Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road)
Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road)
4
About
Modern, electric street filled with shops, eateries, and lovely restaurants tucked away up above the street level. Some can be tricky to find but are worth the effort.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road)
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Fuzhou Lu (Fuzhou Road)
How to get there
  • East Nanjing Road • 6 min walk
See what travellers are saying
  • Winnie C
    6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great busy area for lots of activities
    I love how busy this street always is. It’s in central area in Shanghai, and perfect place for many occasions - solo shopping, friends hangout or dates. You get to see all walks of life here, and good places for street photography
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 29 September 2023
  • Eric T
    2 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good scenery with calm weather. Smoke pollution everywhere and standard of living is high. Best visit for first timer.
    Nanjing Lu is a busy street with all kinds of people around the world. Best to go is on Dec-Jan . Many shops and malls to visit. Prices are not cheap. Shanghainese will tend to smoke everywhere (outdoor or indoor). I advise to wear face mask for better health. For first time tourists, it is worth the trip.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 January 2024
  • Ashutosh
    190 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must visit in Shanghai
    This is a pedestrian street in the heart of Shanghai and well connected. Almost all brands and departmental stores are here and this is adjacent to the bund. So basically you can get here in the afternoon and spend as much time as you want and proceed to the bund for the evening tour. Lots of places to eat, shop and plenty of benches on the street to sit and relax. Go when the weather is better.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 16 May 2024
  • Gareth
    23 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice but crowded street
    It is very calming and nice to walk in this street. There are many shops that sell nice things and street food stalls sell cheap and delicious food. However, it can get crowded easily, and there are many motorcycles on the pedestrian sidewalks. As a Singaporean, I never experienced this, so I'll tell you first in advance. I recommend you visit early in the morning.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 June 2024
  • Zfy Ed
    Singapore, Singapore10,488 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Busy street day and night!
    This is surely one place in the city that no one will ever miss it. And believe it or not, it's bustling with people day and night and is one of the most visited place in Shanghai. Stretching over several kilometers, where departmental stores, shopping malls, restaurants, foodcourts, cafes and eateries, hotels, convenient stores etc are located alongside with one another, it's a good place to indulge into the local people lifestyle, in terms of eating, shopping, culture and history, and it's so much fun to visit. And if you do come at night, it's another different scene as the buildings nearby are all lit up with nice and colourful neon lights all over, it's so beautiful. As our hotel is located there, we will passby this place everyday several times and it's also convenient to move around from here as it is near to 2 metro stations.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 16 June 2024
  • Ryotaro R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Shanghai Summer Like No Other
    Stepping onto Nanjing Road was like plunging into the heart of Shanghai's bustling spirit. The architecture was a delight for the eyes, a fusion of styles that told the story of Shanghai's evolution. Historic buildings, their facades proudly displaying their age, stood side by side with modern glass structures, creating a visual dialogue that spanned centuries. As I walked, I couldn't help but be drawn into the myriad of shops lining the road. From high-end boutiques to quirky local stores, each one held its own allure. I spent hours browsing, each item a potential treasure, each shopkeeper a new acquaintance. But Nanjing Road isn't just about shopping; it's a feast for the senses. The aroma of street food wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of haggling, laughter, and the occasional honk of a car. I found myself pausing to try a variety of snacks, each bite a new adventure in flavor. As the day wore on, the lights of Nanjing Road came alive, transforming the street into a dazzling spectacle. Neon signs blinked to life, casting a rainbow of colors over the throngs of people. It was a sight that captured the essence of Shanghai—dynamic, ever-changing, yet rooted in tradition.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 August 2024
  • Amr Sobhi
    Cairo, Egypt157 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lively and Vibrant - Nanjing Road Delivers the Quintessential Shanghai Experience
    No visit to Shanghai is complete without strolling down the famous Nanjing Road. As one of the world's busiest shopping streets, this mile-long pedestrian promenade offers an electrifying glimpse into the pulse of modern China. From the iconic neon lights and giant video screens to the bustling crowds and diverse array of stores, Nanjing Road is a feast for the senses. I spent hours leisurely wandering, popping into the high-end boutiques, local specialty shops, and enticing food stalls that line both sides of the street. What I loved most was the energy and dynamism - Nanjing Road truly never sleeps. Both day and night, the street is abuzz with activity, from street performers and musicians to food vendors and window shoppers. It's the perfect place to people watch and soak up the unique atmosphere of Shanghai. Though it can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, Nanjing Road is an essential Shanghai experience. I recommend going with an open mind, ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and sheer excitement of this iconic urban landmark. It's a captivating blend of commerce, culture, and quintessential Chinese vibrancy.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 14 August 2024
  • geo3
    Calgary, Canada1,893 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun, lots of crowds, slightly sleazy in the evening
    This is a great pedestrian street to explore, with some attractive architecture, some of it more than 100 years old and some of it very modern. If you get off the subway at the Nanjing Rd. East subway station, it's also the most interesting way of ending up at the Bund and the Huangpu River. At night this street is lit up beautifully. If shopping is your thing, this is a good place to shop during the day. The 'slightly sleazy' wording in the title is because, as I walked down the street in the evening, I was approached three separate times by attractive young women who 'wanted to practice their English'. If you are with a group or a family, as I was on a previous visit here in 2019, this won't happen to you, and it's a very safe street otherwise. Worth seeing if you are in Shanghai.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 18 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles4,693 reviews
Excellent
1,505
Very good
1,903
Average
1,017
Poor
179
Terrible
89

FlyfishermanBeijing
Beijing, China278 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Long pedestrian street with lot of expensive brands. Street is normally very crowded and be notice there is a lot of people who came to you by start discussion "where are you from". Mostly they do not just like to chat with you, purpose is sell something to you with over price (can be goods, recommend bar who cheat you etc.). For me, Nanjing road is place to avoid i can see colourful lights also somewhere else.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tyler M
Shenzhen, China22 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
I arrived post 2 month lockdown to be fair and I guess the lower class are in a bad situation. I met a local girl who immediately took me to a chinese seafood restaurant. I told her I dont like Chinese seafood and I wasnt very hungry but she said they had other things and we just eat something quickly. I have lived in China for 8.5 years and this place was medium/low quality restaurant at best. I speak quite good mandarin but somehow she managed to order enough food to feed a small army including lobster which in normal chinese fashion had been overcooked and chopping into pieces guts and all. This is why I hate chinese seafood to begin with. I ate almost nothing and she drank the bottle of wine to herself. I was ready to pay the bill which I guessed to be around 1500rmb and leave this girl as quick as possible. Much to my shock it was 7700 RMB and I saw all the staff quickly get into their position to guard my escape. Its all a big scam. SH is a terrible place. The upper class wants nothing to do with you and any local that approaches you is just a poor person attempting to exploit you with a tea or food scam. If you come here all I can recommend is paid reputable tours. Expensive chinese food if you like Chinese food maybe thats good. The only redeeming thing about SH is that it has the best western food of anywhere I have been in China. I also enjoyed seeing the river and the skyline. SH is checked off my list but a huge disappointment. Perhaps my timing was bad.
Written 5 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sara S
Oklahoma City, OK798 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
The busiest shopping street in Shanghai, Nanjing Road is lined with name brand stores, both Chinese and International. The area is always packed, mostly with tourists. There are also restaurants, cafes, coffee/tea houses, and ice cream shops on Nanjing Road, so there is plenty of places for one to take a break. However, be prepared for large crowds. Personally I think Nanjing Road is more beautiful at night when the lights are on.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Daniel C
Middlesbrough, UK162 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
Much like Oxford street in London, Nanjing road is filled with towering buildings filled with shops from around the world, from Apple to Starbucks, there are street vendors down side streets selling everything from traditional clothes to figurines and memorabilia. The street is always packed with people from all over the planet, you'll never be too far away from people speaking English but you will also have to deal with people insisting you buy fake bags or watches, or following them for a massage, just ignore them. This long stretch of road towers over you on both sides and you could spend hours exploring the malls inside each of them, there are restaurants, shops and even a Madame Tussaud's.
Written 26 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ryotaro R
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Friends
Stepping onto Nanjing Road was like plunging into the heart of Shanghai's bustling spirit. The architecture was a delight for the eyes, a fusion of styles that told the story of Shanghai's evolution. Historic buildings, their facades proudly displaying their age, stood side by side with modern glass structures, creating a visual dialogue that spanned centuries.

As I walked, I couldn't help but be drawn into the myriad of shops lining the road. From high-end boutiques to quirky local stores, each one held its own allure. I spent hours browsing, each item a potential treasure, each shopkeeper a new acquaintance.

But Nanjing Road isn't just about shopping; it's a feast for the senses. The aroma of street food wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of haggling, laughter, and the occasional honk of a car. I found myself pausing to try a variety of snacks, each bite a new adventure in flavor.

As the day wore on, the lights of Nanjing Road came alive, transforming the street into a dazzling spectacle. Neon signs blinked to life, casting a rainbow of colors over the throngs of people. It was a sight that captured the essence of Shanghai—dynamic, ever-changing, yet rooted in tradition.
Written 5 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gareth
23 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Family
It is very calming and nice to walk in this street. There are many shops that sell nice things and street food stalls sell cheap and delicious food. However, it can get crowded easily, and there are many motorcycles on the pedestrian sidewalks. As a Singaporean, I never experienced this, so I'll tell you first in advance. I recommend you visit early in the morning.
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Darren M
Perth, Australia148 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
This was our first experience of China outside of our hotel. We took a visit here to 'acclimatize' to Shanghai. We found it easy to get around, even with a pram. It was a warm day when we visited, it was easy to get refreshments or find a spot to have a short rest when needed. Lots of big name branded stores and some local outlets/brands as well
Written 30 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eric T
2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
Nanjing Lu is a busy street with all kinds of people around the world. Best to go is on Dec-Jan . Many shops and malls to visit. Prices are not cheap. Shanghainese will tend to smoke everywhere (outdoor or indoor). I advise to wear face mask for better health. For first time tourists, it is worth the trip.
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Zfy Ed
Singapore, Singapore10,488 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Family
This is surely one place in the city that no one will ever miss it. And believe it or not, it's bustling with people day and night and is one of the most visited place in Shanghai. Stretching over several kilometers, where departmental stores, shopping malls, restaurants, foodcourts, cafes and eateries, hotels, convenient stores etc are located alongside with one another, it's a good place to indulge into the local people lifestyle, in terms of eating, shopping, culture and history, and it's so much fun to visit.

And if you do come at night, it's another different scene as the buildings nearby are all lit up with nice and colourful neon lights all over, it's so beautiful. As our hotel is located there, we will passby this place everyday several times and it's also convenient to move around from here as it is near to 2 metro stations.
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ashutosh
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India190 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Family
This is a pedestrian street in the heart of Shanghai and well connected. Almost all brands and departmental stores are here and this is adjacent to the bund. So basically you can get here in the afternoon and spend as much time as you want and proceed to the bund for the evening tour. Lots of places to eat, shop and plenty of benches on the street to sit and relax. Go when the weather is better.
Written 17 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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NANJING LU (NANJING ROAD) (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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