Wukang Road

Wukang Road

• 14 outstanding historical buildings, the site of the final rendezvous between Wang Jiazhi and Mr. Yee in the movie "Lust, Caution."

Attraction Introduction

Wukang Road is situated in Xuhui District, Shanghai. Originally named Ferguson Road after the American missionary John Calvin Ferguson, it was constructed in 1907 (the 33rd year of the Guangxu reign) by the Shanghai French Concession Municipal Council. Connecting the bustling Huaihai Middle Road to the tranquil Huashan Road, Wukang Road is a “Famous Historical and Cultural Street of China” featuring 37 historical buildings. Among them, 14 are outstanding historical structures, making it a true “Street of Celebrities.”

Strolling along this century-old road, you’ll find lush ancient trees lining the path, interspersed with charming European-style buildings. The Wukang Mansion is the iconic structure of Wukang Road, designed by the famed Hungarian architect László Hudec. The building’s red brick façade, corner bay windows, and triangular classical pediment windows all exude the charm of the French Renaissance. Its ship-like silhouette has earned it the former nickname “Normandy Apartments.” It’s no wonder, then, as film artists such as Wu Yin, Zheng Junli, and Zhao Dan once lived here, and Soong Mei-ling’s cousin, the infamous “Second Miss Kung,” remains its largest current property owner.

A notable feature of Wukang Road is its succession of celebrity residences. No. 113 was the home of literary giant Ba Jin, whose peaceful and cozy former residence was his last and longest-occupied dwelling in Shanghai. No. 393, a British country-style garden villa, was the home of revolutionary pioneer Huang Xing, where Sun Yat-sen often stayed to discuss important matters. The Hunan Villa at the intersection of Wukang Road and Hunan Road was originally the private residence of Zhou Fohai and later temporarily housed figures such as Chen Yi and Deng Xiaoping after the liberation. No. 1 Lane 40 is the former residence of Tang Shaoyi, an independent Spanish-style garden house that is retro and majestic...

Beyond celebrity homes, the area also boasts other distinctive historic mansions. No. 390 is the office building of SAIC Motor, a small Mediterranean-style house with a red roof and white walls that stands out from the other historic buildings. No. 99 is the former site of Zhengguanghe, a standalone villa with a pointed roof that appears noble and mysterious under white high walls and green foliage — it was also a filming location for “Lust, Caution.”

To fully appreciate the past and present of Wukang Road, you might need a whole day. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can take a break. Wukang Terrace at No. 376 is surrounded by three historic mansions, and amidst the floral surroundings, the popular restaurant CoffeeTree serves satisfying fare like vegetable Panini paired with rich coffee. Farine Café at No. 378 offers an authentic taste of the French countryside, and its croissants are hailed as “the best in Shanghai.”

Address: Xuhui District, Shanghai

Type: Featured Neighborhood

Recommended Visit Duration: 3–4 hours

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee.