Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road), Shanghai (must see)

Nanjing Road in Shanghai has long been the city's top shopping destination, attracting more than a million visitors daily. This famous street is divided into two sections: Nanjing East Road and Nanjing West Road. In total, they stretch for nearly 10 kilometers (about 6 miles), making it the world's longest and busiest pedestrian thoroughfare.

Nanjing East Road has held the reputation of being a shopper's paradise since the 1950s or even earlier. Its main attraction is the Shanghai No. 1 Department Store, famous for its eye-catching window displays. Some say it's a great place to browse, but not necessarily the best for finding bargains.

Once the sun sets, Nanjing East Road becomes especially lively, with various malls competing for shoppers' attention through elaborate lighting and countless advertising screens. It seems like they spare no expense when it comes to electricity bills.

Many of the buildings along this road have been standing for over a century, showcasing a unique fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles that first gained prominence in the 1930s, establishing Shanghai as a significant intermediary between the two civilizations. The newer malls cater to the modern tastes of China's millennials, who are keen on luxury brands.

Unlike other parts of Shanghai, you won't find street vendors or markets on Nanjing Road. Everything here is on a grand scale, including Starbucks. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery, which happens to be the world's largest outlet, spans three floors and serves up to 7,000 customers a day, with seating for up to 1,000 people at once.

Tip:
For ease of travel, mini-trains run up and down half the length of Nanjing Road during day hours – convenient for those wanting to see the area, especially if tired of walking or with kids in tow.
On a foodie note, try the food court in the New World City Plaza. Huge, pretty, and clean, with numerous stores, and good prices. And the LEGO shop on its ground floor is a haven for LEGO lovers.