Historic Wuyi Road blends heritage with modern flair

In Shanghai, the tree-lined streets always hold delightful surprises. Wuyi Road, built in 1925, is precisely such a century-old "hidden gem." As one of Shanghai's 64 "never-to-be-widened" roads, it now seamlessly blends local neighborhood charm with modern trends through multiple urban renewal projects, becoming a top choice for immersive city walks among residents and visitors alike.

Starting from the intersection of Yan'an Road W. and Wuyi Road, a westward stroll under the shade of plane trees leads to the striking red-brick walls of WYSH, where historic heritage meets contemporary life in a unique spark. The complex stands on the site of Feilo Acoustics, the first company in China to issue publicly traded stock. Its renovation preserved original features such as red-brick walls and high-ceilinged workshops while integrating cultural, creative, and technological elements. It has now become a creative industry hub combining offices, retail, exhibitions, and public cultural spaces—a trendy landmark popular among young visitors. Art exhibitions, creative markets, and dessert shops converge here, making it known as a "filter-free, highly Instagrammable" spot.

Continuing on to No. 295 Wuyi Road, the Fanshu Wuyi Road Bookstore is well worth a stop. Housed in a century-old building, its bright yellow exterior stands out beneath the plane trees. A 24-hour self-service book kiosk, stocked with over 3,000 curated books, breaks the time constraints of reading, allowing passersby to borrow and return books for free by scanning a QR code, even late at night. Inside, thoughtful design touches abound: each book carries a QR code offering access to in-depth audio interpretations by narrators like Fan Deng and Li Lei. An interactive "audio book waterfall" feature contains over 50 booklists and more than 2,000 hours of audio; while waiting, visitors can scan to listen to works like “Sapiens.” The quiet, comfortable reading nook by the window offers a perfect setting for a 30-minute listening session—a daily ritual for many commuters. Recently, the bookstore also launched the "Midsummer Childhood Memories" event, using nostalgic themes to bring both children and adults back to their younger days through books. Weekend visitors may also stumble upon book clubs or handicraft workshops.

Not far away, Wuyi｜MIX320 balances local flavor with contemporary energy. On the ground floor, "My Family Market" retains over 50 stalls selling fresh produce, while just steps away, visitors can explore trendy boutiques and cafés. It’s not uncommon to see someone sipping coffee while nibbling on a scallion pancake—a symbol of how old Shanghai effortlessly blends with the new.

In recent years, Wuyi Road has also embraced a tech-savvy vibe. New Quadrant•Wuyi and Black Lake Technology headquarters reflect the road’s growing innovative spirit. The former, transformed from the former Shanghai No. 4 Electric Meter Factory, preserves industrial-era touches such as circuit board motifs and now hosts tech firms like WestWell, revitalizing the old factory with new energy. The latter turned a former civil affairs bureau into a space that balances tech aesthetics with human warmth, where a sense of innovation emanates from the historic structure.

For those keen to explore local history, sites such as the former residence of shipping magnate Y.K. Pao in Tangshan Village, along with heritage buildings at No. 100, 174, and 188 Wuyi Road, are listed as outstanding historical buildings in Shanghai. These architecturally diverse landmarks invite visitors to slow down and appreciate the neighborhood’s unique historical and cultural atmosphere.

Stretching 1,775 meters, Wuyi Road offers the warmth of a local wet market, the refinement of gallery exhibitions, and the quiet pleasure of a reading room. Whether taking a morning walk under the plane trees, visiting trendy landmarks in the afternoon, or borrowing a good book to take home at night, this century-old street never fails to surprise with its multifaceted charm. For a holiday city walk, why not come here and discover more of what life in Shanghai has to offer?