Wukang Road

Historical Overview
Wukang Road’s history dates to the early 20th century when Shanghai’s French Concession expanded. Named after a British diplomat, it became a hub for Western expatriates and Chinese elites. Many villas here were designed by Hungarian architect László Hudec, whose works define Shanghai’s Art Deco skyline. The road witnessed the rise of Shanghai’s literary scene in the 1930s–1940s, with writers like Ba Jin and Zhou Enlai residing nearby. Post-1949, it transitioned into a residential area, and since the 2000s, it has evolved into a cultural hotspot, blending historic preservation with contemporary art and dining.

Structural Layout
Wukang Road runs northwest-southeast, connecting Huaihai Middle Road to Yan’an Road. Its layout features:

• Northern Section (Huaihai Middle Road to Taian Road): Dominated by grand villas and the iconic Wukang Building.
• Southern Section (Taian Road to Yan’an Road): Characterized by smaller shikumen (stone-gate) houses and modern cafés.
• Key Landmarks: Wukang Building (No. 1175), Former Residence of Huang Xing (No. 393), and Wukang Road Tourism Information Center (No. 395).
• Side Streets: Intersecting lanes like Wuyuan Road and Taian Road offer hidden galleries and boutiques.

Major Attractions

Wukang Building (Normandie Apartment): A 1924 Art Deco landmark, once Shanghai’s tallest residential building, offering rooftop views.

Former Residence of Ba Jin: The Nobel Prize-nominated writer’s home (No. 113), now a museum displaying his manuscripts and personal items.

Wukang Road Tourism Information Center: A restored villa with exhibits on the road’s history and interactive maps.

Shanghai Song Concert Hall: A 1930s jazz-era venue hosting live music and theater.

Plum Mansion (Meiling Villa): A 1936 Spanish-style villa with a courtyard garden, now a luxury boutique hotel.

Element Fresh Café: A historic 1940s café where intellectuals once gathered, now serving modern brunch.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
Start at Wukang Building → Walk south to Ba Jin’s Residence → Visit Tourism Information Center → Explore Plum Mansion → End at Element Fresh Café
Highlights: Architectural icons and literary history.

Cultural Deep Dive (3–4 hours):
Start at Shanghai Song Concert Hall → Guided tour of Wukang Building → Visit Huang Xing’s Former Residence → Explore side-street galleries → Coffee break at %Arabica → End at Ba Jin Museum
Highlights: Music, art, and revolutionary history.

Full-Day Experience (6–7 hours):
Morning: Wukang Building rooftop photos → Ba Jin Museum → Lunch at Lost Heaven (Yunnan fusion).
Afternoon: Guided architecture tour → tea ceremony at Plum Mansion → Evening jazz at Shanghai Song Concert Hall.
Highlights: Culinary, artistic, and historical immersion.

Ticket Purchase

Free Entry: Wukang Road itself is open to the public.

Paid Attractions:

Ba Jin Museum: ¥20 (adults), ¥10 (students).

Wukang Building Rooftop: ¥30 (includes guided tour).

Shanghai Song Concert Hall: Tickets vary by event (¥80–300).

Online: Book rooftop tours via Trip.com or Ba Jin Museum’s WeChat.

On-Site: Purchase tickets at attraction entrances.

Transportation

By Subway: Line 10/11: Jiaotong University Station (Exit 2), walk 10 minutes. Line 1: Changshu Road Station (Exit 7), walk 15 minutes.

By Bus: Routes 26, 911, 920, or 926 to Huaihai Middle Road Wukang Road Stop.

By Taxi: Direct to “武康路” (Wukang Road).

Bike Rental: Use Mobike or HelloBike for short rides between attractions.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid weekends 11 AM–3 PM; visit weekday mornings for quieter strolls.

Crowds: Evenings (5–8 PM) are lively but crowded; early mornings offer photogenic empty streets.

Weather: spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are ideal for outdoor walks.

Essentials:

Wear comfortable shoes (10,000+ steps possible).

Bring a camera for architectural details and street art.

Try local snacks like “crab roe pastry” from nearby shops.

Prohibited Items: Drones require prior permission; no large bags in museums.

Hidden Gems:

Explore side lanes for graffiti murals.

Visit “RAC Bar” for French cuisine in a historic garage.