Wukang Road, Yuyuan Road, Hengshan Road—these historic Western-style streets are your gateway to experiencing Shanghai’s unique Haipai culture (海派文化, Hǎipài Wénhuà), a blend of East and West shaped during the city’s concession era.
Streets are the lifeblood of a city, and wandering through these neighborhoods offers a window into Shanghai’s vibrant past. From stately mansions and European architecture to the former residences of famous figures and century-old shops, each road tells a different story. Together, they form an unmatched cultural landscape you won’t find anywhere else in China.
Wukang Road: A Hidden Gem of the Former French Concessio
Unlike bustling streets like Huaihai Road or the tourist-favorite Tianzifang, Wukang Road remains a quiet, lesser-known treasure—even many first-time visitors to Shanghai haven’t heard of it. Yet this modest road, stretching just 1,183 meters, captures the very essence of the Former French Concession.
A Bit of History
Wukang Road was originally called Ferguson Lane , named after an American missionary, Ferguson, who earned local respect by funding the construction of the original mud road. Later, the French Concession authorities paved and widened it, officially naming the street in his honor.
In 1943, when the Wang Jingwei regime took over the French Concession, the street was renamed “Wukang Road” after Wukang County (now part of Deqing County), a popular retreat for political elites who vacationed in nearby Mogan Mountain.
Highlights & Walking Route
Wukang Road has preserved much of its original charm over the past century. Start your walk from the Huaihai Middle Road end, and you’ll be greeted by the iconic Wukang Mansion , a striking wedge-shaped building designed by legendary architect László Hudec.
At No. 374–376 stands Wukang Courtyard , a modern-style lane community built in 2005, now home to chic cafés and restaurants—perfect for a relaxed afternoon. No. 240 features the Cape Town Apartments , another iron-shaped building from 1940.
As you continue, you’ll encounter a series of historic residences , including the Hunan Villas , once home to Deng Xiaoping and Chen Yi; the Ba Jin Former Residence , a must-see for literature lovers; the grand former residence of the British firm’s director from Zhengguanghe Soda Company ; and the former home of writer Ke Ling. Don’t miss the “Romeo Balcony” at No. 210—a picturesque Spanish garden-style villa worth lingering over.
Hengshan Road: Plane Trees, Historic Villas, and Timeless Charm
While many streets in the Former French Concession are lined with lush plane trees (梧桐树, wútóng shù), none embody their charm quite like Hengshan Road. Here, the whispering leaves and dappled light under the branches have become a defining feature of the street itself.
A Stroll Through History
Built in 1922 and originally named Avenue Pétain , Hengshan Road once stood proudly alongside the booming commercial hubs of East Nanjing Road and East Yongle Road. Stretching 2.3 kilometers, the road is flanked by over 2,000 villas and Western-style buildings, many of which reflect distinct European influences.
In the 1990s, Hengshan Road was crowned as “Shanghai’s Bar Street” , a nightlife hotspot. Although it later lost prominence to nearby Huaihai and Changle Roads, the area has recently been evolving into a charming, artsy neighborhood.
What to See and Where to Go
Begin your walk at Dongping Road , and you’ll quickly spot the striking red-brick building of Sasha’s Garden —formerly the Shanghai residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling. At No. 53, covered in ivy, stands the International Christian Fellowship Church , which opens only during Sunday services.
Further along, at Nos. 303–307, you’ll find Xihu Apartments , a Renaissance-style complex brimming with European flair. No. 525 is the historic Hengshan Hotel , one of Shanghai’s six most iconic hotels.
At No. 838, the Hengshan Cinema catches the eye with its unique design—this was Shanghai’s first cinema built after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Just across the street is the legendary Pathe Red Building , or “Little Red House,” where iconic songs like March of the Volunteers and Evening Primrose (Yè Lái Xiāng) were composed.
Duolun Road Cultural Street: Experience Shanghai’s Humanistic Spirit in the Public Concession
Unlike the previous three neighborhoods, Duolun Road is located in Hongkou District’s Public Concession. This short street, only 550 meters long, has been home and workplace to many of China’s literary giants. Today, it stands as a key cultural landmark in Shanghai, known as Duolun Cultural Street , featuring statues of celebrities, antique shops, calligraphy and painting galleries, and historic residences.
A Brief History
Duolun Road was established in the early 20th century. The land was originally purchased by British missionary Dolliean Dou (窦乐安, Dòu Lè’ān), who was once received by Emperor Guangxu. When the road was built, it was named Doule’an Road after him.
Walking Route & Highlights
Starting from Dongjiangwan Road , a stroll along Duolun Road brings you to the Kong Mansion at the northern entrance, once one of the three grand residences of Kong Xiangxi in Shanghai. Nearby is the Bai Mansion , the former home of warlord Bai Chongxi.
At No. 201 stands the beautifully preserved three-story Western-style house that now serves as the Memorial Hall of the Chinese Left-Wing Writers’ League. Famous writers such as Lu Xun , Feng Xuefeng , and Ding Ling were regular visitors here.
Further along at No. 59 is Hongdetang , a Christian church distinguished by its blue bricks and red pillars—Shanghai’s only church built with traditional Chinese architectural elements.
Shanghai is full of streets with unique Western influences. Besides the four neighborhoods mentioned above, other notable areas include Huashan Road, Urumqi Middle Road, and Fuxing Middle Road in the Old French Concession, as well as Zhapu Road, Sichuan North Road, and Shanyin Road in Hongkou District, all worth exploring.