Nostalgia in a Plane-tree-shaded Historic Area

IN the early 20th century plane trees, or sycamores, one of the world’s favorite street trees, stood throughout Shanghai’s French Concession. Today, as you walk through Xujiahui Park you can see the road where abundant plane trees shade the homes of historically prominent social figures.

This serene sanctuary, covering a 7.66 sq km area amid Shanghai’s busy commercial ethos, is known as Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road. Mostly situated in the Xuhui riverside area where stand around 30 well preserved historical streets, these old thoroughfares and their time-honored architectures evoke memories of past eras.

After its opening to the world as a commercial port 170 year ago, people of all walks experienced Shanghai’s vicissitudes, and left their essence in these old houses and alleys. The plane trees that offered shade from heat and rain witnessed the prosperity of the city in the 1930s and 1940s. Known as the “Paris of the East,” Shanghai was a blend of Western and Eastern cultures.

Old Western-style Buildings that Echo the City’s Memories

In many people’s eyes, local Shanghai culture embodies both the spirit and essence of this vibrant metropolis. Culture, the soul of a city, is largely imbued in its architectures reminiscent of past epochs.

Historical constructions on the Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road historic area are in diverse styles. Residents of these tasteful houses and gardens have helped to weave the city’s legends. Widely admired in their heyday, these buildings still hold great appeal for today’s younger generations.

The Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road historic area is both serene and elegant.

The triangular shaped Wukang Mansion, situated at the junction of Middle Huaihai Road and Wukang Road, is one of Shanghai’s most eye-catching landmarks. Designed by outstanding Hungarian architect László Hudec, and home to several dignitaries and famous film artistes it resembles a battle cruiser and was the city’s first veranda-style apartment.