.
Exclusive Experience: Arranged for business history experts to accompany and explain, behind-the-scenes visits to time-honored workshops, and shopping experiences during non-public hours, etc.

Let your trip to Nanjing Road be more than just shopping and consumption; it will be a profound dialogue that helps you understand the pulse of Shanghai's business and experience the aesthetics of urban life.
Start planning your journey right away
Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants. We will provide you with a customized itinerary plan and quotation within 24 hours. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]