Located in the central area of Huangpu District, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the most famous commercial landmarks in Shanghai and an important part of the city’s central business district (CBD).
Stretching from Xizang Middle Road in the west to Henan Middle Road in the east, Nanjing East Road covers approximately 1,033 meters in length and 18–30 meters in width. Known as the “First Commercial Street of China,” it represents the perfect combination of Shanghai’s commercial vitality, modern urban culture, and historical heritage.
With a history of more than 100 years, Nanjing Road was originally known as Parker Lane during the colonial period. It was officially named Nanjing Road in 1865 and was transformed into a pedestrian street in 1999. Today, it attracts more than 1.7 million visitors every day, making it one of the busiest urban streets in the world.
A Symbol of Shanghai’s Commercial Prosperity
Nanjing Road has witnessed Shanghai’s transformation from a traditional trading port into an international metropolis. Along the street, visitors can find famous department stores, shopping malls, restaurants, historic buildings, and modern commercial complexes.
During the day, the street is filled with shoppers and tourists exploring Shanghai’s retail culture. At night, colorful lights illuminate the avenue, creating one of the most iconic city scenes in Shanghai.
Together with nearby landmarks such as The Bund, People’s Square, and the Huangpu River waterfront, Nanjing Road forms one of the most popular sightseeing areas in downtown Shanghai.
The Golden Belt: A Unique Feature of Nanjing Road
One of the most distinctive designs of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is the “Golden Belt.”
The 4.2-meter-wide Golden Belt runs through the entire pedestrian area, located 1.3 meters north of the road’s central axis. It integrates various urban facilities, including:
* Public seating areas
* Shopping booths
* Tourist information points
* Street signs
* Small sculptures
* Street lamps
* Trash bins
* Green spaces
* Telephone booths
Each standard section of the Golden Belt is approximately 75 meters long, providing convenient walking space for visitors while maintaining the smooth flow of pedestrian traffic.
Historic Manhole Covers: A Timeline of Shanghai’s Development
Along the Golden Belt, visitors can find 37 specially designed manhole covers, each featuring different patterns representing important buildings and architectural landmarks from Shanghai’s history.
These artistic manhole covers record the city’s development since Shanghai opened as an international port. Each design includes the construction year of the featured building, creating a unique outdoor exhibition that reflects more than a century of Shanghai’s urban transformation.
Street Sculptures: Capturing Everyday Shanghai Life
The Golden Belt also features three groups of realistic bronze sculptures:
* A Family of Three
* Young Married Women
* Mother and Daughter
Created using life-sized proportions and realistic artistic techniques, these sculptures portray ordinary people in daily life and add a human touch to the busy commercial street.
Sightseeing Bus Experience
For visitors who want to explore Nanjing Road in a relaxed way, sightseeing buses operate along the pedestrian street.
The sightseeing bus route runs along the southern side of the Golden Belt. The service operates from 08:00 to 22:30, offering travelers an easy way to enjoy the city views and experience the atmosphere of Shanghai’s most famous shopping street.
Why Visit Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street?
Nanjing Road is more than a shopping destination—it is a symbol of Shanghai’s history, modernization, and international character. From historic architecture and cultural details to luxury shopping and vibrant nightlife, it offers visitors a glimpse of both old Shanghai and the city’s exciting future.
For first-time visitors to Shanghai, a walk along Nanjing Road is an essential experience.