Wukang Road

Wukang Road (武康路) is a 1.18-km tree-lined street in Shanghai's former French Concession, Xuhui District, celebrated as the city's most charming avenue. Anchored by the iconic 1924 Wukang Mansion, it strings together dozens of protected European-style villas, independent cafés, boutiques, and the former residences of writer Ba Jin and revolutionary Huang Xing.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cafés and spots to eat near Wukang Road?

The street and its side roads are dense with independent cafés and restaurants. Frequently cited options include % Arabica (Japanese specialty coffee directly across from Wukang Mansion), LOKAL (brunch with garden seating), and New Lee's Restaurant (新利查西菜馆), a century-old establishment known for curry chicken. Anfu Road, one block north, adds bakeries and vintage stores.

What is Wukang Mansion and why is everyone photographing it?

Wukang Mansion (武康大楼), formerly the Normandie Apartments, is a wedge-shaped, 8-storey French Renaissance–Art Deco building designed by Hungarian architect László Hudec and completed in 1924. Its ship-bow silhouette at the intersection of Wukang Road and Huaihai Middle Road makes it Shanghai's most-photographed corner. The ground floor now houses cafés and boutiques while upper floors remain residential.

What architectural styles can I see on Wukang Road?

The street is nicknamed the 'Building Group of Small-scale Residences of Various Countries' because its more than 50 protected historic buildings span French, Italian, Spanish, British, and Art Deco styles. Notable examples include the Spanish-style Ba Jin residence (No. 113), the former Italian Consulate (No. 390), and the French Renaissance Wukang Mansion.

Can I visit Ba Jin's former residence on Wukang Road?

Ba Jin's former residence is at 113 Wukang Road. It has been open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–16:30 (closed Mondays) and requires a free reservation via the official WeChat account. Check current status before visiting, as the residence has undergone renovation periods and temporary closures.

What is the Tourist Information Center on Wukang Road?

The Wukang Road Tourist Information Center is located at 393A Wukang Road inside the former residence of revolutionary Huang Xing, an Art Deco building from 1933. It is open Monday–Friday 09:00–17:00 and Saturday/public holidays 09:00–20:30. It offers free guided tours, self-guided walking route maps, historical photo exhibitions, and luggage storage.

How do I get to Wukang Road by metro?

Take Metro Line 10 or Line 11 to Jiaotong University Station (Exit 3) and walk about 8 minutes south along Huaihai Road to reach Wukang Mansion at the southern end of the street. Alternatively, Line 1 or Line 7 to Changshu Road Station (Exit 4) is a 10–12-minute walk through shaded streets.

Is there an entrance fee to walk Wukang Road?

The entire street is free to enter with no reservation needed. Wukang Mansion's exterior is also free to view. Individual indoor attractions such as the Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling charge ¥20 admission and are closed on Mondays.

How long is Wukang Road and what is the best walking route?

The road stretches approximately 1,183 metres from Huashan Road in the north to Huaihai Middle Road in the south. Most visitors start at Wukang Mansion at the southern end, walk north along Wukang Road, then turn east at Anfu Road for cafés and boutiques — a total circuit of about 2.5 km.

Nearby in Ask Shanghai

• Avocado LadyMarket0.45 km · 6 min walk
• Old JesseRestaurant0.54 km · 7 min walk
• Former French Concession Street Walk (Wukang Road to Anfu Road)Attraction0.63 km · 8 min walk
• Oha EateryCafé0.9 km · 11 min walk
• Bar No. 3Bar0.98 km · 12 min walk