How long does it take to walk Nanjing Road?

A direct walk takes about 30 minutes, but a self-guided walk with stops for history and architecture typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. This allows time to admire Art Deco buildings like the Park Hotel and explore the historic department stores.

Is Nanjing Road worth visiting for history lovers?

Yes, it is essential for history buffs as it contains the 'Big Four' department stores that defined early 20th-century Chinese commerce. The street also features significant Art Deco architecture by László Hudec and represents the city's colonial and post-colonial transformation.

When is the best time to explore Nanjing Road?

Late afternoon is ideal, as you can see the historic architecture in daylight and then experience the famous neon lights as the sun sets. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends or national holidays.

Is the Nanjing Road walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the pedestrian street is entirely flat and paved, making it very stroller and wheelchair friendly. Most modern malls along the route offer elevators and accessible facilities.

Can I see the Bund from this walking route?

The route ends just a few blocks away from the Bund. After reaching the final stop near East Nanjing Road Station, you can continue walking east for about 5-10 minutes to reach the waterfront promenade.

What are the 'Big Four' department stores in Shanghai?

The 'Big Four' refer to Sincere, Wing On, Sun Sun, and Sun Co. These were the dominant retail giants of the 1920s and 30s located on Nanjing Road, known for introducing modern Western retail practices to China.

Where can I find restrooms along Nanjing Road?

Restrooms are easily found inside any of the large department stores or shopping malls, such as the Shanghai No. 1 Department Store or the Raffles City mall near the start of the route.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Nanjing Road is more than just a shopping destination; it is a living timeline of Shanghai’s meteoric rise from a colonial treaty port to a global financial titan. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the 'Golden Mile,' a stretch of road that has defined Chinese consumer culture for over a century. Your journey begins at People’s Square, the literal and figurative heart of the city, once home to a colonial-era racecourse. From here, you will trace the evolution of the city's skyline, passing by Art Deco masterpieces like the Park Hotel, which stood as the tallest building in Asia for decades. As you transition onto the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the atmosphere shifts from the open greenery of the square to a neon-drenched canyon of commerce. This walking route highlights the 'Big Four' department stores that revolutionized retail in the early 20th century, introducing escalators, roof gardens, and fixed pricing to the Chinese public. You will discover how these historic landmarks now stand alongside futuristic shopping malls, creating a unique architectural dialogue between the 1930s and the 21st century. Whether you are interested in the intricate stone carvings of the old facades or the vibrant energy of the modern crowds, this neighborhood stroll offers a comprehensive look at the city's identity. Along the way, Century Square provides a perfect vantage point to observe the daily rhythm of local life, while the various department stores offer a deep dive into the evolution of Shanghai's fashion and lifestyle. This exploration is ideal for those who want to experience the legendary energy of a walking tour Shanghai style, moving at your own pace through one of the most famous thoroughfares in the world.

Highlights

People's Square: The historic 'Zero Point' of Shanghai

Park Hotel: An Art Deco masterpiece by László Hudec

The 'Big Four' Department Stores: Pioneers of Chinese retail

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: A neon-lit canyon of commerce

Century Square: The vibrant public heart of the shopping district

Architectural Contrast: 1930s facades meeting 21st-century design

Tour Stops (6)

People's Square

Welcome to the heart of Shanghai. Today, People's Square is a sprawling public space housing the City Hall and the Shanghai Museum, but in the early 20th century, this was the Shanghai Race Club. The curved shape of the surrounding roads still follows the original track of the racecourse. This area serves as the 'Zero Point' of the city—literally, as a bronze marker in the square denotes the point from which all distances in Shanghai are measured. As you stand here, notice the contrast between the colonial-era layout and the surrounding skyscrapers. It is the perfect place to begin your self-guided adventure, witnessing how a site of colonial leisure transformed into the civic center of a modern metropolis.

Hotel Park Hotel Shanghai

Standing before you is the Park Hotel, an Art Deco masterpiece designed by the legendary architect László Hudec. When it was completed in 1934, this 22-story structure was the tallest building in Asia, a title it held for decades. Its dark brown brickwork and tapering silhouette became a symbol of Shanghai's 'Paris of the East' era. The hotel was the height of luxury, hosting international celebrities and local elites. Step into the lobby to see the historical photos and the 'Zero Point' marker of the city. The building survived the city's many transitions, remaining a beacon of 1930s glamour and a testament to the architectural ambition that has always defined the 'Golden Mile.'

Shanghai No.1 Department Store

This building was originally the Sun Company department store, the last of the 'Big Four' retail giants to be built on Nanjing Road. Opened in 1936, it was a marvel of modern engineering, featuring the first escalators in China. The 'Big Four'—Sincere, Wing On, Sun Sun, and Sun Co—revolutionized the way people shopped, moving away from traditional markets to massive, multi-story palaces of consumption. Today, as the Shanghai No.1 Department Store, it remains a flagship of the city’s retail industry. Look up to admire the streamlined Art Deco lines of the facade, which have been carefully preserved to maintain the historic character of this iconic shopping destination.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

You are now walking on one of the world's most famous shopping streets. While it began as a muddy track for horses leading to the Bund, Nanjing Road evolved into a commercial powerhouse. In 1999, this section was converted into a pedestrian-only zone. As you stroll, notice the 'Dangdang' sightseeing trams that trundle past—a nostalgic nod to the vintage trolleys that once dominated the city. The street is famous for its vibrant neon signage, creating a dazzling aesthetic after sunset. This area is the heartbeat of Shanghai's retail culture, where international brands sit side-by-side with century-old Chinese shops selling traditional silk, jade, and medicine.

Century Square

Century Square serves as the open-air stage for Nanjing Road. This public plaza is often used for performances, product launches, and community events. It provides a rare moment of openness in the densely packed commercial corridor. From here, you can get a 360-degree view of the architectural evolution of the street. To one side, you see the historic facades of the early 20th-century department stores, and to the other, the gleaming glass of modern shopping malls. It is a popular spot for locals to gather, and on weekend mornings, you might even see groups practicing tai chi or ballroom dancing amidst the sea of shoppers.

Shanghai No. 1 Department Store

As you reach the eastern end of the pedestrian zone, you encounter the cluster of historic buildings that anchored the original shopping district. This area was the site of the Sincere and Wing On stores, the first two of the 'Big Four.' These retailers competed fiercely, each trying to outdo the other with more elaborate window displays and roof garden entertainment. The architecture here is more ornate, reflecting the high colonial style of the early 1900s. Standing here, you are just a short walk from the Bund, where the commercial energy of Nanjing Road meets the financial history of the riverfront. It is the perfect conclusion to your exploration of the evolution of Shanghai's 'Golden Mile.'

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Golden Mile' along Nanjing Road is widely considered the best walking route for first-time visitors. It connects the civic center at People's Square to the historic Bund, showcasing the city's architectural evolution and vibrant shopping culture over a manageable 1.5-kilometer stretch.