Anfu Road

Anfu Road (安福路) stands as one of Shanghai's most charming streets, connecting Wukang Road to the west and Changshu Road to the east. Though less than a kilometer long, this historic street has evolved into a trendy destination where culture meets contemporary fashion.

Historical Heritage

Built between 1915 and 1916, Anfu Road was originally named Joffre Road before being renamed in 1943. The street showcases a diverse architectural landscape, featuring English, French, and Spanish Renaissance-style buildings that reflect Shanghai's rich historical heritage.

Notable historical sites include:

No. 201: A 1922 English garden house, once home to prominent figures including Pan Sansheng and Wu Guozhen
No. 191, Lane 15: Former residence of famous composer He Luting, now a protected cultural site in Xuhui District

Modern Shopping Experience

Today, Anfu Road has become a haven for fashion enthusiasts and trend-seekers, hosting numerous popular retail stores:

Brandy Melville

The American casual wear brand brings its "one size fits most" concept to Shanghai, offering affordable fashion items:

Signature plaid skirts and casual pants
Crop tops and casual wear
Price range: ¥100-200 for t-shirts, around ¥200 for skirts

Wiggle Wiggle

Korea's popular lifestyle brand's first China store features:

Four floors of colorful merchandise
Home decor and stationery items
Unique photo spots including a 3-meter Wiggle bear
Special 90-degree inverted room installation

Other Notable Stores

Harmay (话梅): A paradise for beauty enthusiasts featuring extensive cosmetic samples
Beast Shop (野兽派): Flagship store combining floristry, aromatherapy, and home decor
Duozhuayu (多抓鱼): Second-hand bookstore promoting sustainable fashion and vintage items

Culinary Highlights

Anfu Road offers a diverse dining scene that caters to various tastes:

RAC

Famous for its French-inspired brunch:

Signature savory crepes with cheese and ham
Avocado toast with poached eggs
Fresh shrimp salad
Average cost: ¥120 per person

Mr Willis

Australian-style restaurant known for:

Signature roasted chicken (12-hour marinated)
Dry-aged steaks
Middle Eastern seafood couscous
Crispy roasted suckling pig

Cafes and Bakeries

Sunflour: Popular bakery offering fresh pastries and quality coffee
Into the Force (原力飞行): Modern coffee shop with industrial design and creative beverages

Arts and Culture

The Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center (上海话剧艺术中心), established in 1995, serves as the street's cultural anchor with:

Three distinct venues: Main Theater (530 seats), Drama Salon, and D6 Space
Regular productions of classic and contemporary plays
Theater workshops and script readings
Street performances and pop-up art exhibitions

Day and Night Experience

Anfu Road transforms throughout the day:

Mornings: Quiet cafes and peaceful shopping
Afternoons: Prime time for retail therapy and cafe-hopping
Evenings: Vibrant dining scene and cultural performances

Practical Information

Transportation:

Metro Line 1 or 7: Changshu Road Station
Metro Line 10: Shanghai Library Station

Tips:

Best visiting hours: Afternoon to evening
Note that Anfu Road is a one-way street
Popular stores may have queues during peak hours
Maintain respectful behavior in this residential-commercial area