History of Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai is one of the most renowned shopping streets in the world, with its status as a historical attraction that reflects the charm of the rich culture of the city and its active commercial life. Following is a comprehensive informational account of its fascinating history: ** Early Beginnings ** Nanjing Road is rich in history and goes back to its beginnings as a mid-19th-century development. It started life as a lowly unpaved dirt road in the early 1800s and was a simple thoroughfare for locals. Its development into a wider road, however, was given a large boost with the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842. The street was originally called "Nanking Road," or Nanjing Road, after the city of Nanjing, which is one of the former Chinese capitals. With the passage of time, the street soon developed into a bustling business district, primarily due to its adjacency to the renowned Shanghai Bund and the establishment of various foreign concessions along it. ** Evolution in the Early 20th Century ** By the early 20th century, Nanjing Road had emerged as the premier commercial street in Shanghai, establishing itself as a major trade and commerce center in the city. This was particularly evident with the increasing influence of Western culture and businesses that began to permeate the area. As a result, international companies and upscale department stores began to conduct business along this bustling street, effectively creating a cosmopolitan shopping area that was frequented by locals and visitors. The visibility of Nanjing Road at this time was such that it was likened to legendary shopping streets such as Oxford Street in London and Fifth Avenue in New York, indicative of its standing on the international scene. ** Post-War Period ** With the founding of the People's Republic of China in the year 1949, the business environment and landscape on Nanjing Road considerably evolved. Many of the Western enterprises that once flourished were significantly replaced by local Chinese businesses, and the road hence evolved away from its earlier status as a prominent foreign hub. The government took active steps to promote and develop state-owned enterprises, along with nationalizing a big portion of the retail space along the well-known street. ** Today ** Today, Nanjing Road itself extends an impressive distance of about 5.5 kilometers, or about 3.4 miles. This iconic avenue is conveniently divided into two distinct sections: ==> East Nanjing Road, which is the part that is closer to the famous Bund ==> West Nanjing Road, which directly leads into the city's bustling commercial districts. This amazing avenue is a prominent shopping destination, with a varied mix of high-end brands alongside favorite department stores, many restaurants, and fascinating historical sites that attract locals and tourists alike.