In Shanghai, if you yearn for a haven enveloped in a sense of ease and relaxation, Wukang Road is undoubtedly the perfect destination. George Bernard Shaw once marveled, "Upon entering this road, even those who do not know how to write poetry are inspired to do so, and those who cannot paint are compelled to take up the brush; the feeling is simply exquisite." Despite being a mere lane stretching a little over a thousand meters, Wukang Road showcases a diverse array of European architectural gems on its flanks.
Romeo's Balcony
Here, you'll find the French Renaissance-inspired Wukang Building, the quaint Spanish-style "Romeo's Balcony", the Former Residence of the esteemed Chinese writer Ba Jin, and the Mediterranean-style Former Italian Consulate General's Mansion, among other architectural wonders. As you leisurely wander through Wukang Road, the gentle sunshine casts its warm glow on the red-tiled roofs and white walls, while the street beneath your feet is paved neatly with bluestones. The air is perfumed with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and your sight is met with the lush green of towering French plane trees. In this idyllic setting, you will undoubtedly feel a profound sense of tranquility and serenity.
Wukang Building
Wukang Road was once part of the French concession in Shanghai after the Opium War. Today, it stands as one of the most emblematic roads of the former French concession. This road bears a strong resemblance to the Parisian style, where you can find the Shanghai versions of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the tree-lined avenues of the Champs-Élysées, and the charming villas and mansions exuding a distinct Southern European flair. Erected in 1924, the Wukang Building is a typical example of French Renaissance architecture, adorned with romantic red bricks and resembling a towering ocean liner at the very beginning of Wukang Road.
Ba Jin's Former Residence
Stepping into Wukang Road, you will soon encounter an old-fashioned foreign-style house. Under the dappled shade of trees, peering through the courtyard and attic, the distant literary figures from the annals of history seem to materialize before your eyes once again. This two-story garden villa with an attic, located at No. 113 Wukang Road, was where Ba Jin spent the longest time in Shanghai. As a pivotal figure in the literary history of China, Ba Jin's Former Residence on Wukang Road was once frequented by numerous Chinese and foreign writers as well as celebrities from all sectors, bearing witness to the "memories of different eras in Chinese literature" spanning half a century. It has been said that Ba Jin's living room served as a "vestibule" for literary exchanges between China and the world.
As you continue further along, you will come across a Spanish-style garden residence at No. 210 Wukang Road. This balcony, imbued with a romantic ambiance, was famously described by Shanghai writer Chen Danyan in her book, earning it the endearing nickname of "Romeo's Balcony". Regardless of when you visit, you are bound to encounter couples snapping photographs beneath the balcony, hoping for their love to be as sweet and warm as that of Romeo and Juliet.
Wukang Road, a half-history of the Republic Era. Here, modern architecture coexists harmoniously with the classical, inviting you to marvel at every turn. Along this street, charming boutiques beckon, each one a unique attraction that draws you in. The coffee and desserts here are so captivating, they'll leave you yearning for more. Come, join us on a leisurely stroll down Wukang Road, engaging in a silent dialogue with its past, revisiting historical anecdotes, and immersing yourself in its serene elegance.
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