Nanjing Lu, Shanghai

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Favorite thing: Nanjing Dong Lu is considered the most famous shopping street in China. The street starts from Xizang Zhang Lu and the People's Park and then stretches eastward for about 3 kilometers towards the Bund. For much of this stretch, the street is a pedestrian mall. It is often packed full people, especially young yuppie locals with alot of cash handy.
During the years of the European Concessions, the street cut through the main European settlements. It was here that stylish Europeans would shop. Of course this all came to an end when the Communists took control. However today Nanjing Dong Lu has more or less returned to its former glory. There are many large shopping departsments along the street and more than a few boutiques. A serious shopper could easily spend a day here cruising the shops. Personally, I am not so inclined but I did enjoy the people watching, especially when I found a patio that served cheep beer at the eastern end of the street. What I did not enjoy where all the hawkers and hookers who ply their trade here.

Fondest memory: Nanjing Dong Lu is spectacular at night when the facades of many of the department stores are let up. Most of my photos of Nanjing Lu are at night for this reason

Favorite thing: I found this picture such a good symbol of the city's present: Western consumerism with Eastern heritage (a Mastercard ad using the picture of traditional clothes in the Mastercard colours to motivate passers-by to BUY).

Favorite thing: You can walk around in some of the shopping areas where at certain times can be quite crowded. When I was there in 1987 the most of the shelves in the stores where quite bare!! I think things have changed since then. I thought it was quite interesting to walk into a Huge store with lot's of racks and shelving and only have a few items on each one. Prices were very cheap compared to here in America.

Favorite thing: Nanjing Lu is now a pedestrian walk zone with shops of all kinds, from traditional local food stores to fashion houses, just look at the colourful ads and signs all over the buildings. It is easily accessible by the metro too. There are frequent shuttle vehicles provided for those who don't wish to walk.

Favorite thing: Even though the main streets turn modern and trendy day by day, Shanghai retains its historic and nostalgic feel as many 'hundred year old shops' brands still rule the city. Here at Nanjing Road is one selling local food and preservatives, frequented by locals throughout the day.

Favorite thing: Shops around Nan Jing Dong Lu. The mega stores here will leave you wanting for more. Made in China goods are improving in quality & designs, especially its leather goods. Good value for money.

Fondest memory: My friend refused to leave the departmental stores even though we had a prior arranged & paid River cruise! I had no choice but to promise her to come back after the cruise & we stayed shopping till the store's closing time. Bought so many bags & pairs of shoes, it's incredible. I didn't expect to buy anything from this city at all! Next time, will have to remember to bring more RMB!

Fondest memory: Visiting Nanjing Dong Lu Shopping District. It is a walking street with many shops, restaurants, museums, and hotels. At night this street could pass for one in Hong Kong, with all the neon lights flashing.

At the Sincere Department store, next to the Hotel Sofitel, you'll find the sex museum. Yep, it turns out that the Chinese have been having sex for thousands of years - which would help explain the 1.2 billion people that live there. And, the government has now permitted a musuem acknowledging the ancient Chinese sex culture. Unfortunately for us, we waited until our last day in Shanghai to visit this museum and that was the day it was closed. To find it, go around the side of the Sincere building. You'll find a side entrance with an elevator that will take you to the sexth floor.

Another one of Lena's fondest memories of Shanghai was that one of her former students met us there and stayed with us for three days. We introduced her to a real hamburger (NOT McDonald's) at Malone's Bar and Grill. She absolutely loved it, especially the 'egg' that was on top of the beef patty. We explained that what she thought was egg was actually cheese.

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Favorite thing: Take a ride on the small trains if you are too tired to walk along the Nanjing Lu.Ticket cost RMB 2 each (1 way).The trains are all beautifully decorated with many colours.