Nanjing Road (Shanghai)

Every visitor to Shanghai must visit this most popular Nanjing Road (南京路)... and so did I when I went to this bustling China city.

It's easy to get there by metro from People's Park (the metro stops right below). And just coming out from it, I was greeted with these array of bright neon lights everywhere!

And just like the many lights, there are shops and malls throughout this whole road, the more notably popular one is this departmental store - New World Emporium.

I actually did go in this mega 13 levels departmental store twice - once while going for the Shanghai Wax Museum (which is on one of the levels inside the same mall) and another time during the sale. However, the crowd is way too much for me to handle.

Besides that departmental store, there are other departmental stores around, and surprisingly, the one I visited was rather empty when I went in (it's a huge difference from the crowd just outside).

The reason I figured out was - I visited it before the 4 day huge mega sales period! (So, I missed the discount, but I also missed the crowd).

If mall is not the thing, then, there are so many other shops selling all sort of items - mainly boutiques - from mid to high range, with some low range in between (surprisingly, I found some quite affordable prices, before bargaining).

Or, if like me, just take a stroll enjoying the view of the old buildings around, passing more shops and even hotels, eateries & restaurants.

For me, that is what I enjoyed most - just taking many photographs along the busy Nanjing Road (though I must admit, I did purchase a pair of shoes along the way).

And when the legs give in (or when one buys too many things), one can opt of sitting on the payable train ride to bring through this long road.

But for me, there's no better way to soak in the atmosphere of the heart of the city than to walk! And of course along the way, I met with some of the hustlers. But, that to me is all part of the fun! haha.

Looking just above, many other well lit buildings seem to compliment the Nanjing Road bright colours (the colours actually changes).

And before I left, I took some opportunity to also take photos of the many Christmas trees along the road... considering myself lucky as I visited Nanjing Road during the year end period.

But despite all the bright lights and decorations, there's one thing that really caught my attention...

Ah... the feeling 0f warmth along the 'cold'. That got me smiling, definitely!

*If one is 'hardworking' enough, one can actually walk all the way down Nanjing Road East which will then lead to the Bund.

*This part of Nanjing Road is the Nanjing Road East. The other part of Nanjing Road, the Nanjing Road West, is not a closed vehicle pedestrian walkway and 'not as bright & lively'. However, there are more shops & malls there too - which is definitely good news for the shopaholics!

*There are many hotels around Nanjing Road, from medium/ low budget to high end. However, I find it too crowded despite it's 'strategic location'.