Yuyuan Road

Introduction

Yuyuan Road stands as a historic thoroughfare in Shanghai, stretching 2,775 meters through Jing'an and Changning districts. Established in 1911, it runs from Changde Road in the east to Changning Road in the west, maintaining its original name throughout its century-long history.

The road's development is closely tied to Shanghai's colonial expansion period. Its eastern section was initially built beyond the concession boundaries before being incorporated into the foreign concessions, while its western portion remained just outside. This unique positioning made it a melting pot of various cultural influences and powers.

Walking along Yuyuan Road is like turning pages of a living history book. The street is lined with diverse architectural styles, from elegant European mansions to traditional Shanghai lane houses (里弄), each building holding its own stories of Shanghai's past.

Historical Significance

The road takes its name from the renowned "Yu Garden" (愚园), which was originally a private garden spanning approximately 50 mu (Chinese acres). During the early 20th century, this garden served as a gathering place for intellectuals and officials before eventually being transformed into residential developments.

The road's development followed different paths in its eastern and western sections:

• The eastern section became part of the foreign concessions, developing into an upscale residential area with garden houses and apartments, primarily housing foreign residents and wealthy merchants.
• The western section, though outside the concessions, became notably significant during the Japanese occupation period, when it served as a base for the Wang Jingwei regime collaborators.

Revolutionary Heritage

Yuyuan Road holds significant importance in China's revolutionary history. Notable locations include:

• Building 34 in Hengchang Lane (亨昌里), where in 1927, Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and other revolutionary leaders established the editorial department of "The Bolshevik" magazine.
• The former residence of Rewi Alley at No. 4, Lane 1315, which served as a secret communication point for the Communist Party.
• The Taoyuan Fang (桃源坊) complex at Lane 1292, where democratic revolutionary Shen Junru resided from 1934 to 1936.

Literary Legacy

The road has been home to numerous prominent Chinese writers and intellectuals:

• Mao Dun lived here during the 1930s, drawing inspiration for his novel "Midnight" from the local environment.
• Lin Yutang maintained connections to the area through his work at nearby St. John's University.
• Eileen Chang's (张爱玲) works frequently referenced Yuyuan Road, particularly in her famous novel "Lust, Caution" (色戒).

Architectural Features

Yuyuan Road showcases a diverse range of architectural styles:

• Garden villas displaying both European classical and modern designs
• Traditional Shanghai lane houses with their characteristic shikumen (石库门) gates
• The notable Wang Mansion at No. 31, Lane 1136, a Gothic-style castle built in 1934

Modern Attractions

Today, Yuyuan Road has evolved into a trendy destination featuring:

Dining Establishments

• Pure Brew (纯烧) at No. 1417: A Chinese tea house offering innovative tea-based beverages
• Zester (泰醉): A Thai hotpot restaurant combining traditional flavors with modern presentation
• Onita: A Western restaurant housed in a historic villa

Entertainment and Shopping

• MIEMIE Photo Studio: A themed photo studio popular among young visitors
• Yuyuan Public Market: A two-story complex combining traditional services with modern retail

Visitor's Guide

Historical Route (1.6 km walking tour):

Start: Zhongshan Park Station Key stops: Revolutionary heritage sites and historical residences Duration: 3-4 hours

Culinary Route:

Focus: Local and international dining experiences Duration: 2-3 hours Recommended timing: Avoid peak hours for better experience

Cultural and Shopping Route:

Highlights: Public Market, photo studios, and boutique shops Duration: 2-3 hours

Transportation: Accessible via Metro Line 2 or 3 (Zhongshan Park Station)

Yuyuan Road represents a perfect blend of Shanghai's past and present, offering visitors a unique perspective on the city's historical development while providing modern entertainment and cultural experiences. Its careful preservation of historical sites alongside contemporary additions makes it an essential destination for understanding Shanghai's evolution.