Shanghai City Walk Guide: Wukang Road – Anfu Road [EP.2]

If we are talking about the chicest and most stylish neighborhoods in Shanghai right now, Wukang Road and Anfu Road definitely have to be on the list. And it is not only among tourists. These two streets are also where Chinese Gen Z, stylish young locals, and creative crowds love to come for a full day of walking, café hopping, shopping, and street-style photos.

The charm of this area lies in the perfect balance between old European-style buildings full of character, stylish little shops lining the streets, and a relaxed yet fashionable atmosphere. Walk just a few steps and you will keep finding new corners worth stopping for photos. So it is no surprise that Wukang Road and Anfu Road have become one of the favorite hangout areas among Shanghai’s Gen Z crowd in recent years. In this review, I’m taking you to explore these two connected streets, an easy and comfortable city-walk route that is packed with photo spots and definitely made for anyone who loves Instagram-friendly neighborhoods.

Getting to Know Wukang Road – Anfu Road

Wukang Road and Anfu Road are located in Xuhui District and form one of the most important areas of Shanghai’s former French Concession. If we go back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was once a residential neighborhood for foreigners, diplomats, and the upper class. Many of the buildings here were designed in European styles, from Neoclassical and Art Deco to Renaissance-inspired architecture, with a street layout that emphasized quiet living rather than commercial activity.

In the past, Wukang Road was a leafy street filled with large trees and old buildings with strong character, continuing toward Anfu Road, which was also once a quiet residential street without much flashiness. Because of that, this area used to have an image of being calm, refined, and rather private. But over the past few years, these two streets have clearly transformed. Many old buildings have been renovated into cafés, fashion boutiques, and stylish lifestyle brands, while still preserving their original façades and atmosphere. That is what gives this neighborhood such a balanced mix of classic charm and contemporary energy.

Today, Wukang Road and Anfu Road have become popular hangout spots for young Chinese locals, creative professionals, and fashion-loving crowds who come here to walk, sit in cafés, shop, and take street-style photos throughout the day. The vibe is relaxed but chic, easy to walk, never too rushed, and filled with photo spots that seem to appear every few steps. That is exactly why Wukang Road and Anfu Road have become one of the most enjoyable city-walk routes in Shanghai right now.

Shanghai City Walk Route: Wukang Road – Anfu Road

This Shanghai city-walk route starts at Wukang Mansion. From there, we slowly walk along Wukang Road, soaking in the atmosphere of old houses, mature trees, and small shops along the way. Then we take a coffee break at % Arabica Wukang Road, a popular café that makes a perfect little stop before continuing toward Anfu Road. Once on Anfu Road, there are several fun places to stop for photos and browse around, from the colorful Wiggle Wiggle store to 13DE MARZO, the viral bear-themed café that has become a favorite on Chinese social media. This is a relaxed way to explore Shanghai: just follow the street, let the neighborhood set the pace, and enjoy the atmosphere. I really believe many people will love this route.

Wukang Mansion

If we are talking about the landmark that defines the Wukang Road area, it has to be Wukang Mansion. This is the building where Chinese girls, local visitors, and international tourists all seem to stop for check-in photos all day long. It is easily one of the hottest photo spots in Shanghai right now.

Originally, this building was called the Normandie Apartment. It was completed in 1924 and designed by László Hudec, the Hungarian-Slovak architect who left behind many important buildings across Shanghai. Later, the building was renamed Wukang Mansion after the road, and that is the name most people know today.

The most distinctive feature of Wukang Mansion is its triangular shape, perfectly positioned at the corner of an intersection. The design takes influence from French Renaissance and Art Deco architecture, combined with brick walls that give the building a very classic European feel. When you stand back and look at it from a distance, it almost feels like you have been transported to a European city rather than standing in the middle of Shanghai.

The ground floor of the building now houses shops, cafés, and small stores, while the upper floors are still real residential spaces where people live. That is another part of its charm. Wukang Mansion is not just a photo landmark; it is still a living building that continues to be used in everyday life.

The most popular photo angle of Wukang Mansion is from the opposite side of the street, with two main corners where you can frame the entire building. From here, you can capture the whole façade beautifully in one shot. But let me warn you: it is extremely popular, especially from late morning to afternoon. I had to stand and wait quite a while for the crowd to clear, but once I got the photo, it was worth it. Just seeing the picture, many people would instantly know that this is Shanghai.

For me, Wukang Mansion is a perfect starting point for this Shanghai City Walk. The vibe of the building and its surroundings feels like a doorway into the Wukang Road–Anfu Road neighborhood, making you fall into the charm of the area from the very first step.

Wukang Road

Just a few steps from the intersection in front of Wukang Mansion, we continue along the street on the left side of the mansion, which is Wukang Road. This beautiful street is known as one of Shanghai’s most classic and charming roads, with leafy trees lining the way, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of shops waiting to be explored.

Wukang Road was established in 1907 and was originally called Route Ferguson, named after John Calvin Ferguson, a Canadian scholar who played an important role in modern education in China. In 1943, the road was renamed Wukang Road after Wukang, a town in Zhejiang Province. Back then, both sides of the street were developed as a residential area for wealthy Chinese families as well as foreigners living in Shanghai.

The charm of this street comes from the large trees lining both sides, filtering the sunlight and making the walk comfortable. The sidewalks are wide enough to stroll without feeling cramped, so you can walk slowly and enjoy the surroundings. The houses and buildings along the road are also beautifully preserved. Many of them are old European-style buildings combining Art Deco, Renaissance, and Neoclassical elements. If you love architecture or design, you can keep walking and looking around without getting bored at all.

Besides its classic atmosphere, Wukang Road today feels much more lively. Small shops, craft stores, cafés, and restaurants are tucked along the street, giving you plenty of places to stop, rest, take photos, or sit down for coffee. If you visit during the year-end festive season, many shops decorate their storefronts with festive ornaments, Santa figures, and Christmas trees along the street. Honestly, it is unbelievably cute.

One of the notable cafés on Wukang Road where you can sit down for coffee and rest your legs is Gathering, although I did not get to try it because the queue was very long. There is also a Le Labo store right nearby, adding even more stylish energy to the neighborhood.

Some of the buildings that remain private residences are protected behind gates and fences. It is said that several of these houses were once home to writers, politicians, and important cultural figures in China. Because of its historical value and well-preserved atmosphere, Wukang Road has been listed as a cultural conservation area, and many of its buildings are officially protected by the Shanghai authorities.

% Arabica Wukang Road

After walking along Wukang Road for a while, I wanted a caffeine break, so I stopped by % Arabica on Wukang Road. This branch is tucked quietly inside Ferguson Lane. If you are worried about missing it, just pin the shop name on Amap and follow the route. It is not hard to find.

Many people may not know that % Arabica originally comes from Kyoto, Japan. The Wukang Road branch is not very large and is located toward the back of the complex. In front of the shop is an open wooden deck next to a wall covered in green leaves, creating a calm atmosphere that feels completely different from the busy pedestrian flow on Wukang Road outside. It is a lovely spot to sip fragrant, good coffee, recharge, and get ready to continue walking toward Anfu Road. Just sitting here for a few minutes was enough to reset my mood and give me energy for the rest of the walk.

Anfu Road

From the calm, leafy atmosphere of Wukang Road, the rhythm changes almost immediately once we enter Anfu Road, which connects directly nearby. Anfu Road itself is a hip street that has become one of the most popular hangout areas for young Chinese locals in recent years. If you want to walk, eat, shop, and observe real local street fashion, this street is the answer.

Anfu Road has its roots in the French Concession era. It was originally a residential street for foreigners and wealthy Chinese families before gradually changing over time from a quiet road into a street that blends homes, shops, and small businesses together. What I really like is that even though it has become popular, Anfu Road still preserves its old buildings and classic atmosphere. It has not been completely replaced by new developments.

One of the stores that adds a lot of color to Anfu Road is Wiggle Wiggle, a bright and playful Korean lifestyle brand that feels like stepping into another world the moment you enter. It is perfect for browsing, taking photos, and accidentally spending more time than expected. Another spot that has made this street especially popular is 13DE MARZO, a cute bear-themed café with a playful atmosphere that has become a meeting point for young Chinese locals and café lovers. Many people order a drink, then head out to walk around Anfu Road while waiting for their queue.

13DE MARZO Anfu Road Branch

One shop on Anfu Road that will definitely catch your eye is 13DE MARZO, a super popular café among stylish young Chinese girls. Even just walking past the front of the shop, you can tell this place is not ordinary. The store occupies two floors. The first floor is a café, while the second floor is a clothing store for the 13DE MARZO brand itself. Many people may not know that 13DE MARZO actually started as a Chinese fashion brand that became very popular among young streetwear lovers. The brand is known for its playful, childlike cuteness reinterpreted through an adult lens, with its little bear character becoming the main symbol of the brand’s world.

I visited Shanghai at the end of the year, and 13DE MARZO was fully decorated for Christmas. There was a bear in a Santa costume appearing from the second floor, another bear dressed like a Christmas tree on the ground floor, and cute decorations everywhere. Walking around and taking photos was so fun because almost every corner was camera-ready. You can explore and take photos from the café on the first floor all the way up to the clothing store on the second floor.

The popularity of this café is not only about its decoration. It is also known for signature drinks that come with a little bear doll attached to the cup, which you can take home as a souvenir. Almost everyone who orders one has to take photos before drinking. The shop is lively all the time. To be honest, though, the popularity comes with a very long wait. When I visited, after ordering through Alipay, the system clearly showed a wait time of around 75 minutes. If you are in a hurry or do not want to wait, I recommend skipping this café. But if you have time, you can order first, then continue walking around Anfu Road while waiting.

The drink itself was not as expensive as I expected, and you also get the little bear as a souvenir. Taste-wise, I personally found it just okay, but the real highlight of this café is the experience, the cuteness, and the fun of taking photos. If you order a drink and end up waiting a long time like I did, there is another colorful store nearby on Anfu Road that is perfect for killing time while the little bears slowly prepare your coffee inside. Next, I’m taking you to Wiggle Wiggle.

Wiggle Wiggle Anfu Road Branch

While waiting for the 13DE MARZO drink to be slowly prepared, there is a nearby shop on Anfu Road that is perfect for killing time. And honestly, once you step inside, you might easily lose track of time. That shop is Wiggle Wiggle Anfu Road, which is considered the brand’s flagship store in Shanghai.

The moment I walked into Wiggle Wiggle, I could instantly feel that this place was almost too cute to resist. The shop occupies a multi-story building, and each floor comes in a different colorful theme. Going up floor by floor feels like entering a new little world every time. Every corner has design details, decorations, and photo spots where you can pull out your phone and take pictures. Basically, wherever you stand, you can get fun photos here.

If you have never heard of Wiggle Wiggle before, it is a Korean lifestyle brand known for turning everyday items into playful, colorful, and positive designs. When the brand opened a branch in Shanghai, it fit perfectly with the style of young Chinese locals, especially those who love cute, bold, colorful things that still feel cool in their own way.

The shop sells everything from clothes, bags, hats, phone cases, stationery, and home décor to small cute items that you may accidentally put into your basket without realizing it. Most importantly, the prices are still pretty cute, just like the store’s look, and not so high that you have to think too hard. If you are looking for souvenirs or want some adorable little items to bring home, this place is absolutely perfect.

Shanghai City Walk Summary: Wukang Road – Anfu Road

For me, this Shanghai City Walk route through Wukang Road and Anfu Road is another side of Shanghai that is easy to enjoy without rushing. You simply walk slowly, absorb the atmosphere, watch the people, browse the shops, and experience the city. The route starts with the classic charm of Wukang Mansion, continues through the leafy and calm Wukang Road, then gradually shifts into the livelier rhythm of Anfu Road, filled with young Chinese locals, stylish cafés, lifestyle shops, and the colors of modern city life. Along the way, there are quiet little pauses like % Arabica, cute moments from the bear-themed 13DE MARZO café, and fun places like Wiggle Wiggle that make waiting for coffee feel like part of the experience.

The charm of this route is not only about being beautiful or trendy. It is the feeling that Shanghai is a walkable, lively city where the past and present exist together in one route. It is perfect for anyone who wants a break from the grand scale of Shanghai’s skyscrapers and wants to spend time with a softer, cooler, more approachable version of the city. If you have half a day to a full day and want to see the side of Shanghai where young Chinese locals actually spend time, Wukang Road – Anfu Road is a route worth saving to your list. It is another city walk that may make you fall in love with Shanghai a little more without even realizing it.

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