Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is the main shopping street of Shanghai, China, and is one of the world's busiest shopping streets. Located in the city center, running in a west-east direction, its eastern section is in Huangpu District and extends from The Bund west to People's Square. The western section begins at People's Square and continues westward towards Jing'an District. The entirety of Nanjing Road has been a center of commerce in Shanghai for more than a century.

The history of Nanjing Road can be traced back to the year 1851. After the Opium War (1839-1842), Shanghai became a treaty port. Nanjing Road was first in the British Concession, and then the International Settlement. Importing large quantities of foreign goods, it became the earliest shopping street in Shanghai. However, in the early 20th century, there were only four department stores along this stretch, famously named one of the World's Seven Great Roads in the 1930s.

Over time, mammoth changes have taken place here. The street was beginning to look a little down at heel and Huaihai Road was pulling the wealthier customers away from here. Big traditional stores no longer dominate the street since modern shopping malls, specialty stores, theatres, and international hotels have mushroomed on both sides of the street. Today, over 600 businesses on the street offer countless famous brands and new fashions.

 

In the evenings, the street looks at its best, with neon lights and advertising billboards illuminating the glorious buildings along the road. Open-air bars, abstract sculptures and lingering sounds from street musicians enhance evening strolls. A trackless sightseeing train provides a comfortable tour of the night-transformed pedestrian street. Apart from the shopping and eating, tourists and guests can also celebrate various holidays at the street, such as Chinese New Year, New Year’s Eve, Christmas and Easter.