It is just something magical about the sycamore-lined streets of Shanghai in summer. The sunlight filtering through the leaves throws dappled shadows on century-old, European-style houses, creating a scene straight out of a romantic film.
This city walk will take you to some of the most beautiful parts of this city, where you can really experience what makes Haipai culture different. Starting from Jiaotong University and ending at Jing’an Temple, this route encapsulates the charm and history of Shanghai.
CityWalk Route
Metro Xujiahui Station – St. Ignatius Cathedral & Xujiahui Library – Xujiahui Park – Libo Garden & Taiyuan Road and Yongjia Road Intersection – Shanghai Library – Wukang Mansion & Soong Ching Ling’s Former Residence – Wukang Road/Anfu Road/Changle Road/Fumin Road/Julu Road
Chinese version:
地铁徐家汇站➡️圣依纳爵天主教堂&徐家汇书院➡️徐家汇公园➡️丽波花园&太原路与永嘉路交叉口➡️上海图书馆➡️武康大楼&宋庆龄故居➡️武康路/安福路/长乐路/富民路/巨鹿路➡️马勒别墅➡️静安寺
Key Stops on the Route
📍 St. Ignatius Cathedral & Xujiahui Library
- St Ignatius Cathedral: No need for reservation, closed on Mondays, free to enter.
- Xujiahui Library: Beside the cathedral. In the basement is a market, in the first, a 3D-printed model, and on the second, a terrace.
📍 Libo Garden, and Taiyuan Road & Yongjia Road Intersection
- Libo Garden: Among the outdoor features is a romantic angel fountain.
- Intersection of Taiyuan and Yongjia Roads: There is an old house with ivy wrapping it up like in The Secret Garden.
📍 Shanghai Library
Note: If you are running short of time, skip over this stopping point.
📍 Wukang Mansion & Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling
- Wukang Mansion: A sign in the sycamore district, everybody loves to take photos at this Renaissance-era building.
- Soong Ching Ling’s Former Residence: This has to be pre-booked. Directly opposite this is the “Princess House,” a beautiful dwelling which evokes envy as to who dwells there.
- After a look at Wukang Mansion, one continues to walk along Wukang Road and enters the Hengfu Historical and Cultural Area, also called the sycamore district. It’s just perfect for all kinds of photography: old houses, brunch places, indie bookshops, cafés, interesting exhibitions, and vintage shops. The coolness of vibes and the openness around these parts are surely unmissable.
📍 Moller Villa
Enter from Julu Road, then head further north of Shaanxi South Road. You’ll be able to grab a peek of the overhead shot of this garden maze villa through the overpass here.
📍 Jing’an Temple
The pedestrian bridge on the east side of the Wheelock Square offers a panoramic view of the Jing’an Temple and the bustle down below. Every sunset, the temple illuminates, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Route Details
Overall Distance: Approximately 10 km
Preferred Mode: Combining cycling and walking
If you have the time⌛️, keep walking through the district along Nanjing West Road as you take in People’s Park (with the Shanghai Natural History Museum and Shanghai Museum) and head over Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street all the way to The Bund. The route is lined with a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern-day vibrancy that characterizes Shanghai in its own unique way.