“Experience does for the soul what education does for the mind.”
Wukang Road
The best place for a good citywalk and deep exploration about this city is right here is WuKang Road.
Wukang Road is a historic and picturesque street located in the former French Concession area of Shanghai. Wukang Road is situated in the heart of the former French Concession, an area known for its unique blend of European and Chinese architecture and culture. The road is lined with many well-preserved, Western-style villas and mansions built during the early 20th century, reflecting a mix of Art Deco, French Renaissance, and modernist styles. Wukang Road has become a creative and cultural hub, with art galleries, boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants attracting both locals and tourists. The area is dedicated to preserving the cultural and historical heritage of Shanghai, making it a popular destination for those interested in the city's past. The road is dotted with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal while soaking in the historic ambiance.
Wukang Road is a blend of historical charm and modern creativity, making it a must-visit destination in Shanghai.
Wukang Mansion (武康大楼)
Wukang Mansion, also known as the Wukang Building or Normandie Apartments, is a historic apartment building located in the former French Concession area of Shanghai.
Designed by the Hungarian Slovak architect László Hudec, the building was completed in 1924. The building is designed in the French Renaissance style and is the oldest veranda-style apartment building in Shanghai.
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| the crowd will be even bigger in later afternoon. |
Over the years, Wukang Mansion has been home to many celebrities, intellectuals, and artists, including famous actors and actresses from Shanghai's film industry during the Republic of China era.
Wukang Mansion is not only a beautiful architectural landmark but also a testament to Shanghai's rich history and cultural heritage.
Wukang Road in Shanghai is known for its charming old buildings, many of which have historical and architectural significance. Read more, to see what are the historical quaint buildings that caught my eyes.
Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply a leisurely stroll, it offers a unique and enriching experience.
They possess an aesthetic charm with features like steeply pitched roofs, gabled dormers, ornate facades, stained glass windows, and decorative elements.
These buildings are usually constructed with high-quality materials and feature intricate craftsmanship, including detailed woodwork, stone carvings, and wrought iron fixtures.
Many historical quaint buildings have been adapted for modern uses, such as museums, galleries, boutique hotels, cafes, and shops, while preserving their original charm.
Efforts are often made to restore and preserve these buildings to maintain their historical integrity and ensure they remain a part of the community.
Romeo's Balcony
Romeo's Balcony is a charming spot located at 210 Wukang Road in Shanghai. It's a Spanish-style villa built in 1928, known for its unique balcony design that resembles something out of a romantic love scene of Shakespeare.
Although it has no connection to Shakespeare's Verona, its romantic atmosphere has made it a popular spot for tourists and photographers. The villa is designed in the Spanish style, featuring a distinctive iron balcony that has become an iconic photo spot.
The balcony's design and the surrounding architecture give it a romantic ambiance, which has earned it the nickname "Romeo's Balcony.
Chinese Parasol Tree (梧桐树)
梧桐树 in English is called the Chinese parasol tree, this is commonly found in this area.
This tree is known for its large, lobed leaves and smooth, greenish bark, and is often planted for its shade and ornamental value in parks and along streets.
In China, the tree is often associated with the mythological phoenix and is considered a symbol of renewal and transformation. The leaves of this tree are large and lobed, somewhat resembling the shape of maple leaves, but they are typically broader and more rounded. They have a glossy texture and can be quite large, often measuring up to a foot across.
In winter, the Chinese Parasol Tree sheds its leaves, as it is a deciduous tree. During this time, the tree's structure becomes more visible, showcasing its smooth, greenish-gray bark and the intricate branching pattern. The large, lobed leaves that provide shade in the warmer months are absent, giving the tree a more skeletal appearance.
Without its leaves, the tree still maintains its ornamental value due to its unique bark and overall shape. The bare branches can create an interesting silhouette against the winter sky. It is also easily spotted in AnFu Road, WuLuMuQi Road and even along Huai Hai Middle Road too!
These pretty leaves are found on the ground. In autumn, the leaves of the Chinese Parasol Tree (Firmiana simplex) undergo a beautiful transformation. As the seasons change and temperatures cool, the bright green leaves turn a striking golden-yellow color. This change creates a stunning visual display that stands out in gardens and landscapes. The large, palmate leaves can be up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) across, providing a dramatic contrast to the tree's brownish-gray bark. The combination of the vibrant yellow leaves and the tree's unique structure makes it a picturesque sight during the fall season.
The leaves eventually drop, creating a carpet of golden foliage around the base of the tree. This natural mulch can help protect the tree's roots and enrich the soil as it decomposes. However, some gardeners prefer to collect and compost the leaves to keep the area tidy.
AnFu Road (安福路)
AnFu Road (安福路) in Shanghai is a charming and trendy street located in the former French Concession area, specifically in the Xuhui District. This 850-meter stretch is known for its tree-lined sidewalks, which are shaded by century-old parasol trees, creating a picturesque and relaxing atmosphere. AnFu Road is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, offering a mix of trendy eateries, cozy coffeehouses, intimate wine bars, boutique shops, and modern interior decor stores. AnFu Road is also known for its cultural and historical significance. The area showcases a diverse array of architectural styles, from Art Deco to Spanish-inspired designs, making it a paradise for architecture enthusiasts. The street's unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures reflects Shanghai's rich history as an international metropolis.
HARMAY
HARMAY is a popular cosmetics and beauty store in Shanghai, it's known for its design-led retail space and carries a wide range of beauty products, including its own brand and exclusive foreign brands.
Anfu Road in Shanghai is renowned for its charming tree-lined streets, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
The trees form a natural canopy over the road, making it a favorite spot for leisurely strolls and photography.
This area is not just about the greenery; it's also home to trendy cafes, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants, adding to its vibrant yet tranquil vibe. It's a perfect blend of urban chic and natural beauty.
WuLuMuQi Road (乌鲁木齐路)
WuLuMuQi Road (乌鲁木齐路) is a historic and vibrant street in Shanghai, stretching through the former French Concession and the International Settlement. The road is divided into three sections: WuLuMuQi North Road, WuLuMuQi Middle Road, and WuLuMuQi South Road. Each section has its own unique charm and history.
福达精品蟹行 (Fu Da)
The name of the shop said it is a crab shop that is specializes in hairy crab which is known as 大闸蟹 in Chinese.
Hairy crab season typically runs from late September up to the beginning of early December. The crabs originated as a delicacy among the Shanghainese community but have gained popularity in Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Chinese communities as well.
The owner turns to selling various nuts between January and to August.
I like the way Fu Da present the shop and the way they present displayed products; they are very traditional and modest.
There is also another similar shop selling various nut along Huai Hai Middle Road, but the price is much higher than Fu Da.
It is selling 500g at CNY11 but too much for me and seller is ok to sell me at 250g at CNY5 which is SGD1, it is still warm at the time of my purchase, indeed full of aroma of the freshly fried peanuts.
Below photo, I got it from Baidu which showed the original look of the shop.
Here are few more interesting shops I came across here.
The yummies that we ate here in Shanghai are updated in the other blog: Gastronomic Shanghai China and our 2024 trip to the Pearl of Orient.
We spent a weekend in Hangzhou and the blogs are listed here:
1) Legendary Hangzhou @ China
Lastly, here is the video to share the one-bedroom suite of Ascott Residence Huai Hai Middle Road.
This is our first trip of 2025, we had travelled quite a bit in 2024:
11) "Sabuy "Mon Jam
12) "Sabuy' Mae Rim
Feel free, you are most welcome to browse through my other blogs to France, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and cruises etc.
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Thanks, and Cheers
"I travel because seeing photos in books and brochures was not good enough for me, To be there, that was everything"
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