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.

Walk one direction and choose one longer stop

For a walk ending on Wukang Road, start at the Changshu Road end and head west along Anfu Road. Browse a few windows before deciding which shop or café deserves a longer stop. Queues at a fashionable store are optional; the street still works as a walk when you skip them.

At Wukang Road, turn south if you want to continue toward Wukang Mansion. The mansion is farther along Wukang Road, not at the Anfu intersection. Keep this extension for after a rest if shopping has already taken much of the afternoon. If you started at the mansion instead, reverse the walk and finish toward Changshu Road.

The buildings are best viewed from public pavements. Keep doorways clear and stay out of the carriageway for photographs. For an architectural afternoon, look above the shop signs at balconies, rooflines and garden setbacks; you do not need to enter every store to enjoy the street.

Historical Heritage

Built between 1915 and 1916, Anfu Road was originally named Route Dupleix 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
Stock, sizing and prices change frequently; check the current display rather than treating this as a fixed-value stop

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
Menus, reservation rules and prices change; check the current menu before joining a queue

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

Anfu Road itself is free to walk. If you want architectural context and an English-speaking guide, compare the Trip.com city walk that explicitly covers Wukang Road and Anfu Road, checking the meeting point, guide language, duration and pickup before booking.

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