Wukang Road and Anfu Road walk

The streets around Wukang Road, in the western part of the former French Concession, are lined with mature plane trees that shade the narrow pavements. A walk here is one of the most popular things to do in the city, and it costs nothing. The city government's own citywalk guide suggests starting at Jiaotong University station and finishing at Changshu Road station, which avoids doubling back. A 2026 independent route guide puts the distance at about three kilometres, roughly 90 minutes without stops or three to four hours at a relaxed pace.

The starting point is Wukang Mansion at the corner of Middle Huaihai Road. Designed by the Hungarian-Slovak architect László Hudec and completed in 1924, it was first called the Normandie Apartments and is built in a French Renaissance style. Residents have included Zhao Dan, Wang Renmei and Qin Yi. It is still private housing, so there is no public entry. Photograph it from the pavement opposite, do not step into the road for a better angle and do not enter the lobby or point cameras into windows.

From the mansion, walk north along Wukang Road, formerly Route Ferguson. The government guide picks out the former residences of the actor Ke Ling and the writer Ba Jin, and the former Italian Consulate. Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence is on Middle Huaihai Road close to the mansion, so check its listing on the day if you want to go inside. A tourist information centre sits at around No. 393 Wukang Road, and Ferguson Lane, a landscaped courtyard set back from the street, is a useful stop for coffee or lunch.

The route then turns onto Anfu Road, which has independent fashion and cosmetics shops, bookshops and cafés, including the neon-lit Duozhuayu Bookstore. The Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre is also on Anfu Road if you want to come back for an evening performance. Businesses change quickly here, so treat any list as a starting point.

Go on a weekday before 10am for empty streets, or in the afternoon for filtered light through the trees, though weekends get busy then. Most shops take Alipay and WeChat Pay, but carry a little cash for smaller places. Save the Chinese name of Wukang Mansion, 武康大楼, in a local map app before you set off.