Hankou Road

Introducing Hankou Road

Hankou Road runs from Zhongshan East 1st Road (also known as the Bund) in the east to Xizang Middle Road in the west. In the early days of the British Concession, the names of the roads were chosen arbitrarily.

In 1862, the British and American concessions merged into the International Settlement, leading to differing opinions on street names within the concessions. Ultimately, both sides compromised, deciding to name north-south and east-west streets after Chinese provinces and cities, respectively. On May 5, 1862, British Consul John MacArthur issued the "Memorandum on the Naming of Streets in Shanghai," establishing the principle that north-south streets would be named after provinces, and east-west streets after cities.

At the time, Hankou, before its merger with Wuchang and Hanyang to form Wuhan, existed as a municipality directly under the central government, its commercial development second only to Shanghai. The names of the streets, starting from Beijing Road and going south, were Nanjing Road, Jiujiang Road, Hankou Road, Fuzhou Road, and Guangdong Road. However, Shanghainese initially rejected these foreign-appointed street names, calling Nanjing Road "Da Ma Lu" (big road), while Jiujiang Road, Hankou Road, Fuzhou Road, and Guangdong Road became known as the Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Ma Lu, respectively. Later, the shorter Beihai Road was renamed the Sixth Ma Lu. It wasn't until 1949 that Shanghai adopted the foreign-appointed street names.

Climate and best time to travel

Hankou Road, nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, once stood quietly, unassuming and unassuming. Counting back the years, it has stood for over 150 years. Less than 1,500 meters long, Hankou Road has seen the footprints of countless figures: from Robert Hart, John Dewey, Russell, and Albert Einstein to Lu Xun, Hu Shi, Rou Shi, Ruan Lingyu, and Eileen Chang. These figures have woven together the rich history of Shanghai, making it a perfect destination for travelers in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Hankou Road

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Hankou Road in Shanghai is a historical street that reflects the city's early 20th-century architecture and cultural transformation. It is part of the Old Shanghai area, once a commercial hub with a mix of traditional Chinese and colonial influences.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Hankou Road is located in the Huangpu District of Shanghai. You can easily access it via Shanghai Metro Line 8, stopping at the “Xintiandi” station, or by taking a taxi or bus from the city center.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Hankou Road is a public street, open 24 hours. However, the best times to visit are in the late morning or early afternoon when shops and local eateries are open, and the area is less crowded in the morning.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee for visiting Hankou Road, as it is a public street. Costs are only associated with purchasing food or shopping in the area.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No ticket booking is necessary for Hankou Road, as it is an open street. Just arrive and explore at your leisure.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Exploring Hankou Road typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you stop for shopping or food. If you enjoy walking and exploring local attractions nearby, you might want to allocate more time.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Highlights include the historical architecture along the street, small boutiques selling local handicrafts, and the nearby traditional tea houses. Don’t miss the local street food stalls offering regional delicacies.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some private tour companies may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are less common, but you can find some self-guided walking tour apps.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Best photography spots include the iconic colonial-era buildings, the busy street life, and the beautiful contrast of old and new Shanghai. Capturing the bustling street scenes and local markets is a highlight.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the north end of Hankou Road, strolling through the street and taking in the sights. Make sure to stop at any interesting local shops, traditional eateries, and historical buildings along the way.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no specific night tours or light shows along Hankou Road, but the area is lively at night, with many shops and food stalls open. The street lights and busy atmosphere offer an interesting urban experience.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The street can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. The best times to visit are early mornings or weekdays, when the area is relatively quieter.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities in the area include public toilets, plenty of local eateries, water stands, and small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. Rest areas are limited, but the surrounding cafes provide seating areas.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The street is fairly accessible for elderly and children, though some parts may have uneven surfaces. However, accessibility for disabled visitors can be challenging due to the lack of ramps and certain street obstacles.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments (like Alipay or WeChat Pay) are widely accepted in shops and food stalls. It’s advisable to carry cash for small purchases at local vendors who may not accept cards.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are numerous local restaurants and cafes nearby, serving Shanghai-style dishes and street food. Notable options include local dim sum shops and traditional tea houses.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

There are vegetarian and vegan food options at some local eateries, offering vegetable-based dumplings and tofu dishes. Halal options are more limited, but can be found in nearby Muslim-friendly areas of Shanghai.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Several hotels are located near Hankou Road, ranging from budget-friendly options to mid-range hotels. For a more luxurious stay, consider hotels in the Xintiandi area, which is nearby.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Xintiandi area, the French Concession, and the famous Nanjing Road shopping district. These can easily be combined into a full day of sightseeing in Shanghai.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops are abundant along Hankou Road, selling local handicrafts, Shanghai-themed souvenirs, tea sets, and silk products. These make for great mementos or gifts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

The best transportation options include taking the metro (Line 8, Xintiandi station), buses, or taxis. The area is well-connected to other parts of Shanghai.