The most famous streets in Shanghai remain Nanjing and Huaihai roads — the former a time-honored commercial boulevard that attests to the city’s past prosperity and the latter a popular bar district that demonstrates the city’s modern swagger. But actually, deep within Shanghai’s heart are many other historic streets that are less well known. A visit to these can reveal the city’s past glory at the height of its glamour, and also allow glimpses into the lifestyles of ordinary residents.

Shanghai’s Most Elegant Road

Though insignificant amidst Shanghai’s crisscrossing traffic network, Wukang Road is dubbed the “most elegant old road in Shanghai,” largely because its countless exotic buildings demonstrate endless elegance and remind people of the city’s history as the eastern hub of European business in the early 20th century.  

Located in the former French Concession, the road was constructed in 1907 and initially named Ferguson Road. At the time, in the process of expanding their colonial settlement in Shanghai, France fell into dispute with other countries such as Britain and the United States. The dispute was eventually resolved under the mediation of American missionary John C. Ferguson. The municipal council of the French Concession named the road after him in honor. In October 1943, it was renamed Wukang Road.

Compared with the bustle of nearby Huaihai West Road, Wukang Road is quite tranquil. There are not many pedestrians, and numerous European-style buildings add to the relaxed charm. Each building has a storied past and the road is collectively dubbed “heritage architecture under municipal-level protection.” The buildings are diverse in architectural styles: some are characterized by exquisite Spanish-style pinnacles, and some feature elegant Italian-style semi-round balconies covered with overgrown evergreen vines. Several roadside florists provide color, and shop workers can often be seen napping amongst bouquets. Occasionally, a couple of foreign pedestrians pass by. This tranquil street testifies to Shanghai’s former elegance.