Nanjing Road Shanghai Guide: Best Local Food, Shopping & Attractions

For travelers wondering where to eat, shop, and experience authentic Shanghai culture, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a must-visit.
This iconic shopping street in central Shanghai blends old-world charm and modern energy, offering everything from heritage stores and local snacks to luxury brands and art installations.

Stretching 1.5 kilometers and often called “China’s No. 1 Commercial Street,” it’s far more than a shopping paradise. Nanjing Road is a living timeline of Shanghai’s history—where century-old façades stand beside glowing LED screens, and street food stalls sit across from Michelin-starred restaurants.

Here’s your complete insider guide to exploring Nanjing Road like a local, discovering authentic food, unique souvenirs, and hidden gems along the way.

A Journey Through Time: Nanjing Road History & Landmarks

Nanjing Road is less a shopping street and more an open-air history book. Starting at People’s Square on Nanjing West Road, you’ll find European-style heritage buildings like the Shanghai No. 1 Department Store, whose 1930s clock towers and carved façades preserve a touch of Republican-era glamour.

As you move east, the architecture shifts — neon lights, glass skyscrapers, and giant LED billboards pull you into Shanghai’s futuristic skyline.

Must-See Landmarks:

• Century Square Clock Tower: An iconic meeting point and a magical sight when lit up at night.
• Old Shanghai Gallery: A hidden gem featuring 1920s photos and artifacts that revive the city’s golden age.
• Nanjing East Road Extension: Newly opened in 2020, this section mixes art installations with high-end stores, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.

Nanjing Road Shopping Guide: From Heritage Stores to Global Brands

Shopping here isn’t just about buying—it’s about experiencing Haipai culture (Shanghai’s unique East-meets-West blend). Discover where locals actually shop, from nostalgic snack halls to design-forward boutiques.

1. The Heritage Hubs: Where Tradition Meets Taste

• First Food Store (Nanjing East Road):
  A local favorite often called a “snack museum”, this five-story landmark is packed with Shanghai specialties.
  • Must-Buy Treats:
    • Butterfly Cookies (Hudiesu): Crispier and richer than the famous Park Hotel version.
    • Pear Paste Candy (Ligao Tang): Refreshing mint and loquat blend — a classic Shanghai gift.
    • Five-Spice Beans (Wuxiang Dou): Sweet-salty fava beans, a nostalgic local snack.
  • Hidden Tip: Visit the top-floor Old Shanghai Nostalgia Corner for retro tin toys and photo ops.
• Shao Wan Sheng (Nanjing East Road):
  Founded in 1852, this shop specializes in preserved and marinated foods (zao huo) beloved by locals.
  • Souvenir Picks:
    • Marinated Clams in Yellow Wine (Zaozui Huiniluo): Salty, fresh, and slightly boozy — a Shanghai classic.
    • Sesame Walnut Candy: Crunchy, nutty, and perfectly old-school.
  • Local Tip: Friendly staff often share pairing advice — “These clams go best with hot congee!”

2. Haipai Culture: Taking Shanghai Home

• Shanghai Stories (Nanjing East Road):
  A “Guochao” (China Chic) boutique where heritage meets modern design.
  • Unique Finds:
    • Shikumen Door Keychains: Mini replicas of classic lane house entrances.
    • Bund Building Blocks: LEGO-style kits of the Peace Hotel or Customs House — fun and collectible.
• Duoyunxuan Art Store (Nanjing East Road Branch):
  A branch of the century-old Duoyunxuan, famed for fine arts and calligraphy tools.
  • Recommended Gifts:
    • Mini Silk Fans: Hand-painted and foldable to matchbox size.
    • Haipai Paper-Cut Bookmarks: Featuring landmarks like the Oriental Pearl and Shikumen alleys.

3. Fashion Clash: Local Designers & Global Icons

• Shanghai No. 1 Department Store:
  Historic yet modern, with both global brands and indie local labels.
  • Local Highlight: Modern Qipao reinterpretations and streetwear with dragon or peony motifs.
  • Feiyue Pop-up: Grab the iconic canvas sneakers in special Bund or Yuyuan designs.
• Apple Flagship Store (Nanjing East Road):
  One of the world’s largest Apple Stores, blending tech with Art Deco architecture.
  • Hidden Tip: Check for creative “Shanghai Culture” Today at Apple sessions — such as digital watercolor workshops inspired by the city.

Where to Eat on Nanjing Road: Authentic Local Food & Restaurants

Beyond the shopping lights, Nanjing Road’s food scene offers a true taste of Old Shanghai — from traditional Benbang cuisine to time-honored snack shops.

Classic Benbang Cuisine Restaurants

• Lao Zheng Xing Restaurant (Fuzhou Road):
  A Michelin-starred classic serving Benbang (local Shanghai) dishes for over a century.
  • Must-Try Dishes: Youbao Hexia (flash-fried river shrimp), Caotou Quanzi (braised pork intestines), Babao Ya (Eight-Treasure Duck).
  • Tip: Retro Haipai interiors make it a perfect photo spot. Book in advance.
• Shen Dacheng (Nanjing East Road):
  Founded in 1875, beloved for its sweet and savory rice pastries.
  • Must-Eat: Tiaotougou (red bean rice roll), Shuangniang Tuan (double-stuffed rice ball), Fresh Pork Mooncake (crispy and juicy).
  • Local Tip: Buy a box to go, sit on the stone benches outside, and enjoy people-watching like a local.

Street Food “Old Flavors” Nearby

• Xiandelai Spare Ribs and Rice Cake (Yunnan South Road):
  Just a 10-minute walk away, this historic eatery serves Paigu Niangao — fried pork chop with sticky rice cake in savory sauce.
  • Fun Fact: “Xiandelai” means “so delicious it makes your eyebrows fall off” — a playful Shanghai saying for irresistible flavor.
• Da Hu Chun Shengjian (Sichuan Middle Road):
  A legendary spot for Shengjian Bao (pan-fried buns).
  • Feature: The “clear water” style bun — less soupy, with a thicker, crunchier crust. Pair it with a bowl of curry beef soup for a local breakfast combo.

If you’d like to explore more of Shanghai’s local flavors, check out our food guides:

• Shanghai Local Food Part I: Classic Benbang Cuisine & Street Eats
• Shanghai Local Food Part II: Haipai Fusion, Desserts & Drinks

Together they offer a deeper taste of Shanghai beyond Nanjing Road.

Why Visit Nanjing Road Shanghai: Where Past Meets Future

The magic of Nanjing Road lies in its harmonious contrasts — you might use Alipay in a century-old store, hear an erhu performance on the sidewalk, then step into a futuristic Apple store minutes later.

Between the flavors of Paigu Niangao and the charm of Shikumen souvenirs, you’ll discover that every sound, scent, and taste here tells a piece of Shanghai’s story.

Practical Tips for Visiting Nanjing Road

• Best Time to Visit: After 4:00 PM — enjoy cooler weather and the dazzling evening lights.
• How to Get There:
  • Metro Line 1, 2, or 8 → People’s Square Station (west end)
  • Metro Line 2 → Nanjing East Road Station (mid-street access)
• Local Tip: On weekends, live bands often perform near Century Square — join the crowd and dance like a local!

Final Thoughts

Nanjing Road is more than a shopping strip — it’s a microcosm of Shanghai itself, where history and modernity meet through taste, design, and street life.

Use this local food and shopping map to savor Shanghai’s essence — from Lao Zheng Xing’s river shrimp to Shao Wan Sheng’s marinated clams — and take home not just souvenirs, but stories.

What are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes, grab your camera, and feel the rhythm of Shanghai’s most iconic street. 🌆🍜🎁