In Shanghai, the largest most prosperous city in China, visitors are attracted by the dazzling tall buildings and varied nightlife. But the old
Shanghai streets are also suggested for a walk, as they are the symbols of the flavor of old Shanghai, or the "Paris of the East", which was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the 20th century.
Shanghai Xintiandi
Located in the south of Huaihai Zhong Road, the center of Shanghai,
Shanghai Xintiandi is a fashionable shopping, eating and entertainment area combining historical and modern constructional features. This modern pedestrian street is composed of an area of reconstructed traditional Shikumen (stone gate) and modern architecture styles.
Shikumen is a historical architectonic unique to Shanghai. Built in the late 1900s, it was used to house Chinese people in the Western quarters. They were built neither quite Chinese nor Western. Over the years, it was badly deteriorated due to the lack of maintenance. Today, it maintains its old appearance. The original tiles and bricks are also preserved.
Transportation: take Metro Line 10 and get off at Xintiandi.
Fangbing Zhong Road
Measuring over 800 meters long, Fangbing Zhong Road is also called
Shanghai Old Street. It connects to Henan South Road to the West. It is the best place to experience the old
Shanghai of the early period of the 20th century. The street keeps its constructional style from late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to the early Republic of China (1912–1949) and blends with the western style. Visitors can find a group of time-honored stores such as Laotongsheng, Tonghanchun, Qiutianbao and Wuliangcai, featuring the old trades and folk culture of Shanghai.
Transportation: take bus No.929 and get off at Henan Nanlu (Henan South Road).
Anfu Road
Anfu Road was built by the French between 1915 and 1916 and named "Rue Dupleix" at first. It is a tranquil road with strong cultural and artistic atmosphere. The 862-meter-long road runs from Wukang Road to
Changshu Road. It was built in the typical French style with both sides having cafes and boutiques.
The
Shanghai Drama Arts Center is located at the western end of the road. It brings a number of classical, modern and contemporary plays to
Shanghai dramas, which attracts a lot of "white collars" to watch.
Transportation: take bus No.93 and get off at Anfu Lu (Anfu Road).
Dajing Road
Dajing Road extends to Henan South Road in the East and connects to Renmin Road in the West. The short road is only several minutes' walk. Many old Shikumen (stone gate) and folk houses have been destroyed to pave the way for modern buildings. But the old
Shanghai flavor can also be impressed by a section of the broken city wall and the Dajing Pavilion.
Dajing Pavilion is located on the 5 km-long broken city wall, which was built in 1553 but collapsed in 1912. It is a three-storey tower first used to house archers to repel Japanese pirates. Later it was changed to Guangong Temple and now it holds the exhibition of the
Shanghai old city.
Transportation: take bus No.929 and get off at Henan Nanlu (Henan South Road).
Dongtai Road
Dongtai Road was first built in 1902 in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and named Taishan Road at that time. Now it is famous for its antique market in Luwan district. It is a renowned old market specializing in antiques (mostly are fake!), traditional trinkets and crafts. The flea market attracts people to trade antiques, no matter genuine or not. Visitors will find the most local life of
Shanghai petty bourgeois: men and women arguing over the games of cards or gossiping amidst the mahjong tiles.
Transportation: take bus No.17, 581 or 864 and get off at Dongtai Lu (Dongtai Road).
