10 Most Beautiful Streets of Shanghai

When you talk about beautiful streets, Shanghai is no stranger to that with the cultural-rich Shaoxing road, fashion district Yuyuan road, café and winehouses on Anfu Road, and kitchsey Pan Yu Road. Based on user reviews, popularity indexes we have ranked the 10 most beautiful streets in Shanghai that is Instagram worthy.

No. 10: SHAO XING LU

Highlights: Du Yuesheng residence, Leslie Cheung’s favorite bookstore, cultural themed cafe

On the 480m stretch of road, find unique café, art gallery and publication house, and be lost in the artsy street.

Previously a French Residence, some ex-residents include Chinese mob boss, Du Yuesheng, who owned the No. 27 bungalow. Famous for its contribution to the  publication scene, one of its bookestore was Hong Kong’s singer Leslie Cheung’s favorite haunt, and the street is home to the publication house for Gushi Hui, one of the leading literary magazines in China.

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

CAFE 9 ¾

Address: Building 1, 94 Shaoxing Lu

Price: RMB 49

Enter the wizarding world at Café 9 ¾, a Harry Potter themed café. Decorated with memorabilla from the magical world, find yourself on the Marauder’s Map and view autographs by the film’s stars over some Butterbeer. 

OLD CHINA HAND READING ROOM 

Address: 27 Shaoxing Lu

Price: RMB 61

By photographer Deke Erh and historian Tess Johnston, immerse yourself in the 20s and 30s decade of Shanghai. This is said to be Hong Kong singer and actor Leslie Cheung’s favorite spot before he passed on, and the restaurant was often filled with fans who wished to catch a sight of their beloved star.

TRIPLE-MAJOR

Address: No. 1, 25 Shaoxing Lu

Price: RMB 1000

Housing a variety of international brands like Damir Doma and BLESS, and introducing them to the Chinese audience, Triple-Major is a collaborative retailer space that showcases fashionable and handmade design pieces. Occassionally, it even organizes fashion shows featuring collections by international designers and artists.

QIAO BINGSHAN ROOM

Address: 33-1 Shaoxing Lu

Price: RMB 69

Mysterious and traditional teahouse, Qiao Bingshan room is a oasis in the bustling city, with soft classical music, traditional art pieces and Chinese tea that provides a serene escape for the stressed.

DEAN'S BOTTLE SHOP

Address: 37 Shaoxing Lu

Price: RMB 115

A booze galore selling brewed beer, wines and spirits from UK and US, have some of the most exquisite beers in the world for less than RMB 30. Oh and did we mention, the boss has 2 cats and if you make a reservation in advance, he will whip up a decadent meal to compliment your chosen drinks. 

No. 9: AN FU LU

Highlights: Boutique Stores, Fusion Restaurant and Bars, Bakery, Shanghai Drama Artistic Centre

Housing many popular bakeries, fusion restaurants, boutique stores, Shanghai Drama Artistic Centre and traditional bungalows, the 1km street has charmed and captured the hearts of many. 

Often thought as the more refined version of neighboring street, Changle Lu, Anfu Lu is a great date night spot to soak in the city’s café and art vibes.

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

SUNFLOUR

Address: Room 104, 308 An Fu Lu

Price: RMB 61

Using only wholemeal flour, Sunflour is a bakery cum café offering bread and pastries, as well as sandiwches and a full English breakfast for those who wish to dine-in. Located in a prime location next to Shanghai’s Drama Artistic Centre, be prepared to queue to get a piece or seat.

BOWL'D

Address: 255 An Fu Lu

Price: RMB 41

Vegan Café on An Fu Lu, get your health fix with their famous Acai bowl or a smoothie or snack. Eat wihtout guilt in the simply designed and healthy café that is great on pictures too.

BOOM BOOM BAGELS

Address: 39 An Fu Lu

Price: RMB 72

One of the five handmade bagel store in town, have a blast with one of their seven flavored quality bagel sandwiches that serves as a great lunch or dinner treat.

THE RABBIT HOLE

Address: 147 An Fu Lu

Price: RMB 32

Inspired by the classic fantasy novel, Alice in Wonderland, the themed shop sells an assortment of organic salads and fresh juices (including carrot juice), as well as drinks for an after-work gathering.

ORIENTAL HOUSE

Address: Room 202, 308 An Fu Lu

How Much: RMB 175

Fusion restaurant Oriental House has an industrial setting and offers an assortment of dishes, from Steak and Foie Gras to Mapo Tofu and Teabag egg with vermicelli. At night, the restaurant turns into a bar and boasts a colorful menu of cocktails and drinks.

No. 8: YU YUAN LU

Highlights: Daying Yushi Teahouse, Periodic Bookstores, Cultural Afternoon Tea Café 

Lined with private residences, enter the 1900s when walking on this street which was previously stayed by engineer Qian Xuesen, entrepreneur Liu Chang Sheng and politician Wang Jingwei. 

Revamped and upgraded, the residential area is injected with new life with boutique stores, bookstores, fashion houses and eateries. 

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

NEW BUYER

Address: 1285 – 1289 Yuyuan Lu

Price: RMB 1000

Mullti-brandstore, New Buyer, is a platform for budding artist from all over the world, including China, to showcase their design and art fashion pieces. Selling accessories to homeware, get well-made pieces without burning a huge hole in your wallet. 

CHICHAQU TEA HOUSE

Address: No. 45, 1280 Yuyuan Lu

Price: RMB 95

Enjoy part of China’s history, tea-tasting here with classical music and a private garden. Offering uncommon tea species, relax your afternoon away and if you get too bored, you can always play with the house’s cat.

long time no read

Café cum bookstore, find original publications and read limited edition comics over some delicious desserts and coffee. From time to time, the bookstore also organizes book club meetings, sharing sessions, book release and other book-related events. 

PU SHI XIAO DIAN

Address: 1208 Yuyuan Lu

Price: RMB 46

Refined and eleagant Pushi Xiao Dian has an array of old Shanghai classics that brings back fond childhood memories. Such is the pot stickers which are made from homemade dumpling skin and complimented with their chili oil, juicy xiao long bao, pumpkin pastry, walnut biscuits, seaweed biscuits and more.

ESSENCE CASA

Address: 1329 Yuyuan Lu

Price: RMB 51

A glimpse into the traditional French village, enjoy an afternoon at Essence CASA with 

some of your best girlfriends and take in the beautiful blooms that adorns the shop.

No. 7: WU YUAN LU

Highlights: Art gallery and café visited by celebrites, glasshouse garden, American underground bar

A once quiet street and previously known as Routh Mgr. Maresca, a kindergarten, the Holy Saviour’s Cathedral and comic artist Zhang Le Ping’s residence used to occupy the 820m road. 

Following upgrading works and new occupancy, creative boutique stores, café, juice bars and bookstores now call this street home.

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

GALLERY&COFFEE

Address: 250 Wuyuan Lu

Price: RMB 62

Literally a gallery and café, it serves as a great after-work chill spot where you can enjoy food and drinks in their private balcony and if you are in luck, bumped into a few celebrities like Lee Joon-gi, Ethan Ruan and Jiang Yiyan.

NO.91

Address: 91 Wuyuan Lu

Price: RMB 50

Getting its name from its address, the quaint bar comes with a beautiful patio out back, offering both indoor and outdoor dining experience. Not only known for its serene ambience and friendly staff, the restaurant its also known for its handsome boss, which has captured many young girl’s hearts.

GROOOW

Address: 124 Wuyuan Lu

Price: RMB 29

Specializing in vegetable and fruit juices, the menu offers something for every season, and is decorated with souvenirs like music albums, decorative pieces and magazines from Japan and Taiwan. For those who prefer a lazy day in, GROOOW delivers as well.

AUTUMN SONATA

Address: 72 Wuyuan Lu

Price: RMB 2000

Named after the 1967 movie of the same title, Autumn Sonata is he brain child of a European independent designer. Offering quality anf fashionable pieces, retro-lovers can also opt for the Oldlyric boutique within the shop which offers pieces inspired by the 1980s and 1990s.

SENATOR SALOON

Address: 98 Wuyuan Lu

Price: RMB 150

Bringing back the American classic, the underground bar sells over 50 different types of Whisky. The wooden setting provides a cozy interior, complementing the restaurant’s classic American vibes.

No. 6: DA XUE LU

Highlights: Café, Mala Tang, Beer Supermarket

No where gets younger and trendier than Da Xue Lu, near Fudan University and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, it is a popular hangout for university students. 

Built according to the concept of a University avenue, the street boasts of many startup companies and food businesses by youths, such café, game stores and themed restaurants that has attracted the likes of students and foreigners.

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

LE SHU XIAO LA TANG

Address: Room 302, 199 Da Xue Lu 

Price: RMB 35

At just 29, this university architecture graduate decided to open her new business where she invests her time and love for perfection. Specializing in spicy soup, get your dose of art and food here. It is said that the graduate boss uses a secret family recipe that blends fresh fruits and vegetables into the spicy brew.

81BAKERY

Address: Room 302, 199 Da Xue Lu 

Price: RMB 35

American industrial styled café, 81Bakery, brings freshly baked goods, sandwiches and salad to white collared workers and university students in the vicinity. A healthier option, all breads are made from a low sugar and fat recipe.

BREW BEAR

Address: 129 Da Xue Lu 

Price: RMB 70

Having one of the greatest selection of craft beers in the city, Brew Bear has over 500 different types of beer catering to consumers with differing budget. A beer-lover paradise, opt for a budget friendly RMB 30-40 bottle of beer or splurge on a fancy one costing hundreds.

SUPER HEROES

Address: 179 Da Xue Lu 

Price: RMB 90

The first superhero café in the country, relive your superhero dream here with themed cutleries, food and collectibles. A lively and bright interior, pictures of superman and batman fills the walls of this lovely café.

ALL THE LOVERS

Address: 211 Da Xue Lu 

Price: RMB 73

With each cake and pastry specially crafted by a Michelin star chef, you can be sure you pay for quality here at All the Lovers. Quality ingredients like the Italian Fabrhea syrup, New Zealand fresh cream and more goes into each romantic masterpiece.

No. 5: PAN YU LU

Highlights: Fairytale House, Xingfuli Commercial Circle, Xingke Residences

With recent new openings like the forest-themed café and international cuisine restaurants, Pan Yu Lu gets a new life and bolsters into our No. 5 Most Beautiful Street in Shanghai. 

The most famous landmark on the street is the Xingke Residences, which was built in 

1930 and its castle-like architecture remains, adding to the street’s mysterious charm.

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

ZAOZUO

Address: Room 102, 8/F, Xingfuli, 381 Pan Yu Lu 

Price: RMB 200

New concept store by Luca Nichetto, Zaozuo Shanghai adopts its sister store in Beijing’s sophisticated white grid style With 802 grids, the clean and polish interior houses pieces from leading designers around the world. 

ILIILI

Address: 320 Pan Yu Lu 

Price: RMB 50

Fairytale dream come true, be enchanted by the brightly decorated and European styled iliili. Owned by a charming cat-lady, the fashion house has its own fountain and garden as well. 

PIE SOCIETY

Address: Room 102, B/F, Xingfuli, 381 Pan Yu Lu 

Price: RMB 65

DJ Jane Siesta’s project, Pie Society find its way onto Pan Yu Lu and boasts an assortment of authentic British pies like its classic steak pie, chicken and mushroom pie and more. 

LAZIE

Address: 381 Pan Yu Lu (Inside Xingfuli Commercial Hub)

Tel: [phone]

Natural and fresh, Lazie is a family-owned restaurant which combines extreme sports enthusiasts, bikes and music. Occassionally partnering up with florist, show your love for the outdoors and meet like-minded friends in green activities and cocktail classes here. 

HEALTH5

Address: Room 101, Building D, 381 Pan Yu Lu 

Price: RMB 29

The newest green on the block, Health5  is the street’s latest juice bar. Selling juice blends, panini and hamburgers at an affordable price, get your favorite fast food meal with a healthy twist here.

No. 4: JULU LU-CHANGLE LU-FUMING LU

Highlights: United Valley, Design Spaces

This district is no stranger to those who love living life to the fullest as it house some of the most interesting food and lifestyle places in the city. 

A residential cum commercial area, the quiet street comes to life during the afternnon lunch period as office staff populate the innovative café, shops and Japanese winehouses. In the evening, spot famiies and couples going out for a stroll whilst enjoying the beautiful sunset.

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

PEOPLE 7

Address: 805 Julu Lu 

Price: RMB 186

A menu specially crafted by Miura Sakae, you can be sure you are in for a good treat at this restaurant and bar. Selling Asian fusion food, complement your meal with one of their experimental cocktails. Apart from lunch and dinner, the restaurant also has an afternoon tea menu.

CHANG ZUO DONG LIANG

Address: 8184 Fuming Lu

How Much: RMB 1500

A multi-brand store by some of the most famous Japanese designers, this 30 sqm space is the first store’s first outlet in Shanghai, and is both elegant and beautiful in one.

UNITED VALLEY

Address: 462 Changle Lu 

How Much: RMB 150

After undergoing renovation works for a year, the original 5000sqm space was converted into a 3-storey independent building with café, bar, concept stores, showrooms and patio, a perfect spot for a great night out. Including, Tour, Shrine and Factory.

HAVE A GOOD TIME 

Address: 318 Julu Lu 

How Much: RMB 94

A Japanese fashion brand, have a good time is not only famous for its clothing but also its in-house café. One of the headliners is its decadent curry omurice which many has fallen in love with upon first bite. 

LOST HEAVEN

Address: 318 Julu Lu 

How Much: RMB 94

Within the 6000sqm and 4-storey space, rediscover a new silk road and exhibition centre, as well as famous eateries like the Lost Bakery, fusion restaurant More Than Eat, Winer and Beer Bar, Nicholson’s Steak & Burger, Lizzy’s All Natural and Prima florist.

No. 3: SHANXI NAN LU

Highlights: Villas, Boutique Stores, International Cuisines

Winning everyone over with its unique charm, the 2000m stretch of road is home to villas, gardens, scenic spots, restaurants and bars. 

The only pity is that eateries along Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu, is no long in operation.

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

RAMEN SHOP

Address: 27 Shaanxi Nan Lu 

Price: RMB 72

One of the most popular shops online, the 2-storey Ramen Shop sits 16, with 3 2-seater table on the first and 2 4-5 seater on the second floor. With an open kitchen concept on the first floor, enjoy your favorite noodles whilst watching the Japanese chefs in action.

GAN QI SHI

Address: 380 Shaanxi Nan Lu 

Price: RMB 12

Designed by Linehouse, Gan Qi Shi is actually a steamed bun shop that sells some of our beloved local flavored steamed buns. Grab them while they are hot as these buns often get sold out quickly the moment they get served.

LINZZY DIET

Address: 88 Shaanxi Nan Lu 

Price: RMB 26

Red and white themed Linzzy Diet sells some nutritious and healthy desserts, likt the coconut milk purple rice white fungus, which is made from a quarter of a fresh coconut and has no added water or sugar.

TRDLO

Address: 162 – 6 Shaanxi Nan Lu 

Price: RMB 15

On the cross of Shaanxi Nan Lu and Changle Lu lies TRDLO, which sells burritos and barbecued meat. One interesting dish here is the ice-cream burrito, which is a great dessert alternative.

FRESHIGH

Address: 88 Shaanxi Nan Lu 

How Much: RMB 31

At less than 20sqm, Freshigh wows the crowd with its nicely bottled fresh juices and tea. With a neon signboard hanging over it, you will definitely not miss it when walking along the streets.

No. 2: WUKANG LU

Highlights: Wukang Building, Ice-cream, Bakery, Trendy Shops

After a popular online ice-cream shop lands itself in Wukang Lu, the 1.17km stretch found new found fame and fans. Set against a 30-year old architecture scene, this was actually the set of the movie Lust, Caution.

Laidback and retro, it is often filled with foreigners who frequent the florist, café and restaurants along the road.

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

WIYF

Address: 202 Wukang Lu

Price: RMB 30

Popular ice-cream joint is no stranger to the crowd with long queues for the signature dessert. Short for “What is your flavor”, choose from their salted caramel, strawberry, raspberry, chocolate and almond flavors to enjoy a quality treat.

FARINE

Address: 1/F, 378 Wukang Lu

Price: RMB 60

By Franck Pecol, Farine has an assortment of croissants, pasteries and desserts. Not only is the food good, the café also offers a scenice view of Wukang Lu for diners dining near the window.

RACHEL'S

Address: 202 Wukang Lu

Price: RMB 89

American-styled fast food restaurant Rachel’s sells the classic fast food meal – hamburgers, fries and soda. Its unique metal exterior, classic American interior and old hip hop music plays homage to its American inspiration.

GRAINS

Address: 202 Wukang Lu

Price: RMB 37

Next to the famous WIFY and opposite Rachel’s, the coffeehouse freshly roasts its coffeebeans daily and has an affordable price tag of RMB 25 – 50 per cuppa.

FANCY FRUIT

Address: 115 Wukang Lu

Price: RMB 36

Colorful juice bar, Fancy Fruit, serves an assortment of creative juices and seasonal blends. Combining chocolate into some of its juices, have your favorite sweet treat without feeling the guilt.

And finally,

The moment you have been waiting for…

The No. 1 Most popular street

No. 1: WULUMUQI ZHONG LU

Highlights: Stretching no longer than 300m, Wulumuqi Zhong Lu houses many hidden gems, with each around 10-20 sqm. 

Think California rolls, Turkish kebab, Italian gelata, crab, Yunnan vermicelli, roast meats and more. A diverse food option and chill spots, it is no wonder Wulumuqi Zhong Lu is the most popular street in town. 

TOP 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

LITTLE CATCH

Address: 247-6 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu

Price: RMB 75

At 20sqm, the white and gold theme café serves seafood rice and poke, made from Hawaiian sushi rice, sashimi, black seasame seeds and seaweed, and goes well with a glass of white wine.

GRACE STORY

Address: No. 7, 255 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu

Price: RMB 50

Well-hidden along the streets, Grace Story sells an assortment of tea, from red tea latter to milk tea. For those who wish to dine in, they also serve avocado sandwich, which is a healthier lunch option.

MY BUTCHERY 

Address: 315 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu

Price: RMB 63

Designed by Max Trullas, who has designed Arkham, el Willy and Nike store front, My Butchery is a trendy meathouse which also sells yogurt, French wine, smoked meat and jams, roast meats and canned food.

AVOCADO LADY

Address: 274 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu

Price: RMB 66

Catering to the foreigners, Avocado Lady uses an all-english menu introduction and has an in-house supermarket that sells fresh produce 30-50% lower than other imported supermarkets. 

AND COFFEE

Address: 315 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu

Price: RMB 30

White café, And Coffee, plays on furnishing and interior design to create a spacious looking setting. Try out their Flatwhite, the coffeehouse’s signature which is made from its homemade roasted coffee beans.

As trends fade in and out quickly, popular stores today may often be quickly replaced with a new trend in town. Let us know what your favorite trend and shop is in the comments section below! 

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