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Hongkou District, part of Shanghai and named after Hongkou Port, is located in the northeastern part of downtown Shanghai. Named the 2017 "Light of Quality" city of the year, it is a region rich in history and culture and experiencing rapid development.
Hongkou District, originally a beachfront area on the shores of the East China Sea, boasts numerous rivers and tributaries. Historically, it boasted 50 rivers, large and small. Fifteen rivers remain, including the Huangpu River, the Wusong River, and the Hongkou Harbor system, primarily encompassing Hongkou Harbor, Shajing Harbor, and Yujingpu. Hongkou also boasts my country's first professional football stadium, the Hongkou Football Stadium. A century ago, this area housed Shanghai's renowned Hongkou Entertainment City, hosting the Second and Fifth Far Eastern Games. Many of the district's streets are steeped in historical charm and are well worth a visit.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable climate in spring and autumn
Sweet Love Road
With a total length of 526 meters, it is a love landmark in Shanghai. The love mailbox, heart postmark, romantic love graffiti wall, and cozy roadside cafes make the air filled with love bubbles... It is the most suitable place for couples to stroll hand in hand and take photos.
Duolun Road
Hongkou District itself is a place with a strong cultural atmosphere, and Duolun Road Cultural Street is the "best". It is a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers in modern Chinese history, an important cultural center in the early 20th century, and also the place where many literary celebrities who have made their mark in history have worked and lived.
Waibaidu Bridge
This bridge often appears in major film and television dramas, and almost everyone who travels to Shanghai will go to see Waibaidu Bridge. It is the "Grandma Bridge" in the hearts of most Shanghai people.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Hongkou District has historical significance due to its role as the home of the Shanghai Ghetto during World War II, where Jewish refugees sought refuge. It is also known for its mix of old Shanghai architecture and modern development, with cultural and educational institutions like Fudan University and the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum.
Hongkou is located in the northern part of Shanghai, along the Huangpu River. It can be easily reached by metro (Line 3 and Line 8), bus, or taxi. The Hongkou Football Stadium is a key landmark in the area and is well-served by public transport.
Most attractions in Hongkou, such as the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is on weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially during weekends when the park and popular streets may get crowded with locals and tourists alike.
The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum has an entrance fee of about ¥30. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum's ticket counter. Other attractions like the parks are free to visit, while some exhibitions and historical sites may have nominal fees.
It is advisable to book tickets in advance for the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long waiting times. Booking 1-2 days in advance should suffice for most attractions.
To explore the main attractions of Hongkou District, you will need about half a day. This includes visiting the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, Duolun Road, and Lu Xun Park. If you want to visit Fudan University or explore the parks more leisurely, you may need a full day.
Guided tours are available at the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, with options for Mandarin and English-speaking guides. Audio guides are also available in several languages, including English, for self-guided tours at some historical sites.
Start your visit by exploring the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum for a deep dive into the district's history. Then, head to Duolun Road to enjoy its cultural and historical atmosphere. Finally, relax at Lu Xun Park and, if time allows, visit Fudan University for its serene campus.
Hongkou District is not known for light shows, but Duolun Road and the area around Fudan University can be charming in the evening, with quiet streets and lit-up cafes. Night tours may be available at some historical sites, but they are less common than in other parts of Shanghai.
Hongkou is relatively less crowded compared to other tourist-heavy districts like Pudong or the Bund. Weekdays, especially in the mornings, are the least crowded times to visit. Weekends may see more local visitors, especially at parks and cultural sites.
Hongkou has plenty of facilities including clean public toilets, rest areas in parks, food vendors, cafes, and several small shops along Duolun Road. Larger shopping malls and restaurants are also available nearby for a more extensive dining experience.
Most of the attractions in Hongkou, including the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and parks, are accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The area is well-maintained with ramps and smooth pathways in public areas and parks.
Most establishments in Hongkou accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay, and credit cards are widely accepted in larger shops and restaurants. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or in case of payment system failures.
Vegetarian and vegan food is widely available at many restaurants in Hongkou, especially in the more tourist-oriented spots. Halal food options can be found at a few restaurants catering to Muslim visitors in the area.
Souvenir shops along Duolun Road and near the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum sell a variety of items, including cultural artifacts, Shanghai-themed gifts, Chinese art, and literature.
