Shanghai is a city that thrives on blending the old with the new, where history, culture, and modernity meet in the most unexpected ways. One of the best ways to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling metropolis is through a city walk. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these four carefully curated routes will lead you through Shanghai’s most photogenic spots, hidden gems, and lively streets. Get ready to discover the best of Shanghai on foot with these four classic city walk routes.
Route 1: Jing’an Temple ➡️ Maoming Villa ➡️ Huaihai Middle Road ➡️ Sinan Mansions ➡️ Xintiandi ➡️ Shanghai Museum (People’s Square)
Jing’an Temple: Start your journey at the tranquil yet grand Jing’an Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple nestled in the heart of the city. With its luxurious architecture and peaceful ambiance, it’s a perfect spot for some serene moments. (Admission ticket required).
Maoming Villa: Next, stroll down to the Maoming Villa, a historical castle-like villa that will make you feel like you’re stepping into another era. The villa’s charming exterior and surrounding walls provide an excellent backdrop for photos.
Sinan Mansions: Walk along the Sinan Mansions, a leafy area filled with European-style garden villas. It’s a peaceful haven in the middle of the city, where you can admire the lush greenery and take in the architectural beauty.
Xintiandi: Xintiandi is Shanghai’s chic pedestrian street where modern shops, restaurants, and bars line the streets, making it the perfect place to eat, drink, and shop.
Shanghai Museum (People’s Square): End your walk with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, located in the heart of People’s Square. It’s free to visit, but make sure to book a ticket via their official WeChat account in advance.
Route 2: Yuyuan Road ➡️ Anfu Road ➡️ Wulumuqi Middle Road ➡️ Wuyuan Road ➡️ Wukang Road ➡️ Wukang Building
Yuyuan Road: Yuyuan Road is a hidden gem, filled with unique spots to snap some great photos. A trendy street with a blend of modern and traditional vibes, it’s a favorite among fashionistas and photography enthusiasts.
Anfu Road: Known for its quirky art and cultural stores, Anfu Road is home to many creative shops such as LOOKNOW&FLOW, WiggleWiggle, and More Grab Fish, perfect for those who love to explore niche stores and snap some cool photos.
Wulumuqi Middle Road: A must-visit street for vintage lovers, Wulumuqi Middle Road offers a wide range of boutiques including Tagi, UOOYAA, and a lovely Azabuys matcha ice cream stand.
Wuyuan Road: This street is home to the Bisous Vintage Jewelry store and SUK jewelry boutique, where you’ll find vintage treasures and unique items to take home.
Wukang Road & Wukang Building: Finish your walk with a visit to the iconic Wukang Building, a historic structure that’s known for its classical architecture. The surrounding area is a photographer’s paradise, offering plenty of opportunities for stunning shots.
Route 3: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ Post Museum ➡️ Waibaidu Bridge ➡️ Peace Hotel ➡️ Bund Architecture ➡️ The Bund
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: This bustling shopping street is one of Shanghai’s busiest. With an impressive mix of traditional and modern architecture, it offers everything from high-end malls to charming local shops.
Post Museum: The Post Museum is another photo-worthy spot, where you can get a glimpse of Shanghai’s postal history. The exterior is perfect for snapping pictures, especially with the Shanghai Four Bund Buildings in the background.
Waibaidu Bridge: Known for its stunning views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund, the Waibaidu Bridge is an essential stop on this walk. It’s one of the most iconic photo spots in Shanghai.
Peace Hotel: The Peace Hotel is a landmark on the Bund. With its dazzling lights in the evening, this is a perfect spot for a post-sunset walk and to admire the beauty of Shanghai’s skyline.
The Bund: Finally, end your city walk with a stroll along the Bund. The view of the colonial-era buildings juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers across the river is breathtaking, especially when the lights come on in the evening.
Route 4: Hongkou Football Stadium ➡️ Lu Xun Memorial Hall ➡️ Sweet Love Road ➡️ Sichuan North Road ➡️ Confucius Temple ➡️ Neishan Bookstore ➡️ Duolun Modern Art Museum
Lu Xun Memorial Hall: Start your walk with a visit to the Lu Xun Memorial Hall, a place dedicated to one of China’s most prominent writers. It’s free to visit and you can even collect stamps as a souvenir.
Sweet Love Road: Known for its charming heart-shaped traffic lights and graffiti walls, Sweet Love Road is a romantic spot where you can snap some cute photos. The Sweet Love Postbox is a popular attraction here.
Sichuan North Road: Sichuan North Road is a vibrant area full of street art, local shops, and food stalls. The colorful walls here make it an ideal place for photography.
Confucius Temple: As you continue your journey, stop by the Confucius Temple for a moment of reflection. Its calm atmosphere contrasts with the bustling streets of the city.
Neishan Bookstore & Duolun Modern Art Museum: The Neishan Bookstore is a quiet retreat for book lovers, and nearby Duolun Modern Art Museum showcases contemporary art exhibitions in an industrial-style building.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a unique way to explore the city, these four classic city walk routes in Shanghai are perfect for discovering the city’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Lace up your shoes, grab your camera, and immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Shanghai, one step at a time!