Stroll through Sinan Road to admire the charming French Concession-style architecture, explore art galleries, trendy cafes, boutique shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic street.

Sinan Road, located in Shanghai's Huangpu District, hides behind its bustling streets, preserving the history of old Shanghai and the stories of its long history. Here, not only are preserved the " Zhou Mansion , " a memorial to Zhou Enlai; the " Sun Yat-sen Former Residence , " the Shanghai apartment where Sun Yat-sen and his wife, Soong Ching-ling, lived from 1918 to 1925 ; the " Mei Residence , " the four-story Spanish-style house where Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang lived ; but also the Sinan Mansion, now converted into a hotel.
Sinan Road is named after Jules Massinan, a French composer in the early 20th century . It is a famous French-style road, a clean and romantic one-way street with two rows of French-style plane trees that cover the sky, connecting Huaihai Road and Xujiahui.
The garden houses on both sides of the road are of different styles, including British, French and Spanish. It is said that there are more than 20 garden-style houses on Sinan Road, which concentrate almost all the residential styles of old Shanghai - it is a living story of the city's history. Taking a walk here, it seems as if you have returned to that hurried and messy but still prosperous era.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
free
All day
Sinan Road, located in the heart of Shanghai’s French Concession, is a historical street lined with European-style buildings. It has been a hub for arts, culture, and elite living, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern city life.
Sinan Road is located in the French Concession area of Shanghai, close to landmarks like Fuxing Park. It is easily accessible by metro (Line 1, get off at Xintiandi station), taxi, or by walking if you're exploring the French Concession area.
Sinan Road is a public street, so it's open all day. However, it is best visited in the morning or early evening for a pleasant walk before it gets crowded, especially on weekends.
There is no entrance fee to explore Sinan Road as it is a public street. However, entry fees may apply to certain art galleries or attractions along the road.
No need to book tickets in advance for Sinan Road itself, but if you plan to visit specific art exhibitions or events, it is recommended to check for tickets ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
You can explore Sinan Road in about 2-3 hours. This includes time for a relaxed walk, visiting a few cafes, shops, and galleries, as well as taking in the local atmosphere.
Key highlights include the beautiful colonial-era buildings, the Sinan Mansions (a cultural hub for arts and lifestyle), and the charming cafes and boutiques that line the street. Don't miss the local art galleries.
Guided tours may be available for the area through local tour companies, but there are no official tours for Sinan Road itself. Audio guides are usually available for art galleries and museums nearby in both Mandarin and English.
The best photography spots include the quaint colonial architecture, the tree-lined street, and the charming cafes with outdoor seating. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography.
Start by walking along the road from Fuxing Park, explore the Sinan Mansions, and then head towards the nearby shops and cafes. You can also visit the nearby Tianzifang art district for more exploration.
Sinan Road itself doesn’t have light shows, but the area is beautifully lit in the evening, making it perfect for a night stroll. Special events or art exhibitions may occur in the galleries, especially in the evenings.
Sinan Road can get crowded, especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays or during the early morning or late evening hours.
There are toilets available in cafes and restaurants nearby, as well as a variety of food options ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Several boutique shops and art galleries also dot the area.
Yes, Sinan Road is generally accessible for elderly and children, although some parts of the road can be slightly uneven due to its historical nature. Wheelchair access may be limited in some galleries or shops.
Most places accept mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) and credit cards. It is always good to have some cash on hand for smaller shops or vendors.
Nearby cafes and restaurants include local favorites like Wujie for plant-based dining, and more casual spots like The Commune Social, offering international fusion dishes.
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants such as Wujie and other local spots offering plant-based dishes. Halal food options can also be found nearby in the city’s Muslim-friendly areas.
There are various hotels nearby, such as the Anantara Shanghai, which offers a luxurious stay, and the more affordable Campanile Hotel Shanghai, located just a short distance away from Sinan Road.
Nearby attractions include Fuxing Park, Tianzifang art district, the Shanghai Museum, and the Bund. All these can easily be combined in a full day of sightseeing.
Sinan Road is home to several boutique shops selling local handicrafts, art prints, and fashion items. Typical souvenirs include art pieces, jewelry, and home décor items from the local galleries.
After visiting Sinan Road, you can take the metro (Line 10 or Line 1) from nearby stations like Xintiandi or South Huangpi Road to continue your trip to other parts of Shanghai. Taxis are also readily available.