🌿 Wukang Road, Shanghai – A Vintage District Full of Life and Memories

📍 Location:
Wukang Road (武康路), Xuhui District, Shanghai
This short street, approximately 1.1 km long, is located in the Former French Concession, an old European-style area in Shanghai.

🚇 How to Get There:
– Take the MRT Line 10 or 11
– Get off at Jiaotong University Station and walk for just 5–7 minutes
– Alternatively, use public bicycles like Meituan for a leisurely ride

🏛️ Learn More About This Area

🏠 1. History and Identity
• Wukang Road was originally named Route Ferguson, established during the Western presence in Shanghai.
• The buildings along the street were designed by French, British, and Chinese architects influenced by European styles.
• Notable architecture includes Wukang Mansion, built in 1924 in the French Renaissance style, with a curved design reminiscent of New York’s Flatiron Building.

🌳 2. The Charm of This Street
• Lined with Platanus trees (similar to sycamores) providing shade year-round
• A peaceful area compared to the bustling city center
• A popular relaxation spot for locals, elderly residents, artists, and international students

☕️ 3. Highlights & Lifestyle in the Area

📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots
– Wukang Mansion (best photographed from across the street during morning or evening light)
– Street corners with sunlight filtering through the trees
– Wooden doors, old window frames, and vintage street signs
– Glass-fronted cafes with a clean, vintage aesthetic

🧁 Charming Cafes and Shops
– RAC – A laid-back Western-style cafe with great ambiance and menu
– Gathering Cafe – A quiet, wood-toned space perfect for working or reading
– Cotton’s Bar – European garden vibes
– Roots – A craft & creative-themed cafe
– Plenty of bakeries, tea shops, chocolate stores, and Japanese-style postcard shops

🎨 Art & Home Decor
– Small art spaces and galleries to explore
– Minimalist home decor shops
– Handcrafted ceramic stores made in Shanghai

💵 4. Budget
• Walking around: Free, no entry fees
• Cafes: Average 40–80 RMB per menu item
• Subway fare: 3–5 RMB
• Total budget for a half-day trip: Approximately 100–150 RMB per person

💡 5. Tips for First-Time Visitors
✅ Dress in earth tones or vintage styles to match the mood of the surroundings
✅ Visit early (8:30–10:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM) for good lighting and fewer crowds
✅ Take street, retro, or film-style photos for the best vibe
✅ Be cautious on holidays as it can get crowded with locals
✅ Some cafes only accept Alipay/WeChat Pay, so have your phone ready for payments

🎯 Summary
Wukang Road is not just a “street for photography” but a living space of old Shanghai—filled with European charm, tranquility, beauty, and inspiration for a slower pace of life that’s hard to find among the skyscrapers of the big city.