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Walk along Wukang Road to admire the historical European-style buildings, visit charming cafes, and explore the tree-lined streets. It’s a great spot for photography, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. You can also visit nearby attractions like the Fuxing Park and the former French Concession area.
Wukang Road, located in Xuhui District, Shanghai, was formerly known as Route Ferguson , named after the American missionary John Ferguson . It is known as the " Celebrity Road " that " condenses Shanghai's modern history for a hundred years " . There are a total of 14 outstanding historical buildings along the road , and 37 historical buildings are preserved .
Wukang Road is 1,183 meters long and 12 to 16 meters wide. The entire road is curved and runs roughly from north to south. It starts from Huashan Road in the north, where you can see the Lilac Garden of Li Hongzhang, an important official of the late Qing Dynasty. It ends at Huaihai Middle Road in the south, connecting Tianping Road and Yuqing Road, and faces the former residence of Soong Ching Ling.
Wukang Road, lined with swaying plane trees, boasts a high density of former residences of prominent figures , with approximately 30. The distinctive architecture, in styles like Spanish and French Renaissance, makes it one of the most European-inspired neighborhoods in central Shanghai.
At the end of Ang Lee's film "Lust, Caution," Wang Jiazhi lets Mr. Yi go and calls a rickshaw, saying , " Let's go to Fuxing Road! " Fuxing Road is now Wukang Road, home to the former residences of Tang Shaoyi, Ba Jin, Midan Apartments, Zhou Zuomin, Huang Xing, and Zhou Xuan. This street has witnessed the ups and downs of countless business tycoons and Shanghai celebrities.
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Wukang Road is a historic street in the former French Concession of Shanghai, known for its European-style architecture, especially the historic villas. It has long been a cultural and residential area, home to many prominent figures in Chinese history. The street showcases Shanghai’s colonial heritage and offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
Wukang Road is located in the Xuhui District of Shanghai, within the former French Concession. It’s easily accessible by Metro Line 1 (Shanghai Library Station) or Metro Line 10 (Shanghai Indoor Stadium Station), followed by a short walk. Taxis and buses also serve the area.
Wukang Road is an open public street with no specific opening hours. The best time to visit is during the daytime, especially in the morning or late afternoon, when the street is less crowded and the lighting is perfect for photos.
There is no entrance fee to visit Wukang Road as it is a public street. However, if you plan to visit specific buildings or cafes along the road, there may be fees for entry or purchases within those establishments.
No tickets are required for visiting Wukang Road, so there’s no need for advance bookings.
You can explore Wukang Road in about 1 to 2 hours, especially if you take your time to admire the architecture, take photos, and visit nearby cafes or attractions like Fuxing Park.
The main highlight is the European-style buildings, especially the historic villas and the iconic Wukang Building. The tree-lined streets and the surrounding quiet environment also make it a pleasant area to explore on foot.
Guided tours are not typically available directly for Wukang Road, but you can find self-guided audio tours online or use map apps to guide you through the historic areas nearby. Some local tours of the French Concession may include Wukang Road.
Best photography spots include the iconic Wukang Building, which is an old residential building with a unique architecture, and the charming tree-lined streets. The area near the Shanghai Library also offers excellent viewpoints, particularly for capturing the local environment.
Start by walking from the Shanghai Library Station, heading down Wukang Road to admire the architecture. Stop for photos at the Wukang Building, then walk towards Fuxing Park. Explore the cafes and shops along the road, and consider stopping at a café for a rest.
Night visits are possible, though Wukang Road doesn’t have a light show. However, the street looks charming in the evening, with soft lighting around the trees and buildings. Special night tours might be available through local tour providers, focusing on the historic French Concession area.
Wukang Road is relatively quiet compared to more tourist-heavy areas, but it can get crowded during weekends. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays.
There are several cafes and small shops along Wukang Road. Toilets are not available on the street itself, but nearby cafes and establishments usually provide access to them for customers. For food and drinks, you’ll find a variety of options including international and local cuisine.
Wukang Road is accessible for most visitors, but it is an older, cobbled street, so it might be challenging for those with mobility issues. The surrounding cafes and attractions are generally more accessible.
Most establishments along Wukang Road accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or when visiting smaller shops.
Nearby cafes include charming spots like Café de la Poste and the French-inspired Ooh La La Café. There are also a few upscale restaurants offering both Chinese and international cuisine along the nearby streets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at several cafes along Wukang Road. Halal food may be found in some of the nearby international restaurants, but it’s best to check ahead or inquire at local spots.
There are several hotels in the area, including the historic Shanghai Mansion and the more modern JIA Shanghai Hotel. The area is well-connected to public transport, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.
Nearby attractions include Fuxing Park, which is just a short walk away, and the Former French Concession area itself, with its historic streets and architecture. You can also visit the Shanghai Museum and People’s Square, which are nearby.
There are small souvenir shops in the area selling local arts, crafts, and souvenirs related to the French Concession. Typical souvenirs include postcards, small art pieces, and locally made goods.
The best transportation options include the Metro (Lines 1 and 10) from nearby stations, taxis, or buses. It’s easy to reach other attractions in the city from here, especially within the French Concession or to the downtown area.
