Wukang Road & Anfu Road, Shanghai: A Journey Through French Elegance and Local Life
A Cultural Encounter Where Every Walk Is a Journey
For visitors who’ve already admired The Bund Shanghai: Where History Shines Against the Modern Skyline, Wukang Road and Anfu Road reveal another side of the city — slower, quieter, and effortlessly chic.
This leafy district perfectly embodies Haipai (Shanghai-style) culture — a blend of East and West, heritage and modern living. Under the shade of French plane trees, you’ll find retro buildings, boutique cafés, and creative studios where locals and travelers alike pause to enjoy life at a slower pace. Every step here feels like strolling through a living “Shanghai culture diary.”
I. Historical Roots: From French Concession to Cultural Icon
The Wukang–Anfu area was once the heart of the Shanghai French Concession. In the late 19th century, French planners designed this neighborhood with broad, tree-lined boulevards and elegant garden residences — a touch of Paris transplanted to the East.
Over a century later, it still retains the romance of French architecture while embracing local Chinese life, making it the ultimate expression of Haipai culture — where international aesthetics meet Shanghainese warmth.
- For European visitors, Wukang Road feels like a “mini Paris Left Bank,” but with a local flair.
- For American travelers, it’s Shanghai’s answer to New York’s West Village — vintage, walkable, and full of stories.
II. Architectural Tour: An Open-Air Museum of Time and Stories
The architecture of Wukang and Anfu Roads is like a living museum, where every building whispers tales from the past century.
1. Wukang Mansion: Shanghai’s Ship-Shaped Landmark
Designed by Hungarian architect László Hudec in 1924, Wukang Mansion stands as one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks. Its wedge-shaped design resembles a giant ship anchored at the intersection, earning it the nickname “The most beautiful corner in Shanghai.”
Today, the building houses cafés and boutiques on the ground floor. Photographers love framing the “ship’s bow” through the tree branches — a perfect harmony between architecture and nature.
2. Ba Jin’s Former Residence: The Literary Heart of Wukang Road
At 113 Wukang Road lies the tranquil Spanish-style villa where writer Ba Jin lived and worked. The house preserves his manuscripts and letters, while the garden — with its wisteria and osmanthus — exudes quiet elegance.
For literature lovers, it offers the intimacy of Paris’s Shakespeare and Company, yet with the private calm of a writer’s sanctuary.
3. Anfu Road’s Duozhuayu Store: Sustainable Romance in Retro Spaces
Hidden in a converted factory building, the Duozhuayu Recycle Store embodies the new Haipai spirit — creative, sustainable, and stylish. Here you’ll find vintage books, pre-loved designer clothes, and vinyl records.
Grab a coffee, browse for a treasure, or join a local book club. It’s where Shanghai’s young creatives gather to give “old things a new life.”
III. Life and Art: Everyday Haipai Culture
The real charm of Wukang and Anfu Roads lies not just in their buildings but in the daily life flowing through them — cafés, bookstores, and galleries blending seamlessly with local markets and quiet alleys.
1. Cafe Hop: From %Arabica to Old Mill Cafe
- %Arabica Wukang Court: A minimalist Japanese-style café whose pure white interior contrasts beautifully with the vintage surroundings — ideal for photography lovers.
- Old Mill Cafe (Lao Mai): Hidden in a narrow nongtang alley, this retro space filled with gramophones and typewriters evokes the nostalgic Shanghai of the 1930s.
2. Independent Bookstores: From Secret Corners to Iconic Spaces
- The Secret Room Bookstore: A cozy art and design bookshop where French-language book clubs are often held.
- Tsutaya Books (Columbia Circle): Located in a renovated colonial club, this glass-domed bookstore blends literature, art, and architecture — a true “book lover’s gallery.”
Visitors who enjoy London’s Daunt Books or New York’s Strand Bookstore will instantly recognize the creative spirit.
IV. Walking Guide: Wukang & Anfu Roads in Shanghai
For a complete experience of Wukang Road and Anfu Road, follow this 3–4 hour walking route (≈2.5 km). You’ll explore historic streets, French Concession architecture, charming cafés, and top photo spots, all easily reachable by public transport.
Getting There (Starting Point)
By Metro (Recommended):
- Take Line 10 or 11 to Jiao Tong University Station, exit 7. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Wukang Mansion, the perfect starting point.
- Alternative: Line 1 to Hengshan Road or Line 10 to Shanghai Library, both within 10–15 minutes walking distance.
By Taxi / Didi:
- Destination: “393 Wukang Road Parking” (武康路393号停车场).
- Tip: Metro is faster and more reliable, especially on weekends.
Phase 1: Wukang Road (Historic Streets & Photo Spots)
- Wukang Mansion – The iconic “Normandie Apartments” designed by László Hudec. Capture the building from the intersection of Huaihai Middle Rd for the best photo.
- Ferguson Lane (Wukang Ting, 374) – Discover hidden art shops, cozy cafés like Coffee Tree, and feel the “Petit Bourgeois” (shǎozī) vibe of Shanghai.
- Romeo’s Balcony (210 Wukang Rd) – Mediterranean-style architecture perfect for photography.
- Ba Jin’s Former Residence (113 Wukang Rd) – Free entry (closed Mondays). Walk through the garden and historic house of one of China’s literary giants.
- Soong Ching Ling Residence (1843 Huaihai Middle Rd) – Entry 20 RMB, booking via WeChat required. A serene garden and historic home highlight Shanghai’s French Concession charm.
Phase 2: Transition to Anfu Road (5 Minutes)
Walk along Wukang Road toward Anfu Road. During this short 5-minute stroll, you’ll notice the atmosphere shift from historic elegance to modern trendy streets, where chic cafés, boutique shops, and creative studios signal the neighborhood’s contemporary vibe.
Phase 3: Anfu Road (Trendiest Cafés & Shops)
- Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center (288 Anfu Rd) – Center of Shanghai’s theater scene, surrounded by galleries and wine bars.
- Trend-Setting Shops:
- 13DE MARZO – Famous for the giant teddy bear installation.
- HARMAY (话梅) – Industrial-style beauty store, perfect for travel-sized luxury finds.
- SUNFLOUR – Try their signature “Sun Bread” or seasonal pastries.
- Deja Vu (多抓鱼) – Second-hand store for books and vintage clothes.
Practical Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Afternoon light is ideal for photos; weekends are crowded.
- Hidden Tip: Take a short detour to Middle Urumqi Road to explore local snack shops and fresh markets for a glimpse of authentic Shanghainese life.
- Photography Etiquette: Many buildings are residential—please respect privacy.
- Food & Drink: Wukang Road for quiet coffee, Anfu Road for brunch or wine.
- Check Opening Hours: Historic sites like Ba Jin’s House are closed on Mondays. Confirm via WeChat.
- Attire: Comfortable walking shoes; spring/autumn “chic” outfits fit the neighborhood vibe perfectly.
Check-in List: Highlights Along the Route
| Spot | Address | Hours | Booking | Photo Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wukang Mansion | 1850 Huaihai Middle Rd | All Day | None | Corner of Wukang & Huaihai for the iconic “ship” view |
| Ferguson Lane | 374 Wukang Rd | 10:00–22:00 | None | Courtyard entrance & outdoor café |
| Romeo’s Balcony | 210 Wukang Rd | All Day | None | Opposite sidewalk for full villa view |
| Ba Jin’s House | 113 Wukang Rd | 09:00–17:00 (Mon Closed) | Garden & exterior | |
| Soong Ching Ling Residence | 1843 Huaihai Rd | 09:00–17:30 (Mon Closed) | Camphor trees & garden | |
| Drama Arts Center | 288 Anfu Rd | 09:00–22:00 | For Plays | Vintage steps in front |
| 13DE MARZO | 322 Anfu Rd | 10:00–22:00 | None | Teddy bear installation 2nd floor |
| HARMAY | 308 Anfu Rd | 10:00–22:00 | None | Industrial-style shelves |
| SUNFLOUR | 308 Anfu Rd | 08:00–21:00 | None | Bread display & outdoor seating |
| Deja Vu Store | 300 Anfu Rd | 10:00–22:00 | None | Wall of second-hand books |
Further Exploration
Pair your walk with Yuyuan Garden Shanghai: A 400-Year Journey Through Classical Chinese Beauty to experience traditional Shanghai charm.
Conclusion: Wukang and Anfu—Where Shanghai Breathes Between Past and Present
The Wukang–Anfu district is more than a destination — it’s a living movie of Haipai culture. Here, European façades meet Chinese alleyways, and modern life unfolds under the gentle rustle of plane trees.
Every café conversation, every architectural corner, and every step along these streets tells a story of how Shanghai harmoniously blends its past and future.
So, when you visit Shanghai, don’t just look up at the skyline — slow down and walk through Wukang and Anfu Roads. You’ll find the city’s heartbeat in every quiet moment.
