This place is like an old foreign city with a strong historical atmosphere. Comparing Shanghai 10 years ago and today, there is not much change here. The old buildings are still bustling with people. To really understand Shanghai, in addition to going to the Bund, Nanjing Road is also a must-go place. It feels like a new city and an old city. It is worth a visit here, and it is worth spending two or three hours walking around.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Main street of Shanghai: Overcrowded at night and frequented by elderly people in the early morning doing gymnastics. It takes an hour to walk all the way from the beginning to the bund. Of course, little shops and restaurants in this area are more expensive than the rest of the city, but still accessible. Despite being very crowded, it is also heavily guarded and secure.

I decided to walk the length of Nanjing Road, starting at Nanjing Road West. The West Road starts with small local eateries and transitions into the bustling Jing'an Temple area with high-end shopping malls. Along the way, I passed notable landmarks like the Starbucks Roastery and People's Square Park, eventually reaching Nanjing Road East, where the pedestrian-only (and bikes/scooters) area begins. This section offers a mix of local brands and a few shopping malls. The walk itself is accessible, with clear pedestrian paths throughout. It's worth noting that the shops are not evenly distributed but somewhat clustered in specific sections. For example, one stretch is entirely dedicated to watch brands. While I did not measure the distance, Google said it was supposedly 6km and took a few hours. Since I took this walk during the day, I missed out on experiencing the famous evening lights that the area is known for. If you're into shopping, this area likely has plenty to offer. Even for people who care little about shopping and shopping malls (like me), it is still a fun little walking trip to explore an area that is recommended for tourists.

Shop after shop, and sometimes upon entering a shop or entrance way you find yourself in an even larger area of shops within shops, up, down, left, right. If you need to buy anything Nanjing Road is the place you will find it, higher, middle or low end, there is endless choice. The same can be said for the food options as well.