Exploring Anfu Road: Shanghai’s Tree-Lined Hub of Art Deco, Indie Boutiques & Theatre

• Construction year: The road was built between 1915 and 1916. 📅
• Name change: It started as "Jufu Road." Then, in 1943, it became Anfu Road.

• Style fusion: The street showcases a unique blend. For example, you'll spot British, French, and Spanish Renaissance influences. Moreover, local Art Deco and Shikumen architecture coexist beautifully. 🏛️
• Street aesthetics: Buildings, plane trees, and street art form a picturesque landscape. As a result, it's a photographer's dream. 📸

• No. 201 Anfu Road: This 1922 English-style garden residence once housed celebrities. For instance, Pan Sansheng and Wu Guozhen lived here.
• No. 15, Lane 191: The former home of composer He Luting now serves as a Xuhui District protected heritage site. 🎵

Located on the corner of Wukang Rd. 13DE MARZO is one of the most popular bear cafes. The first floor is a cafe but going upstairs features a super cute bear plush looking down at you, hitting the healing aesthetic and a social media hotspot.

• 📍 Address: Building 4, 1F/2F, No. 322 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: Daily ~10:00–21:30
• 💰 Budget: Coffee around ¥50 per person
• ⚠️ Tips: Crowds peak on weekends. Therefore, visit in the morning or early evening to skip queues.

HARMAY has two shops across the street from each other. If you love beauty, it’s heaven in the Hong Kong retail space; the industrial look is particularly eye-catching, but it also houses countless international luxury brands and indie skincare, makeup, and fragrance picks. There’s even a cafe nook on the first floor.

• 📍 Address: Room 102, Building 2, No. 322 / No. 308 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: Daily ~10:00–22:00
• 💰 Budget: From tens of yuan for samples to thousands for full-size
• ⚠️ Tips: Show your Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center ticket or membership card. You might score discounts. 💄

This Korean lifestyle brand’s China flagship goes viral. Those hyper-saturated dopamine colors are instantly recognizable. And within four floors of playful installations, the giant bear plush at the entrance and signature “upside-down room” are photo ops begging for the perfect snap.

• 📍 Address: No. 308 / Building 2, No. 322 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: Daily ~10:00–21:30
• 💰 Budget: Stationery and home goods mostly ¥100–300
• ⚠️ Tips: Colors are vivid inside. Therefore, wear simple solid tones for the best photos. 🌈

Duozhuayu (多抓鱼) champions sustainable living. It sells carefully sanitized second-hand books and clothing. The design is minimalist and eco-conscious. Therefore, it's perfect for hunting classic reads and unique vintage pieces.

• 📍 Address: No. 300 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: Weekdays 13:00–22:00; weekends and holidays 10:00–22:00
• 💰 Budget: Books affordable; clothing varies by brand and condition
• ⚠️ Tips: The store spans three floors. The first is conceptual; books and clothing live upstairs. 📚

Pet lovers, this is your dream destination. MARSMART offers everything from food and toys to apparel and home items. The space design feels trendy. Moreover, it's pet-friendly, so bring your furry companion along.

• 📍 Address: 2F, No. 2, Lane 298 / 2F Drama Building, No. 288 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: ~9:00–21:00 (please verify)
• 💰 Budget: Wide range, from value to premium brands
• ⚠️ Tips: Pets welcome inside. It's also a social spot for fellow pet owners. 🐶

BLACKHEAD is a leading avant-garde accessories brand. Its Anfu Road store follows the "Ark Ruins" concept. Therefore, it creates an immersive cyberpunk experience. Beyond cool jewelry, you'll find sculptures, art installations, and illustrations. It feels more like a gallery.

• 📍 Address: No. 248 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: Daily ~10:00–22:00
• 💰 Budget: Jewelry ranges from hundreds to thousands of yuan
• ⚠️ Tips: Art installations are highly photogenic. Some areas host pop-ups or exhibitions occasionally. 🖤

Light Shanghai (淡写上海) is a treasure trove of cultural products. It offers Shanghai-themed postcards, journals, canvas bags, and more. Moreover, you can DIY your own keepsake here. So it's perfect for taking home a one-of-a-kind memory.

• 📍 Address: Anfu Road (confirm exact number on-site, usually street-facing)
• 🕐 Hours: Typically 10:00–20:00 (subject to change)
• 💰 Budget: Items from tens to hundreds of yuan; DIY varies by project
• ⚠️ Tips: DIY needs production time. Therefore, ask in advance about timing. ✉️

LEMON SELECT SHOP is a long-running boutique with sharp taste. It focuses on Japanese designer clothing and delicate accessories. The store hides on the first floor of an old villa. The vintage, quiet atmosphere invites slow browsing.

• 📍 Address: 1F, No. 234 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: ~10:00–21:00
• 💰 Budget: Mid-to-high for designer apparel
• ⚠️ Tips: The space is small. However, the curation rewards patience. 🍋

LOOKNOW & FLOW is a buyer's store famous for its Jellycat plush spiral staircase. Therefore, it's a top photo spot. The first and second floors gather many domestic and international designer brands. You'll find clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories.

• 📍 Address: No. 156 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: Daily ~10:00–22:00
• 💰 Budget: Average ¥376 per person
• ⚠️ Tips: The spiral staircase is popular. So expect a short photo queue. 🧸

PLUSONE sits right below LOOKNOW. It's an adorable Jellycat-collab cafe. The decor refreshes seasonally, with festive touches like Christmas trees. Furthermore, the garden-side seats feel especially relaxing. Coffee even comes in Jellycat-shaped cups.

• 📍 Address: No. 156 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: Daily ~10:00–20:00 or 21:00
• 💰 Budget: Coffee around ¥50 per person
• ⚠️ Tips: The Jellycat cups are signature. Therefore, they're a social media favorite. ☕

RAC is Anfu Road's iconic French bistro. Its dark green retro decor and open window-seats are unmistakable. The signature dish? The mushroom and bacon buckwheat crepe. For brunch lovers, it's a Shanghai classic.

• 📍 Address: 1F, Building 6, No. 322 Anfu Road (near Wukang Road)
• 🕐 Hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–23:30; Sun 08:00–18:00
• 💰 Budget: ~¥130–150 per person
• ⚠️ Tips: Very popular. Therefore, weekend queues are long. Window seats are best for photos. 🥞

Mr. Willis is an Australian-style western restaurant. It sits on the top floor of an old building, with a cozy terrace. The signature is the 12-hour marinated roast chicken. Moreover, dry-aged steaks are equally celebrated. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming.

• 📍 Address: 3F, No. 195 Anfu Road (near Wulumuqi Middle Road)
• 🕐 Hours: Daily 11:00–23:00 (weekends until 24:00)
• 💰 Budget: ~¥227–272 per person
• ⚠️ Tips: Terrace views are excellent. Therefore, reservations are highly recommended. 🍷

Sunflour is Anfu Road's beloved bakery. It serves quality European bread, French pastries, and light meals. The "Little Sun" bread and finger puffs are crowd favorites. Furthermore, it's open from breakfast through dinner.

• 📍 Address: Rooms 103–104, No. 308 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: Daily 07:00–22:00
• 💰 Budget: ~¥59–67 per person
• ⚠️ Tips: Fresh batches mean fullest selection. Therefore, afternoons get crowded. 🥐

Into the Force is the offline concept store of "Sandunban," a known coffee brand. Its cement-industrial design pairs with wood and metal elements. Therefore, it feels futuristic. The specialty is creative coffee blends. For instance, "Guava Bump" and "Perilla Peach" are must-tries.

• 📍 Address: Shop 2-105, No. 322 Anfu Road
• 🕐 Hours: ~09:00–22:00 (some sources say 10:00–20:00)
• 💰 Budget: ~¥48 per person
• ⚠️ Tips: Specialty coffee is the highlight. Therefore, try seasonal creative drinks. ☕

• Side alleys: Explore the lanes branching off the main road. You'll often find niche cafes, dessert shops, or tiny bars. As a result, unexpected joys await around every corner. 🍰

This is the street's cultural heart. The center hosts three venues: Art Theatre, Drama Salon, and D6 Space. High-quality plays run year-round. Therefore, it's a pilgrimage spot for Shanghai theatre fans.

Latest performance updates: It launches rich seasonal lineups at the center — the 2026 season highlights include Sisters Rise Up (adapted from ancient Greek comedy, April 2026), the mystery stage play The Riddle of Qingming Riverside Scene: The Final Act (April to May 2026), and Mozart! telling the famous composer’s story (June 2026). The epic historical drama Shang Yang also will be celebrating its 30th anniversary premiere in 2026. New titles for 2025 include The Deer and the Cauldron, and a musical titled Wind, Snow, Mountain God Temple. In running shows (as of March 2026) are the thriller 2:22 and British farce Noises Off. Be sure to visit the official website for updates to the schedule. 🎭

Static murals: Colorful murals by domestic and international artists scatter across building facades. They form a flowing street gallery. Moreover, works refresh often, making them perfect for street photography.

Dynamic events and exhibitions: The district hosts high-quality pop-up exhibitions regularly. For instance:

• Instituto Cervantes Shanghai (No. 208 Anfu Road): Hosts free art shows long-term. Between November 2025 and March 2026, it ran "Flowing Nature: Where Instinct Meets Memory" photography dialogue exhibition.
• AnFu275 and other art spaces: Hidden treasures inside lanes. For example, AnFu275 hosted artist Wang Yi's solo project "Mirage" (until January 10, 2026), blending art with design furniture. 🎨

• Morning: Quiet and fresh. So grab a coffee and enjoy a peaceful walk. 🌅
• Afternoon: Sunlight peaks. Therefore, it's prime time for shopping, photos, and cafe-hopping. Energy rises gradually.
• Evening to night: Restaurants glow warmly. The theatre opens its doors. As a result, the district shifts into a cozy, artistic, relaxed nighttime mode. 🌙

• Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) bring mild, pleasant weather. 🌸
• Best time of day: Late afternoon into evening lets you experience the day-to-night transition.
• Crowd tip: Weekday mornings feel most peaceful. However, popular spots may have queues on weekend afternoons.

• Classic stroll route: Start from the west end (near Wukang Road). Then, walk east toward Changshu Road. This connects the main shops, sights, and restaurants.
• Themed routes: You can plan an "architectural photography tour," a "designer shopping tour," or a "cafe-hopping tour." 🚶

Public transit:

• Metro Line 1/7 to Changshu Road Station.
• Metro Line 10 to Shanghai Library Station or Shaanxi South Road Station. Then walk a short distance. 🚇

Important reminders:

• One-way street: Anfu Road is one-way. So drivers should note this.
• Shop closures: Some small boutiques close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Therefore, check ahead.
• Mixed use: Respect the residential-commercial mix. Keep noise low and avoid disturbing locals.
• Camera: Bring a camera. The architecture and murals deserve to be captured. 📷

• Family-friendly? Yes. Flat sidewalks, casual dining options, and fun murals attract kids too. 👨‍👩‍👧
• Shop hours? Most shops and cafes open daily ~10:00–21:00. However, some smaller stores close earlier or have fixed weekly rest days.

• Where to look: Use platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb. Search "former French Concession" or "Xuhui District" for hotels and homestays. 🏨

• Wukang Road: Classic heritage architecture and cafes. For deeper exploration, see our complete Wukang Road guide. 🌳
• Julu Road: Local fashion and street art hub.
• Former French Concession plane-tree zone: Broader European ambiance and leisure vibe. Pair this with our guide to Huaihai Road's charm for the full experience.
• Other picks: Captain Bar, Xintiandi, M50 Art District on Moganshan Road. Furthermore, the Huaihai Road shopping scene deserves a half-day too. And don't miss our Nanjing Street shopping guide for the city's most iconic retail strip.

• Online maps: Google Maps works for general navigation. 🗺️
• Travel guides: Look for comprehensive Shanghai city guides for deeper context.

Anfu Road Shanghai blends history, fashion, and lifestyle into one short street. Therefore, you get plane-tree-lined sidewalks, century-old villas, indie designer shops, and creative cafes. Moreover, the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center anchors its cultural vibe. As a result, every visit feels like discovering a slice of authentic Shanghai charm.

Give yourself 2 - 3 hours for a casual stroll down Anfu Road Shanghai, but add in more time to shop, grab a coffee or snap some shots and you could easily fill half a day. Love theatre? Then treat yourself to a play in the evening. How long to spend here really depends on how deep you delve into the street.

Definitely. Anfu Road Shanghai offers a gentle, strollable immersion into the former French Concession. First-timers get acclimated easily to the Shanghai blend of East and West. The pace is easy, the cafes and shops (EASY to find people who speak English) make that first foray into Shanghai a city easy to navigate.

Anfu Road Shanghai is best experienced in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when the weather feels pleasant and the plane trees are really nice. If you visit during the week, afternoons are quiet. Weekends are bustling. Decide if you’d prefer quiet walks or happy crowds.

Getting to Anfu Road Shanghai is easy. Take either Metro Line 1 or Line 7 to Changshu Road Station. Alternatively ride Line 10 to Shanghai Library Station or Shaanxi South Road Station. Then walk just a few minutes. Public transit makes this neighborhood very accessible for international travelers.

Prices on Anfu Road Shanghai vary widely. For example, second-hand books at Duozhuayu cost very little. However, designer boutiques like LOOKNOW carry premium pricing. Moreover, cafes and bakeries stay affordable (¥50–70 per person). Therefore, budgets from modest to luxurious all find something appealing along this stylish street.