Explore the Heart of China’s Retail Paradise

Located in central Shanghai, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a retail wonderland where modern malls meet traditional Chinese charm. From international luxury brands to street snacks and local crafts, it offers something for every taste and budget. Easy to reach and even easier to enjoy, it’s one of the top things to do in Shanghai China 2025 for first-time visitors seeking a dynamic shopping experience.

🔹Shanghai Attractions in Nanjing Road: Featured Shopping Areas

Nanjing Road is divided into East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road, each with its own shopping character. Here are the top retail zones to explore:

1. East Nanjing Road

Location: From The Bund to People’s Square

Metro Access: Line 2 or 10, get off at East Nanjing Road Station

What to Expect: This vibrant pedestrian-only street is lined with iconic department stores, such as Shanghai No.1 Department Store and Shanghai First Foodhall, alongside global chains like Nike, Zara, and L’Oréal.

Hours: Most shops open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM

Crowds: Very busy in the evening when lights and street performances bring it to life. Go early in the day to avoid the rush.

2. HKRI Taikoo Hui

Location: West Nanjing Road near Jing’an Temple

Metro Access:Line 2 or 7, get off at Jing’an Temple Station

What to Expect: A sleek lifestyle complex housing brands like Gucci, Apple, and Muji. It also features high-end restaurants, cafés, and art galleries. Ideal for luxury shoppers and culture lovers.

Hours: 10 AM–10 PM

Crowds: Popular with young professionals and international visitors.

3. Wujiang Road Pedestrian Street

Location: Adjacent to West Nanjing Road Station

Metro Access: Line 2 or 12, West Nanjing Road Station

What to Expect: A narrow yet trendy street full of independent boutiques and food stalls selling everything from bubble tea to local jewelry.

Hours: 11 AM–9 PM

Crowds: Light during weekdays, busy after 6 PM.

🔹Shanghai Shopping Recommendations: Must-Buy Items on Nanjing Road

Looking for memorable take-home items? Here are four must-buy souvenirs available on or near Nanjing Road:

1. Silk Scarves and Fans

[caption id="attachment_1409" align="alignnone" width="600"]

Silk Scarves and Fans[/caption]

Where: Shanghai No.1 Department Store or nearby souvenir shops on East Nanjing Road

Price: ¥80–¥300(~$11–$42)

Tip: Look for hand-painted designs; they’re lightweight and easy to pack.

How to Get There: Take Line 2 to East Nanjing Road Station

2. Trendy Local Fashion

[caption id="attachment_1421" align="alignnone" width="600"]

Trendy Local Fashion[/caption]

Where: Indie stores on Wujiang Road or concept shops inside HKRI Taikoo Hui

Price: ¥300–¥1000(~$42–$140)per item

Tip: Ask staff if they offer size exchanges in case you change your mind later.

3. Chinese Tea & Teaware

[caption id="attachment_1422" align="alignnone" width="500"]

Chinese Tea & Teaware[/caption]

Where: Shanghai First Foodhall or tea boutiques inside Taikoo Hui

Price: ¥50–¥200(~$7–$28)

Tip: Choose vacuum-sealed packs for easier transport through customs.

4. Regional Snacks & Pastries

[caption id="attachment_1424" align="alignnone" width="500"]

sweet osmanthus pastries[/caption]

Where: Shanghai First Foodhall (near **People’s Square Station**)

Price: ¥20–¥100(~$2.80–$14)

Tip: Try local favorites like crab roe mooncakes and sweet osmanthus pastries.

These shopping stops are all easily walkable from metro Line 2 stations—making them convenient additions to your things to do in Shanghai China 2025 itinerary.

🔹Budget Guide & Payment Tips for Foreign Tourists

1. Daily Shopping Budget

Mid-range Shoppers: ¥800–¥1500/day (~$110–$200)

Luxury Shoppers: ¥2000+(~$280)/day

2. Accepted Payment Methods

Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in malls and brand-name stores.

Mobile Payments: Use Alipay International or WeChat Pay for Tourists—download the apps and link your international card.

Cash: Useful for small vendors or taxis. ATMs are plentiful along Nanjing Road.

3. Tipping & Bargaining

Tipping is not expected at stores or restaurants.

Bargaining is common in souvenir stalls or markets but not in official retail chains. A friendly attitude and some basic phrases (like “tai gui le”=“too expensive”) go a long way.

Tip: Always request a tax refund receipt for qualifying purchases over ¥500(~$70) in a single shop—you’ll need it at the airport.

For visitors seeking hassle-free shopping, these payment tips help simplify one of the most exciting things to do in Shanghai China 2025.

🔹2-Day Shopping Itinerary: Explore, Eat, and Enjoy

Day 1: Classics & Culture

10:00 AM: Start at East Nanjing Road Station (Line 2)

10:30 AM: Shop at Shanghai No.1 Department Store and Sephora

12:30 PM: Walk to Wujiang Road (15 mins) for lunch—try Yang’s Dumplings or Naixue Tea

2:00 PM: Browse indie shops and handmade crafts on Wujiang Road

4:00 PM: Metro to People’s Square (Line 2);visit Shanghai First Foodhall for local snacks

6:00 PM: Dinner at The Bund (walkable or Line 2 to East Nanjing Road); rooftop views from POP American Brasserie

Day 2: Luxury & Lifestyle

10:00 AM: Take Line 2 to Jing’an Temple Station

10:30 AM: Explore HKRI Taikoo Hui—browse luxury boutiques and galleries

1:00 PM: Lunch at %Arabica Coffee or Element Fresh in Taikoo Hui

2:30 PM: Visit Jing’an Temple, just across the street

4:00 PM: Return to West Nanjing Road Station (Line 2) for last-minute shopping

6:00 PM: Dinner nearby at The Cheesecake Factory or local spots on Wujiang Road

This 2-day itinerary hits all the highlights, from global fashion to authentic Shanghai snacks, making it a smart route for visitors exploring things to do in Shanghai China 2025.

🔹Getting There, Storing Luggage & Travel Tips

How to Reach Nanjing Road

Metro: Take Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station, or Line 2, 12, or 13 to West Nanjing Road Station

Taxi/DiDi: Use DiDi with English interface; most rides within city center cost ¥20–¥50(~$2.80–$7)

Luggage Storage & Tax Refunds

Storage: Available at metro stations (People’s Square, Jing’an Temple) and malls like HKRI Taikoo Hui. Prices range from ¥20–¥50(~$2.80–$7)/day.

Tax Refunds:Eligible at “Tax-Free”shops for purchases over ¥500(~$70). You’ll need a passport,purchase invoice,and refund form.Claim your refund at Pudong or Hongqiao airports.

Maps&Communication

Navigation: Use Baidu Maps (English) or Google Maps with VPN

Language: Most signage is bilingual. Basic English is spoken in malls; use Google Translate or Pleco app in smaller shops.

With efficient transport and tourist-friendly systems, shopping Nanjing Road is both fun and stress-free—an essential part of any things to do in Shanghai China 2025 checklist.

🔹Plan Your Nanjing Road Shopping Adventure Today!

Whether you're into fashion, food, or cultural treasures, Nanjing Road promises a shopping experience like no other. Add it to your itinerary and discover why it's one of the can’t-miss things to do in Shanghai China 2025. Get ready to shop smart, eat well, and bring home more than just souvenirs.

Why Do Tourists Love Nanjing Road in Shanghai? A Shopping Guide (2025)

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