“Bubbling Well Road”, that’s what West Nanjing Road was once called. Today we’re standing on what was formerly Bubbling Well Road now known as part of the famous Nanjing Road. This road has quite the story.
Nanjing Road boasts a history stretching back to 1845. Back then it was a mere “Park Lane”. It ran from the Bund to He’nan Road. By 1862 it was formally named “Nanking Road”. Locals often called it “Great Horse Road”.
But let’s rewind a bit further. The name “Bubbling Well Road” comes from a well near Jing’an Temple. The bubbling was due to the eruption of carbonic acid gas. The Shanghai Race Club extended the road to Jing’an Temple in 1862 and named it after this bubbling well.
Imagine this muddy road transformed. By 1890 stones paved the way. Plane trees lined the street in 1891. By 1899 it was included in the International Settlement.
In 1945 a significant change occurred. The government renamed Bubbling Well Road to West Nanjing Road. The eastern end became East Nanjing Road. Together they formed the 5-kilometer stretch known as Nanjing Road. The street became a symbol of old Shanghai. It earned the nickname “Shi Li Yang Chang” or “10-mile-long foreign metropolis”.
Early in the 20th century Nanjing Road’s eastern part transformed into a world-class shopping destination. Chinese merchants erected modern department stores. The western part flourished too. Stylish shops and grand villas sprung up.
Considered the arrow of Shanghai. That’s what Nanjing Road was referred to by early Shanghai expatriates. It guided Shanghai’s urban development.
Nanjing Road West boasts an array of upscale malls. You’ll find Plaza 66 and Jing An Kerry Centre here. Office buildings like Tian An Centre add to the landscape. The Shanghai Exhibition Centre stands proudly.
Today Nanjing Road attracts over one million visitors daily. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery opened here in 2017. At the time, it was the world’s largest Starbucks.
Remember Henry Lester a British millionaire? He donated his fortune to Chinese education. Erich Paulun a German doctor built a charitable hospital. Both walked along Bubbling Well Road. Both were buried in the Bubbling Well Road Cemetery now Jing’an Park.
So as we stroll along this bustling street remember its layered history. From a simple lane to a world-renowned shopping destination Nanjing Road embodies Shanghai’s dynamic spirit.