One of my favourite pastimes is grabbing a coffee, my camera and simply walking around Shanghai 上海. The city offers an endless and unique diversity with unmissable features every step of the way. And while the preferred method of transport is usually the metro or taxi, the authentic and true Shanghai 上海 is best enjoyed on foot. Catch every detail as you follow this city walk route around some of Shanghai’s 上海 most popular, authentic and beautiful locations.

Starting Point

1 - The Bund, East Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 上海外滩，中山东路

Begin your city walk at none other than The Bund 外滩. With unbeatable views of the infamous Lujiazui 陆家嘴 across the Huangpu River 黄浦江, this spot is home to some of Shanghai’s 上海 most renowned attractions. Admire traditional French architecture along The Bund 外滩 and watch shipping boats travel towards the East China Sea 东中国海. You can spot the Oriental Pearl Tower 东方明珠塔 and Shanghai Tower 上海大厦 from afar and begin to understand how Shanghai 上海 transformed into the modern financial world hub it is today. If you’re looking to experience the stark contrast between what Shanghai 上海 was twenty years ago compared to now, you simply must just admire this area from every perspective. From newly-built, soaring skyscrapers to historic architecture with European influence, this area perhaps best represents the Shanghai 上海 we know today.

Next, leave The Bund 外滩 and move to East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street 南京东路步行街. Here, gaze into illuminating billboards and be surrounded by crowds of eager shoppers. Here, you can experience the true busyness of Shanghai 上海 as people shop, commute and walk. With an interesting mix of high-end fashion chains versus traditional stores, something will captivate you in every direction. Explore floors worth of authentic Shanghainese food or visit a traditional Chinese medicine hub. With foot-traffic only, you can take your time and enjoy every second of this unmissable street. Continue here until the start of People’s Square 人民广场 at Middle Xizang Road 西藏中路. Note: don’t be afraid to detour to neighboring streets as these also offer some also have great detail.

Upon arrival at People’s Square 人民广场, take a walk around the beautiful People’s Park 人民公园. Shanghai Museum 上海博物馆 is not to be missed and you can experience the surrounding greenery in the heart of Shanghai 上海. From People’s Square 人民广场, follow directions to the nearby Yu Garden 豫园 and City God Temple 城隍庙. As an area of spectacular tradition and rich history, this will transport you to old Shanghai 上海. Try delicious local food and explore the historic alleyways. Once finished, Shanghai Old Street 上海老街 is right next door and deserves a glance. At this point, the city walk leaves Huangpu District 黄浦区 and moves to section two. Where to next?

2 - Xintiandi and South Shaanxi 新天地和陕南

Both of these areas offer an incredibly unique mix of modern Shanghai 上海 and authentic China 中国. With soaring skyscrapers rivalled by French-style lane houses and hanging trees, the walk into Xuhui District 徐汇区 is one which will transport you to another side of Shanghai 上海. Enjoy this part of the city walk with a coffee in hand and your camera at the ready - you won’t want to miss the beautiful details. When visiting this area, there are many excellent options for restaurants and cafes. If you’re looking to shop, this is your place.

First, follow Huaihai Road 淮海路 to the contemporary Xintiandi 新天地. Experience rich history at The Site of the First CPC National Congress 中国共产党第一次全国代表大会会址 and surrounding details. Explore the freshness of Taipingqiao Park or luxury shopping in one of several high-end malls. With a fascinating combination of culture, history and innovation, Xintiandi 新天地 is unlike any other area in Shanghai 上海.

Next, shift into the South Shaanxi Road 陕西南路 area with a short walk to Fuxing Park 复兴公园. This park allows dogs and is the only perfect place to relax on a sunny day. Start your pathway into South Shaanxi Road 陕西南路 by following Middle Fuxing Road 复兴中路. Admire overhanging trees that follow an endless number of traditional lane houses. Peer into the oldest parts of the city. Watch as locals go about their day. In this culturally rich area, the old Shanghai 上海 feels more prominent than ever. Whilst walking along Middle Fuxing Road 复兴中路, be sure to photograph the stunning greenery and architecture. Take your time enjoying the quaint and quiet ambience of this area and become immersed in the authentic downtown Shanghai 上海.

3) Xuhui and French Concession 徐汇和法租界

Next, it’s time to explore the endless alleyways and hanging trees of Xuhui 徐辉 district. Start this adventure on Yongkang Road 永康路 and it’s unbeatable coffee scene. With traditional architecture and local boutiques, nothing feels more traditional than the Former French Concession 旧法租界. From Yongkang Road 永康路, follow straight down to Yongjia Road 永嘉路. Enjoy greenery, history, architecture and shopping as you make your way down these authentic backstreets. Capture street photography from every angle and find endless details.

4)Ending Point - Wukang Mansion 武康大厦

End in this beautiful, historic section of the Former French Concession 旧法租界. After enjoying a walk down the infamous Wukang Road 武康路, you’ll eventually find yourself admiring the popular spot of Wukang Mansion 武康大厦. This area is renowned for traditional European architecture and an interesting array of local boutiques, restaurants and stores. Find photo opportunities at every corner and finish your city walk in the calm streets of Xuhui District 徐汇区.

Details

Distance… 7km

Time… Allow 3 to 4 hours

Best Season… Spring or Autumn

Stop at… Sinan Mansions; Fuxing Park; People’s Park; Shanghai Museum; Historic Former Residences; Xiangyang Park; Shanghai Customs House; Music Square

Shanghai City Walk 上海城市漫步

MOLLY ROSE