Street Signs: West Nanjing Road

District: Jing’an
Cross Streets: Huashan Road and Huanghe Road

Nearest Metro Station: Jing’an Temple, Line 2, Exit 1

At almost 6 km long, Nanjing Road is the world's longest shopping zone and China's No.1 shopping street, attracting one million visitors daily. West Nanjing Road has seen continuous development over the last decade and is one of the busiest and liveliest streets in Shanghai.

It is mostly known and visited for its huge multi-level shopping malls and specialty stores. More and more world-famous brands have settled there, making it one of the most popular streets to buy luxury goods.

But once you’ve had enough of big brands and flashy malls, it is time to slow down and notice some of the smaller outlets and less commercialised sights on the street.

1. Contrasting beautifully with glitzy shopping centres and skyscrapers, the serene Buddhist Jing’an Temple makes you forget that you are in one of the bustling areas of Shanghai. Stroll through the large courtyard, different rooms and pagodas, and let your senses be captivated by the peaceful visitors, striking architec- ture, statues, sounds, and the smells of burning incense.

686 West Nanjing Road; Tel. 6256 6366

2. A Shanghai icon since opening in 1990, Shanghai Centre is centrally located on Nanjing Road West. Shanghai Centre encompasses 368 premium serviced apartments, 30, 000 square meters of prime office space, an exclusive three-level retail plaza, a spacious exhibition Atrium, a world-class performance theatre, and the platinum 5-star hotel - The Portman Ritz-Carl- ton, Shanghai. With over 30 years experience in quality service and management, Shanghai Centre has earned the reputation of being one of the city’s most successful mixed real-estate developments. At Shanghai Centre you will truly experience a “Life at Your Doorstep”!

1376 West Nanjing Road; Tel. 6279 8600

3. The Shanghai Museum is the world’s largest museum of Chinese bronze works, as well as China’s top museum for ancient Chinese art and artifacts. It is considered to be one of China’s first world-class modern museums, and is famous for its large collection of rare cultural items. Visit the 12 galleries to take in this fantastic display of Chinese ancient art.

201 Renmin Road, near West Nanjing Road; Tel. 021 6372 3500

4. An inviting spacious atmosphere with classic décor, along with top service and creative cuisine join forces at Portman’s Restaurant to create a first- rate dining experience. Located in a quiet area on Level 1 of the Portman-Ritz Carlton Hotel in the Shanghai Centre, they offer comfort food by giving a modern twist to classic Asian and international dishes.

1376 West Nanjing Road; Tel. 6279 8888

5. Family friendly Jing’an Sculpture Park is well worth a relaxing stroll. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and take in the well-groomed gar- dens filled with sculptures and art. Some are perma- nent, but some change ever so often. The sculptures, combined with the landscaping, terraces and other distinctive features, make it a unique park with a unique experience. Thousands of trees and colorful beds of flowers add to the beauty.
500 West Beijing Road, near West Nanjing Road; Tel. 021 5228 9562

6. In a small, inconspicuous space just off West Nanjing Road, you will find a huge selection of bagels stuffed with any savory or sweet filling your heart desires. At Spread the Bagel, choose from the standard menu, or go the DIY route – whichever way, it is bound to put a smile on your face. In this shop they have teamed up with CinnaSwirl, with their cinnamon bun goodness thrown in for good measure. Visitors have dubbed it the “best bagels in Shanghai”. Check it out for yourself over a cup of their coffee.

32 Yuyuan Road, near West Nanjing Road; Tel. 138 1717 3245