Wenhui Daily
Nanjing Road E., known as the "traffic king" of Shanghai, attracts around 200 million visitors annually.
Nanjing Road E. is poised for a major overhaul in the next 15-20 years, aimed at creating a world-class avenue linked with the avenue's now famous west end.
The Huangpu District government said the transformation will meld history with modern development – an avenue of where culture, shopping, entertainment and global influence meet.
"I've been coming here since I was a child," said Anne Marie Dupont, a tourist from France. "Hearing about these changes makes me want to visit again and again."
Nanjing Road, established in 1845, became a pedestrian zone in 1999. In 2020, an extension linked the road directly to the Bund, connecting it to Shanghai's famed waterfront.
The eastern end, known as the "traffic king" of Shanghai, attracts around 200 million visitors annually. But some Huangpu officials said many visitors come for sightseeing but leave without making major purchases. The aim is to make the avenue more profitable.
The transformation will be based on three principles: diversity and integration, cultural leadership and universal appeal.
The first, "diversity and integration," will add new residential and retail spaces. The plan is to fill underused areas and strengthen connections expand activity.
Wenhui Daily
The Chinese New Year bazaar at Nanjing Road E. attracted large crowds last January.
The second principle, "cultural leadership," seeks to preserve Shanghai's identity by upgrading existing historical buildings. Modern functions highlighting the heritage of the city will be embedded in the buildings.
The transformation has already begun. The Hualian Department Store was recently converted into Bailian ZX, a popular venue for anime and gaming fans.
Other businesses, like the Shanghai First Department Store and New World Daimaru, have been redesigned to target specific markets, such as beauty products and high-end fashion.
However, older centers like the Wing On Department Store and the Fashion Store await significant updates.
Bailian Group, which owns both building, plans to transform Wing On Department Store into a luxury hotel and cultural center. The Fashion Store will be refitted as an outlet for Eastern and Western clothing.
The third principle, "universal appeal," will target a broad demographic, particularly younger consumers. Recent data shows that shoppers aged 25 to 34 now comprise about 40 percent of foot traffic in the area.
New public spaces along the pedestrian avenue will host events like art exhibits and live performances.
Huangpu's "Show Life" art performance initiative has already drawn younger crowds to nearby venues like the Asian Building and Shanghai Great World. After performances, visitors often linger in the streets, adding to the area's energy.
Additionally, trendy bars and restaurants have popped up on side streets, particularly along Fuzhou Road, offering a casual setting for young people to relax.
Jiang Xiaowei / SHINE
Chinese New Year decorations for the Year of the Dragon on the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall
To manage the growth, the road will be divided into four zones, each with its own identity.
The western end, near People's Square, will be known as the "Heart of Shanghai." This area will include cultural venues, business centers and hotels.
The "Timeless Classics" zone will highlight Shanghai's iconic department stores.
The "Trendy Hub" will be a center for fashion and entertainment, with events and brand showcases at Century Square.
The "International Diversity" zone near the Bund will focus on luxury shopping and cultural activities for global visitors.
To connect these zones, planners will create interactive spaces and pop-up stores. For example, displays will link the "Heart of Shanghai" to the "Timeless Classics" zone, combining history with modern elements.
Public spaces will host events that reflect both traditional Shanghai and contemporary trends. Century Square will become a gathering place for exhibits and events showcasing the city's past and future.
Jiang Xiaowei / SHINE
A customer visits the Shanghai First Food Store.
Sustainability will also be a priority in the redesign. Plans include green spaces, energy-efficient infrastructure and better accessibility for people with disabilities.
Underground space will be improved to support expanded subway connections and commercial development. Lighting and public services will be upgraded to improve safety and ambiance.
"The next two decades will cement its reputation as a place where history meets the future," said a government official involved in the planning of Nanjing Road E.
The vision for the road includes a digital "global showcase" at the Bund entrance, with immersive screens promoting major brands. As visitors walk west, they will pass a mix of fashion stores, department shops and local boutiques. Near People's Square, rooftop cafés will offer views of historic buildings.
By the 2040s, Nanjing Road E. will become one of the world's top destinations, according to the Huangpu District government.
