Wukang Road Shanghai: Shanghai’s Most Photogenic Historic Street

Situated in the Former French Concession, surrounded by Plane Trees, Wukang Road has over 50 historic buildings dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. With an impressive length of 1.17 km, Wukang Road is unique within Shanghai, containing different styles of architecture from France, Spain, England and Art Deco, combined together in a way that is not found in any other part of Shanghai. Old Villas can be found with cafés on the ground floor, whilst converted residences have been adapted to house boutique shops. It is not uncommon for both local people and tourists to gather every weekend at the well-known Wukang Mansion intersection to take a photograph, making it one of the most visited locations in Shanghai city for those interested in walkingTours.

Quick Facts about Wukang Road Shanghai

📍 Wukang Road Shanghai Address	Wukang Road, Xuhui District (武康路，徐汇区)
📏 Length	1.17 km (about a 30-min leisurely walk)
🚇 Metro Access	Line 10/11 — Jiaotong University Station, Exit 7
🎟️ Admission	Free
⏰ Best Time	Weekday mornings or golden hour (5–6 PM)
📸 Top Spot	Wukang Mansion (at Huaihai Road intersection)

Wukang Road: A Living Museum of 1920s Architecture

Wukang Road is a stroll through Shanghai’s architectural past, where more than 50 buildings from the 1920s and 1930s line the street. French Renaissance villas sit beside Spanish-style garden homes, English countryside cottages share blocks with Art Deco apartments, and the eclectic mix seems almost random, adding to its charm. Recognized as a "National Historic and Cultural Street," these buildings have survived decades of urban redevelopment. As one TripAdvisor reviewer noted, "Gorgeous Western homes with hip shops," a perfect summary of Wukang Road’s unique vibe.

The street appeals to both visitors and locals for different reasons. Tourists enjoy a quieter alternative to the Bund, with shady trees and historic façades providing a relaxing pace, free from tour buses or loud announcements. Locals flock here on weekends—couples on dates, families with strollers, and photographers chasing the soft morning light. One visitor even called it "the coziest place even on rainy days." Wukang Road combines history, charm, and everyday life, offering a Shanghai experience rarely seen in heavily commercialized districts.

Top Things to Do on Wukang Road Shanghai

Wukang Mansion — The Most Instagrammed Building in Shanghai

Even if you don't notice it, Wukang Mansion is likely the first landmark visible to you as you walk around in your search for it. Wukang Mansion sits at a five-way intersection and has a profile very similar to a boat's bow slicing through the streets. The iconic wedge shape was designed by László Hudec, and construction began in 1924. The Republic Era Chinese film stars once called this building home. Today Wukang Mansion has become the most photographed building in all of Shanghai.

The best angle? Stand on the diagonal crosswalk across Huaihai Middle Road. Everyone does it. That's actually the problem—on weekends, you'll wait in line just to get your shot. People queue for 20 minutes sometimes. My advice: come on a weekday morning, maybe around 8am. The light is softer and you won't have strangers photobombing every frame.

Historic Residences Worth a Detour

The former residences located along Wukang Road are open to visitors. The most well-preserved of them is the Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling located at 1843 Huaihai Middle Road, which requires an entry fee of ¥20 and is closed on Mondays. The European-style residence still has her original furniture and some of her personal effects. If you are interested in the Republican government time periods this place is definitely worth an hour of your time.

The Former Residence of Ba Jin is located at No.113 Wukang Road, which has an English Garden Architecture-style home covered with trees. Ba Jin is one of China’s most famous authors and lived here for many decades. Although this residence is currently closed for renovations, you can still take pictures of the bronze statue located in front of the residence. The Former Residence of Huang Xing, located at 393 Wukang Road, is now a tourist information centre, which provides free admission and has a good-quality exhibition.

Don't miss "Romeo's Balcony" at No.210. It's a Spanish-style red brick building with an ornate balcony that looks straight out of Verona. No connection to Shakespeare whatsoever, but the name stuck. Good for photos, especially around sunset.

Best Shops on Wukang Road Shanghai

Wukang Road offers really unique shopping experiences – with an emphasis on boutiques over mass-market! For example, Daxin Bookstore (大隐书局) located inside the Wukang Mansion specializes in selling postcards based on the city of Shanghai. Besides selling postcards, they offer a special service for tourists who want to collect stamps from the Wukang Building. Three Thousand Vintage (三千vintage) is another example, hiding delightful things like vintage cameras and Pokemon collectibles inside a strangely-shaped little treasure vault!

For Chinese furniture design, check Fangjike Living Room (梵几客厅). The pieces aren't cheap, but even browsing feels like visiting a small gallery. Several niche fragrance shops have popped up recently too. One sells candles scented like wutong trees—very Wukang Road, if a bit on-the-nose.

Wukang Road to Anfu Road: The Perfect Walking Route

Wukang Road meets Anfu Road at its northern end, which makes it super easy to navigate between the two. It takes about a two-minute walk from Wukang Road to Anfu Road, therefore it offers the same atmosphere all along the way! However, once you reach Anfu Road, the scene is much more energetic.

The natural route goes: start at Wukang Mansion, walk north through Wukang Road, turn onto Anfu Road, then continue to Urumqi Middle Road for more cafés and small galleries. The whole loop takes maybe two hours if you're stopping for coffee and photos. Three hours if you're actually shopping.

Where to Eat and Drink on Wukang Road Shanghai

Café Lifestyle has been a staple for many years along Wukang Road. One such café is Laomai (老麦咖啡) located at No.439, which is packed on weekends as people try the signature coffee made from peach resin itself, which sounds odd but tastes terrific! The décor inside is like stepping back into "old Shanghai" with wooden panels and vintage photos. Be prepared to wait for a table on weekends as this café is quite popular.

Rumors Coffee Roastery on nearby Hunan Road takes the opposite approach. Minimalist design, serious about beans, no frills. If you actually care about extraction ratios and roast profiles, this is your spot. % Arabica brings its Japanese precision to the neighborhood too—clean aesthetic, consistent quality, slightly higher prices around ¥45-55 per drink.

For me, my "go-to" is to grab a decent coffee and then sit outside under the shade of the plane trees while the sunlight penetrates the leaves creating a beautiful effect on the walls of the villas across the street; that's the true experience of Wukang Road!

Local Restaurants Wukang Road Shanghai Visitors Love

If you're looking for great brunches and afternoon teas – for food quality – LOKAL is among the best places you can get them, being the sibling brand of Wagas and therefore the quality is assured. According to TripAdvisor, it is rated at approximately 3.5 out of 5 stars – not great, but the garden setting adds to it. It's likely to be somewhere between ¥100-150 per head.

New Lee's Restaurant (新利查西菜馆) has been in business for close to a century, and customers love the curry chicken they have, so many of them continue to return. For those who want good spicy food, employees of Sichuan Citizen want to provide that experience; therefore, they will have the right level of spice when it comes to the mapo tofu, unlike the mild version that many foreigners are used to.

Wukang Road Shanghai at Night: Hidden Bars

Nighttime on Wukang Road in Shanghai results in an entirely different experience than during the day. The bustling crowd decreases dramatically, all of the buildings are dimly lit by the streetlamps, and the Ferguson Lane area is located through the secluded old gates and has many types of wine and cocktail bars to choose from, surrounded by more foliage and trees than normal. Perfect for going out with someone special.

For more adventurous individuals, there are many smaller bars located in Longtang alleyways if you can find them. A number of the smaller establishments do not have any signage to indicate their exact locations, however look for the warm glow from the entrance/doorway.

Please remember that the area quiets down early in the evening and many of the shops close around 9 - 10 p.m. Be sure to time your dinner reservations properly as you may find yourself wandering around a deserted area if you do not. Still craving food after Wukang Road winds down for the night? Check out our guide to the best late-night food spots in Shanghai.

How to Get to Wukang Road Shanghai: Practical Tips

Wukang Road Shanghai Metro & Transport Options

Getting to Wukang Road Shanghai by metro is straightforward. Take Line 10 or Line 11 to Jiaotong University Station (交通大学站). Use Exit 7, then walk east along Huaihai Middle Road for about 8 minutes. You'll hit Wukang Mansion right at the intersection—hard to miss.

Alternative route: Line 7 to Changshu Road Station (常熟路站), then walk through Anfu Road. Takes roughly the same time but approaches from the opposite end. Nice if you want to explore Anfu Road first.

Buses 26, 911, 920, and 926 all stop nearby. Honestly though, metro is easier unless you're already in the neighborhood. For taxis or DiDi, just show the driver "武康大楼" on your phone. Everyone knows it. Fare from People's Square runs around ¥25-35 depending on traffic. No need to pull up Wukang Road Shanghai on Google Maps—local drivers navigate by landmarks here.

Best Time to Visit (And When to Avoid)

Spring and autumn win for weather. March through May brings fresh green on the plane trees. October and November? Golden leaves everywhere. The whole street turns into a photo set.

For timing, weekday mornings stay quiet. Arrive before 10am and you'll have space to actually walk. Late afternoon around 5-6pm catches that golden hour light photographers chase. The buildings practically glow.

Avoid weekend afternoons if you can. The crowds get thick, especially near Wukang Mansion. National Day holiday week in October? Forget it. The whole French Concession becomes a slow-moving parade.

Rainy days aren't necessarily bad though. One TripAdvisor reviewer described the street as "cozy even on a rainy day." The tree canopy provides some cover, and the wet pavement reflects the old buildings nicely. Just bring an umbrella.

The Untold Story Behind Wukang Road: László Hudec & Shanghai's Golden Era

Hungarian architect László Hudec never meant to come to Shanghai. Drafted into World War I, he was captured by Russian troops and sent to a harsh Siberian prison camp—cold, ill, and thousands of miles from home. In 1918, he escaped by jumping off a train near the Chinese border, injuring his leg before eventually reaching Shanghai as a penniless refugee.

What followed was extraordinary. Within a decade, Hudec was designing Shanghai’s most famous buildings—the Park Hotel, the Grand Theatre, and Wukang Mansion, the ship-shaped apartment block seen all over Instagram. He created over 100 structures, about 60 still standing today, and became the only foreigner listed among the “99 Symbols of Shanghai.”

But Wukang Road holds darker memories too. Tang Shaoyi, the first Prime Minister of the Republic of China, was assassinated nearby in 1938. During the Cultural Revolution, residents of Wukang Mansion suffered persecution. A local woman once told me these stories casually over coffee—a reminder that behind the pretty façades lies real, often painful history.

FAQ About Wukang Road Shanghai

Q: What is Wukang Road famous for?

Wukang Road Shanghai is famous for its remarkable collection of 1920s European architecture, particularly the iconic ship-shaped Wukang Mansion designed by László Hudec. The tree-lined street features over 37 protected historic buildings blending French, Spanish, English, and Art Deco styles. Today, it's equally known for trendy cafés, boutique shops, and as Shanghai's most photogenic street for social media content.

Q: How do I get to Wukang Mansion Shanghai?

The easiest way is taking Metro Line 10 or 11 to Jiaotong University Station. Use Exit 7, walk east along Huaihai Middle Road for about 8 minutes, and you'll see the distinctive wedge-shaped Wukang Mansion at the five-road intersection. Alternatively, take Line 7 to Changshu Road Station and walk through Anfu Road. Taxis recognize "Wukang Mansion" (武康大楼) easily.

Q: Why is Wukang Mansion so famous?

Wukang Mansion gained fame for its unique ship-like architecture designed by Hungarian architect László Hudec in 1924. It was Shanghai's first apartment building with verandahs. During the Republic era, many Chinese film stars lived here, adding celebrity glamour. Recently, social media transformed it into Shanghai's most photographed building, with visitors queuing for the perfect shot at the crosswalk.

Q: Is Wukang Mansion open to the public?

No, Wukang Mansion remains a residential building and is not open for public tours inside. However, visitors can freely photograph the exterior from the street and crosswalk. The ground-floor Daxin Bookstore is open to visitors, offering Shanghai-themed books, postcards, and souvenirs. For interior architecture experiences, visit the nearby Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling instead.

Q: What is Wukang Road called in Chinese?

Wukang Road in Chinese is 武康路 (Wǔkāng Lù). The name comes from Wukang County in Zhejiang Province, adopted in 1943. Previously, it was called Route Ferguson after John Calvin Ferguson, the American educator who built this road in 1907. Locals still occasionally use the old French name. When taking taxis, showing "武康路" on your phone ensures clear communication.

Q: What should I do on Wukang Road Shanghai?

Start at Wukang Mansion for photos, then stroll north exploring historic villas and boutique shops. Visit Daxin Bookstore for Shanghai-themed postcards. Stop at Laomai Café for signature peach-resin coffee. Detour to Soong Ching-ling's Former Residence if interested in history. End your walk connecting to trendy Anfu Road. Allow 2-3 hours for a leisurely experience including café stops.

Q: Is Wukang Road Shanghai worth visiting at night?

Absolutely. Wukang Road Shanghai at night offers a completely different atmosphere—quieter streets, softly lit historic buildings, and cozy wine bars tucked in old lanes. The Wukang Mansion looks particularly romantic with evening lighting. Ferguson Lane houses several excellent restaurants and bars. However, most shops close by 9-10pm, so plan dinner reservations accordingly.

Q: How far is Wukang Road from Anfu Road?

Wukang Road connects directly to Anfu Road at its northern end—literally a two-minute walk. Many visitors combine both streets in one walking tour. Wukang Road offers historic architecture and traditional charm, while Anfu Road features trendier boutiques and celebrity-owned stores. Together, they represent the perfect blend of old Shanghai meets contemporary cool.

Q: What are the best photo spots on Wukang Road Shanghai?

The most popular photo spot is the crosswalk in front of Wukang Mansion, capturing its dramatic ship-shaped façade. Romeo's Balcony at No.210 offers romantic Spanish-style architecture. The tree-lined stretches create beautiful canopy shots, especially in autumn. For fewer crowds, try early morning (before 9am) or golden hour (5-6pm). The tourist center at No.393 also makes a great backdrop.