Nostalgia in a Plane-tree-shaded Historic Area

Side Streets: A Reason Why the City Inspires Such Love

Despite its location in a busy downtown area, the Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road historic area is both serene and elegant. The deeper you explore, the more you discover its charms.

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

Among the side streets deep in this area, Wukang Road is most associated with legends of the city’s past. Previously known as Route Ferguson, this road holds the highest density of Shanghai’s old constructions.

Broad Hunan Road extends diagonally, aloof from the hustle and bustle. A stroll along it may help city dwellers rediscover their inner peace.

Dongping Road is the ideal place for lovers to cherish time together. Half of this 500-meter-long road is occupied by restaurants and recreation centers remodeled from the former residences of social celebrities. The other half, however, is still home to the local common people. This traditional, friendly neighborhood exemplifies the simple but contented daily life of its residents.

There is a well preserved short stone passage on the Taojiang Road. Just 200 meters in length, its flagstones bring back local people’s childhood memories. Lovers might also enjoy strolling here under its old-style lamps.

“Poetic” is perhaps the most appropriate description of Yongfu Road, an uplifting arcadia shaded by luxuriant plane trees.

Pub-goers should make a beeline for Hengshan Road – the city’s biggest bar street. Numerous pubs in old European-style buildings and graceful courtyards offer the best of Shanghai’s convivial nightlife.

Short and narrow, it takes less than 10 minutes to walk through Wuyuan Road. Its east side has the earthy feel of everyday people going about their business, while the west side gives an impression of grandeur, which has been frequently mentioned in the works of several famous writers.

Historic Area, a Microcosm of City Life

The Hengshan Road-Fuxing Road historic area cannot be described in a nutshell. It has absorbed the generosity and energy of a wide range of Chinese and overseas culture. A hub of innovative workshops, art studios, cafes, and historical architectures, the area merges new and old, traditional and contemporary, nostalgia and modernity. Traditional Shanghai-style life and culture intersects here perfectly with up-to-the-minute fashion. It is a place for retrospection while looking to the future. Moreover, it constitutes an archetype of sustainable urbanization. No matter how long one stays away, upon returning memories of this area are instantly rekindled.

XU ZHI is a freelance writer.