Nanjing Road (Nanjing Lu)

Overview

Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping districts, stretching over 5.5 kilometers in the heart of Shanghai. It offers a mix of historic architecture, modern skyscrapers, and a vast array of shopping and dining options.

As one of the earliest commercial streets in Shanghai, Nanjing Road is a symbol of the city's rapid development and modernization, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Retail Dining Historical Cultural

Location

Address

Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road), Jing’an, Shanghai

Neighborhood: Jing'an

Coordinates

31.228100, 121.474200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free (shopping and pedestrian street), varies for attractions and restaurants

Children

Free (shopping and pedestrian street), varies for attractions and restaurants

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Late morning

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

Full day with shopping and dining

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild, pleasant

• Cherry blossoms
• Spring sales

summer

Hot, humid, rainy

• Extended shopping hours
• Summer sales

autumn

Cool, comfortable

• Fall foliage
• Golden Week shopping festival

winter

Cold, dry

• Holiday lights
• Winter sales

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Wear comfortable shoes
Bring a map or use a navigation app
Be prepared for crowds

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Water bottle Cash and cards

seasonal

Jacket or sweater (winter) Hat and sunglasses (summer)

not allowed

Large luggage Pets (some areas)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate, lots of walking

• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion (summer)
• Slippery surfaces (rainy season)

Medical facilities: Hospitals and clinics nearby

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/debit cards, Mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay)

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Typical Costs

shopping Varies

dining 50-500 CNY per meal

transportation 1-50 CNY

entertainment Varies

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, Comfortable shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, Walking shoes, sneakers, Inappropriate or revealing clothing in some areas

Booking Tips

• Not required for general visiting, but recommended for popular restaurants and shows
• Online travel agencies, official websites of attractions
• Varies by establishment
• Available for some attractions and restaurants

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Shanghai Nanjing Road Official App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Interactive map, Shopping and dining deals, Event calendar, Transportation guide

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Public areas, shopping malls, and cafes

Charging Stations: Shopping malls, cafes, and some public areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Distance: 45 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

taxi

200-250 CNY 1 hour 30 minutes

public_transport

50-100 CNY 2 hours

From City Center

Distance: Varies, depending on starting point (e.g., People's Square is about 2 km away)

metro

3-5 CNY 15-30 minutes

bus

2-3 CNY 20-40 minutes

taxi

20-50 CNY 10-30 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Nanjing Road is a symbol of Shanghai's history and modernity, offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences

Historical Significance: One of the earliest commercial streets in Shanghai, developed during the city's opening to foreign trade in the 19th century