Seven Must-Do Activities on Nanjing Road to Make Your Visit Enjoyable

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is, in my opinion, the best street to explore in Shanghai. Honestly, every time I visit, I feel like I discover something new, but there are a few things I always make sure to do! This time, I've organized my must-dos to share my experience. If you're planning to visit Nanjing Road, I think following the route below will ensure you have a fantastic time.

Snap the Illuminated Bund Buildings

Nanjing Road is super close to The Bund, so capturing the night view is a must. I usually wait until evening and slowly make my way to The Bund, ready to capture the moment when the international buildings light up. Each building here has its own story, and when the lights turn on at night, the atmosphere just amps up, making it perfect for photos.

I personally look for one or two quieter spots, like near Zhongshan East 1st Road, where I can avoid some crowds. Photography here is really about patience; sometimes it just takes a few minutes to catch the most stunning moments of lights and street scenes. Tip: Definitely get there early to find your spot, or else it could get packed.

Top Floor of the Shanghai Building

This is a bit of a hidden gem for photos! The view from the top of the Shanghai Building is absolutely stunning, especially in the evening. From here, you get a great view of The Bund and the lights along the Huangpu River, like you’re looking at the essence of “Shanghai.”

Before heading up, be sure to check with the staff as some time slots are closed to the public. If you have time to wait, you can really capture the beautiful play of light and shadow here—any photo you take will look amazing.

Try the Seafood Stir-Fried Rice Cakes and Fried Pork Chop at Xunyu Ji

You can't fully enjoy your time on Nanjing Road without a hearty meal, right? I've been to Xunyu Ji a few times, and their toppings are freshly stir-fried, which puts them way ahead of other places! I highly recommend their Seafood Stir-Fried Rice Cakes—they're packed with ingredients, super tender shrimp and squid, and the rice cakes soak up all the flavors, making every bite really fresh.

Also, their Fried Pork Chop is a must-try! It's huge, with a crispy exterior and juicy meat inside, not dry at all. I strongly recommend eating it hot for the best taste! These two are definitely a perfect combo, and you'll want to take some home afterward.

Buy Hello Kitty Postcards

If you're a Hello Kitty fan, Nanjing Road is like paradise for you! While shopping here, I stumbled upon a little shop that specializes in Hello Kitty-themed merchandise. I couldn’t help but pop in and grab a few super cute Hello Kitty postcards. The designs are so exquisite, not too pricey, and they make perfect gifts or keepsakes. Whether hanging them on the wall or tucking them in a book, they always brighten my mood when I see them.

Snap Pics at Lihe Foreign Trade Building

Another photo spot I highly recommend is Lihe Foreign Trade Building. It’s a bit low-key, but maybe that’s why it feels so classy when you take photos here. The building has a vintage charm, and whether you’re shooting portraits or landscapes, you can find some pretty unique angles.

I especially love the texture of its exterior; combined with light, it creates images packed with depth. If you have some props, like sunglasses, hats, or just some playful poses, you could end up with some stunning shots.

Explore the Creative Area at Baixin Bookstore on Fuzhou Road

There’s another treasure spot on Fuzhou Road near Nanjing Road, and that’s the Baixin Bookstore Creative Area. If you love creative products, you can go all out here! They have a variety of items, including postcards, bullet journals, and a ton of stickers.

Personally, I really like their bullet journal designs—they're full of city-themed illustrations and feature some practical decorative elements. If you’re looking for meaningful little gifts to take back without spending too much, a bullet journal is a great choice.

Check Out the Foreign Language Bookstore + Try Sweets at Gu

Compared to Baixin Bookstore, the Foreign Language Bookstore offers more classic literature and foreign magazines, along with some imported storybooks and novels. If you’re a “bookworm,” I highly recommend spending an entire afternoon lost in the books—it feels like time slows down.

When you need a break, stop by and try some treats at “Gu.” I’m a huge fan of their matcha cake—it has a rich flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, their pineapple bun coffee is absolutely delightful, warming and very refreshing.

To sum it up, while Nanjing Road is super popular, it definitely doesn’t lack freshness. The seven spots I shared can bring you a lot of joy, and I hope you can find your own rhythm to uncover even more of your unique discoveries!