Shanghai No.1 Department Store

Shanghai No.1 Department Store: Complete Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Shanghai No.1 Department Store is one of Shanghai’s most iconic commercial landmarks, representing nearly a century of the city’s evolution from a cosmopolitan trading port to a modern metropolis. Located at 830 East Nanjing Road, the heart of Shanghai’s busiest shopping street, it offers visitors a vibrant blend of history, culture, and contemporary retail experiences. This guide provides detailed, up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticket policies, accessibility, shopping tips, and nearby attractions, ensuring you make the most of your visit (Chapman Taylor, Shanghai Government, Travel China Guide).

History and Architectural Heritage
Cultural and Social Significance
Modern Retail Experience
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Shopping Guide and Facilities
Dining Options
Nearby Attractions
Photography and Visitor Tips
FAQs
Visuals and Media
Conclusion & Final Tips
References

History and Architectural Heritage

Early Beginnings and Commercial Rise

The site’s commercial legacy dates back to the 1930s, when Shanghai was known as the “Paris of the East.” The original Da Dun Department Store opened in 1936, housed in a grand Art Deco building on bustling Nanjing Road. This era witnessed the rise of Shanghai’s “Four Famous Department Stores,” with Da Dun quickly gaining prominence for its expansive selection and cosmopolitan clientele (Travel China Guide).

Post-1949 Transformation

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the store was nationalized and renamed Shanghai No.1 Department Store in October 1949. It became the first large-scale state-owned department store in the country, symbolizing both the city’s modernization and the birth of mass retailing in socialist China. The building’s Art Deco elements and innovative multi-story design set a benchmark for department stores nationwide (Shanghai Government, Chapman Taylor).

Modernization and Revitalization

Since the late 1970s, the store has undergone multiple renovations and expansions, most notably integrating adjacent buildings and restoring Art Deco features. Noteworthy projects include the addition of themed zones and the Shanghai Alley-themed level, which recreates the ambiance of old Shanghai’s residential neighborhoods. Recent renovations have focused on blending heritage with modern retail concepts, enhancing visitor experience while preserving architectural integrity (Chapman Taylor).

For generations, Shanghai No.1 Department Store was the destination for everything from daily necessities to luxury goods. Its standardized pricing, quality assurance, and broad product selection made it a trusted name for locals and visitors. Seasonal window displays and in-store events became embedded in the city’s cultural memory, fostering a sense of community (Shanghai Government).

Contemporary Role and Creative Revitalization

In recent years, the store has reinvented itself as a trendy hub for younger shoppers, hosting art installations, pop-up exhibitions, and creative workshops. These initiatives have solidified its role as both a city-walk landmark and a platform for cultural exchange, supporting Shanghai’s reputation as a global creative city (Shanghai Government).

Modern Retail Experience

Shopping Environment

The store currently spans eight to ten floors, offering over 70,000 square meters of retail space. Each floor is dedicated to specific merchandise, including fashion, accessories, jewelry, electronics, cosmetics, home goods, and children’s products. The tenant mix balances established brands with trendy boutiques, appealing to a wide demographic (SmartShanghai, Travel China Guide).

Innovation and Digitalization

Responding to changing consumer habits, Shanghai No.1 Department Store has embraced digital payment platforms (WeChat Pay, Alipay), themed zones, experiential retail, and cross-sector collaborations with local artists and designers. Special events such as late-night shopping and New Year’s Eve bonanzas keep the store vibrant and relevant (Chapman Taylor).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours:
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Extended hours during festivals and special events (e.g., open until 2:00 AM on New Year’s Eve) (GoShopShanghai).
Tickets:
Free entry for all visitors. Some special exhibitions or cultural events may require separate tickets.
Accessibility:
The department store is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Staff are available to assist visitors with special needs (GoShopShanghai).
Transportation:
- Metro: East Nanjing Road Station (Lines 2, 10) is just a short walk away.
- Bus: Multiple lines serve Nanjing Road East.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: Taxis and DiDi are readily available, but traffic is heavy during rush hours.
- Walking: The pedestrianized Nanjing Road is flat and perfect for exploring on foot.

Shopping Guide and Facilities

Product Range

Fashion & Apparel: Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, from affordable local to international brands.
Jewelry & Watches: Brands like Rado, Tissot, and more.
Electronics & Home Appliances: Leading brands including Sony, Panasonic, Hitachi, LG.
Cosmetics & Perfumes: Extensive range from global and Chinese brands.
Souvenirs & Specialty Stores: Local crafts, Shanghai-themed gifts, and specialty foods.
Children’s Products: Toys, clothing, books, and educational materials (RuQin Travel).

Payment Methods

Digital payments: WeChat Pay, Alipay accepted throughout.
Credit cards: Major cards accepted, though some counters may not support foreign cards.
Cash: Carry some RMB for small purchases or emergencies.

VAT Refunds

Foreign tourists can receive instant VAT refunds on qualifying purchases through a credit card pre-authorization at participating tax-free stores, including Shanghai No.1 Department Store (KKday).

Facilities and Services

Multilingual information desks
Elevators, escalators, and accessible restrooms
Baby care rooms
Rest areas and seating
Free Wi-Fi (VPN may be needed for international browsing)
Security personnel and CCTV monitoring (The Helpful Panda)

Dining Options

Dining is available across several floors, from food courts offering quick bites to sit-down restaurants serving Chinese and international cuisine. Notable options include The Dining Room (8th floor) and Hai Di Lao Hot Pot (5th floor), alongside teahouses and cafes (SmartShanghai).

Nearby Attractions

The Bund: Iconic riverside promenade with skyline views, 10 minutes’ walk.
People’s Square: Home to the Shanghai Museum and Urban Planning Exhibition Center.
Historic Hotels: The Fairmont Peace Hotel and other Art Deco buildings.
Yong’an Department Store, Lao Feng Xiang Jewelry, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: All within walking distance (TravelChinaGuide).

Photography and Visitor Tips

Photography is generally allowed, but avoid flash and respect posted restrictions.
Best photo spots: seasonal window displays, Art Deco facades, upper floors for panoramic city views.
Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring reusable shopping bags.
Keep valuables secure in crowded areas (RuQin Travel).

FAQs

Q: Do I need a ticket to enter?
A: No, entry is free. Special exhibitions or events may require a ticket.

Q: What are the store’s hours?
A: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily, with extended hours during festivals.

Q: Is the store wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are foreign credit cards accepted?
A: Some counters accept them, but it’s best to have cash or mobile payment.

Q: Can I get a VAT refund?
A: Yes, eligible foreign tourists can receive instant VAT refunds via credit card pre-authorization.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, through local operators or during special events.

Visuals and Media

Alt text: Shanghai No.1 Department Store exterior view on Nanjing East Road

Alt text: Interior shopping area of Shanghai No.1 Department Store with shoppers

Alt text: Pedestrian street outside Shanghai No.1 Department Store bustling with people

Conclusion & Final Tips

Shanghai No.1 Department Store is a living testament to the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. From its Art Deco architecture and historic legacy to its cutting-edge retail offerings and cultural events, it promises an immersive Shanghai experience. With free entry, excellent accessibility, and a central location near major attractions, it’s the perfect gateway to exploring the city’s commercial and cultural heart. For a smooth visit, plan around peak times, use digital payments, and take advantage of VAT refunds if you are a foreign visitor.