After the establishment of the British Concession in 1845,Shanghai Nanjing Road evolved into “China’s No.1 Commercial Street” with the clustering of foreign trading firms, banks, and department stores. Today, this century-old thoroughfare remains one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping districts, embodying the city’s vibrant history and modernity.
Top Attractions on East Shanghai Nanjing Road
1. The Peace Hotel（和平饭店）
A historic landmark on the Bund, this Fairmont-managed 5-star hotel consists of the South Building (built in 1908) and the Art Deco-style North Building (1929), once hailed as the “Tallest Building in the Far East.” It houses a museum and is a national heritage site showcasing Shanghai’s architectural legacy.
2. Shanghai History Museum（上海历史博物馆）
With 120,000 artifacts, including 6,000-year-old cultural relics, the HSBC bronze lions, a century-old traditional bridal sedan, and rare Communist Party documents, this museum chronicles Shanghai’s 6,000-year history.
Must-Try Foods on Shanghai Nanjing Road
1. Shanghai First Foodhall
A century-old emporium (established 1926) offering a vast selection of authentic Shanghai specialties, from handcrafted candies and cured meats to seasonal pastries. It’s the go-to spot for souvenirs like “Five Spice Beans” and “Luzhou Laofang Crispy Cakes” – perfect for gifting or savoring local flavors.
2. Xinya Cantonese Restaurant (新雅粤菜馆)
This time-honored Cantonese eatery (founded 1926) is famed for its traditional dim sum brunch and roasted meats. Must-try dishes include the crispy-skin roast duck glazed with malt sugar and char siu pork marinated in a secret honey-soy blend.
3. Xinghualou Bakery (杏花楼糕点)
A legendary bakery (since 1851) celebrated for its Cantonese-style mooncakes with flaky crusts and rich fillings like lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk. During festivals, locals queue for their “Eight Treasures Rice Cake” and sweet osmanthus glutinous rice balls.
4. Shendacheng Rice Cake Shop (沈大成糕团)
A heritage brand (opened 1875) specializing in chewy Shanghainese rice desserts. Their Qingtuan (sweet green mugwort dumplings stuffed with red bean paste) and Tiaotou Gao (sugar-glazed sticky rice rolls) embody nostalgic flavors of old Shanghai.
Shopping Highlights in Shanghai Nanjing Road
1. Shanghai Silk Store (上海丝绸商店)
Founded in the 1920s, this iconic boutique is a treasure trove of premium silk products. Browse hand-embroidered qipaos (traditional cheongsams), silk scarves featuring Suzhou embroidery, and luxurious pajama sets dyed with botanical pigments. Custom tailoring services are available for unique souvenirs.
2. Wing On Department Store (永安百货)
Step into this architectural gem (built 1918), one of the “Four Great Department Stores” of the Republic of China era. Its Baroque facade and vintage display windows showcase luxury fashion brands. Don’t miss the periodic Retro Shanghai Culture Exhibitions (e.g., 1930s qipao displays) or the neon-lit ”永安” sign glowing at night.
3. Huawei Global Flagship Store (华为全球旗舰店)
Housed in the meticulously restored Nanjing Building (a 1935 Art Deco landmark), this three-story tech wonderland immerses visitors in Huawei’s smart ecosystem. Test drive foldable phones, experiment with AI-powered home appliances, or join free workshops on smartphone photography. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Nanjing Road.
