🌿 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.