Everything Awesome on Fuzhou Lu
The old Fuzhou Lu was the “it” spot to be and considered to be even more popular than Nanjing Xi Lu. However, today, it's much quieter but those people who know about it love it for it's old Shanghai vibe.
There is something for everyone on Fuzhou Lu - numerous bookstores, vintage food shops, popular theaters and spectacular architecture.
Fuzhou Lu is known as the source of Shanghai culture and home to the early publishing companies in China as well as Shanghai’s first newspaper company. Fuzhou Lu has seen many changes over the years, but it has managed to retain much of it's original identity.
Shanghai Bookstore
465 Fuzhou Lu
Photo credit: Huodongxing.com
Shanghai Bookstore is an iconic cultural landmark in Shanghai. With roads in front of the store lined with Chinese parasol trees and hordes of people entering the shop daily.
Photo credit: bookdao.com
As the biggest and most spacious bookstore on Fuzhou Lu, the place houses different types of books, music, and electronics, from literature to art, children’s books, economics, travel, food, and heaps of 'Laowai literature'.
Not only that, the bookstore organizes discussion sessions, academic report events, book signing events and more on a regular basis. This time around, while we were there, we chanced upon a children’s book author’s signing event on the sixth floor in the children’s zone.
A popular hangout place for book lovers, there is something for everyone here at the Shanghai bookstore. Be they old or young, male or female, readers are able to find an oasis and immerse themselves in an imaginery world.
Art World Zhenshangshe
424 Fuzhou Lu
The artisanal place was established in 1903, and has various art related books and events from craft to photography, design and more.
Not only are visitors able to read books, they also have the opportunity to look at uncommon art pieces, attend art exhibitions and more!
The left side of the store entrance has various Forbidden City themed products, from notebooks to pens, cups and more, and Red House themed ceramic pieces.
Do note that photography is strictly prohibited within the store, which explains the lack of photos of the store. Though with limited photos to look at, you had best get yourself down there and have a gander.
Baixin Bookstore
364 Fuzhou Lu
Set up by Mr. Xu Heling in 1912, the 106 year old bookstore is a treasure that withstood the test of time.
With two doors, both “Baixin Bookstore” and “Baixin Stationery Store” are written at the store’s entrance.
Like its name suggests, the store is a stationery store, bookstore, and coffeehouse in one, and sells many items from stationery to postcards, markers, bookmarks, sticky notes, toys and more.
Walk in further and see the oil painting studio, which is great for those who are looking for a quiet corner to unwind.
Foreign Languages Bookstore
390 Fuzhou Lu
Established in 1958, the Foreign Languages Bookstore has been open for 60 years and houses books written in various languages from around the world.
The bookstore is usually pretty quiet and is often frequented by expats. The first floor houses common books, movies, and a café.
The second floor sells mostly educational books on learning foreign languages, and the third floor sells design, art, and movie related books.
The most popular place is the fourth floor, which sells the latest Japanese comics and are often frequented by anime fans.
Shanghai Ancient Bookstore
401 Fuzhou Lu
Opposite Art World Zhenshangshe, spend your afternoon at the Shanghai Ancient Bookstore.
On the first floor, the store sells various ancient and literature book titles, as well as art pieces, tea sets, incense burners and more. On the second floor, they sell ink and paper, and more premium ancient book sets.
In 2017, Fuzhou Lu also had the “Dazong Bookstore”, which we got the chance to visit in autumn last year.
The last time we saw this bookstore was when it was operating 24-hours a day, with Zhang Ailing’s oil painting hanging on the wall and “Tuesday Siesta” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez in our hands.
Of course, apart from popular and big bookstores, Fuzhou Lu is also known for their small and quaint bookstores.
Rather than calling them bookstores, they look more like tiny Taobao houses and hold the advertising banner “selling books by weight as the store will close down tomorrow.” Not surprisingly, these stores have never actually closed down.
Within those dozens of stores, visitors can find books on literature, art, economics and more. And if you look closer, you might even find classics among them. Though you might have to hunt for foreign books.
Visitors often come here to get a great deals on books, and many often leave with good finds at a good price.
Selling books by their weight, this is a slightly different business model from the usual book sale, however the book content still remains an important criteria when purchasing.
Whether it is the traditional book sale or sale by weight, it is unfortunate that many bookstores today are threatened by the rise of e-commerce and e-book alternatives, and Fuzhou Lu is a testament of the resistance to the shift in economic forces.
Many of the stores here also sell stationery by weight, and the antique shops often pretend to move out sales. Despite the business model, the goods are much cheaper.
When walking along the streets, these tiny Taobao-esque bookstores are often an interesting sight to look at.
The small storefront and minimalistic design with stacks of books all around remains an iconic sight that has been present since the days of old Shanghai.
The small stores have various stationery including pens, ink, paper, pencil cases, stamps, bookmarks, sticky notes, toys and more.
As an important piece of Chinese culture, Fuzhou Lu boasts a rich history. Though not as popular as before, it still charms with its rich culture and elegance.
Shanghai Brush & Ink Museum
2/F, 429 Fuzhou Lu
The Shanghai Brush and Ink Museum stores various collectibles and research materials related to brushes and ink.
Despite the small space, and with only a single room, the museum showcases ink and related products from the Ming and Qing dynasty to modern times. It also houses works by various writers and artists, including Zhao Changshuo, Zhao Zhiqian, Shen Yinmo, Zhang Daqian, Pan Tianshou and Lu Xun.
Today, the museum remains an important part of China’s history and is currently showcasing the “Shen Yiqian Art Document Exhibition,” which captures handwritten letters speaking out against the Japanese occupation following the 1931 “918” incident.
The exhibition is free, and visitors have to just register their name and time of visit before entering.
Brush and Ink Manor of Zhouhuchen and Caosugong
290 Fuzhou Lu
With many stores selling Chinese brushes and products, the Brush and Ink Manor of Zhouhuchen and Caosugong remains the most popular option of them all.
Zhouhuchen’s manufacture skills on brushes and Caosugong’s making skills on ink sticks are now considered to be national treasures after being created in 1694 and 1667, and we are sure many Chinese art lovers are very familiar with this place.
Tianchan Yifu Dance Floor
701 Fuzhou Lu
“One is not famous if they do not enter Tian Chan!”
Founded in 1925, the dance floor was one of the four biggest Peking Opera stages in the early days, and Mei Lanfang once performed on this stage.
Over the century, the dance floor remains at Fuzhou Lu and is one of the longest standing Peking Opera stages in Shanghai.
Following a performance on 11 March this year, the dance floor is undergoing renovation work, which will last for about a year before it reopens to the public again.
Chun Art Museum
2/F, Huangpu District Library, 655 Fuzhou Lu
On the second floor of the Huangpu District Library, Chun Art Museum showcases works by various artists, and firmly believes in involving art in daily life. The museum is open and free for all to see.
What should be noted is the museum is closed on Mondays. Because the musuem is in the library, visitors can enjoy reading and check out the exhibits all in one trip.
The library has many interesting sculptures, with one of a small man reaching his hands for the sky and catching a bird. This sculpture is often thought to represent a thirst for either freedom or knowledge, and is left open for interpretation.
Not only that, Fuzhou Lu has other places including the Shanghai Culture Commercial Building.
Huaxin Building on 666 Fuzhou Lu
Youth Art and Activity Center in Huangpu District
And many stores selling stationery and Chinese art related products
Fuzhou Lu includes Zhong Shan Dong Yi Lu, Xicang Zhong Lu, People’s Park and more culturally and historically rich buildings and architecture. They all come together and contribute greatly to the beauty of Fuzhou Lu.
At the cross section of Fuzhou Lu and the Bund, you can see the beauty of the Huangpu river and the high-rise buildings in Lujiazui juxtaposed against the natural scenery around.
From the Golden Cow Square to the entire Fuzhou Lu, the three-storey villa on the left hand side is also known as the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company, and was established back in 1873.
On the right hand side is the majestic Greek building, which currently houses the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. From June 4 onwards, the building will be opened to all and interested visitors can go online to make a reservation and visit the place for free.
Furthermore, the Fuzhou building on the cross section of Fuzhou Lu and Jiangxi Zhong Lu was originally named as the Hamilton House, which was built in 1931. It can be divided into the main building and the auxiliary building with straight and simple lines in the appearance.
37 – 53 Fuzhou Lu, a Western themed building
44 Fuzhou Lu, Originally the Zhenguanghe Company with an English themed building.
209 Fuzhou Lu, old address for the American Club. The place was built in 1924, and had various European and African design elements.
Apart from being known as a cultural landmark, Fuzhou Lu is also known for its great food, from classics to trendy food. Check out the list of great treats you can find here!
167 year old Xinhua Building
343 Fuzhou Lu
Being a pioneer in Shanghainese dim sum, Xinhua Building attracts many to queue up from 5am - 6am daily to have breakfast here.
During the Mid-Autumn festival that just passed, the store had a non-stop delivery of mooncakes throughout the entire period.
Popular among the older crowd, many come here for a piece of their delicious and classic mooncake.
113 year old Lao Ban Zhai
600 Fuzhou Lu
Known for its traditional Shanghainese dishes, Lao Ban Zhai is an incredibly popular food option among the older generation.
With a huge turnout during meal times, many often come here for their noodles.
Most famous for their ungeo noodles - the dish is a must try in Spring, and for the Autumn season, we recommend trying out the spicy meat cold noodles or abalone noodles.
Do not worry - the owner is generous with his ingredients, giving a huge portion of spicy meat and juicy abalone slices. Finish the meal with a bowl of green bean soup for a refreshing treat.
274 year old Wang Bao He Restaurant
603 Fuzhou Lu
Founded in 1744, the 274 year old restaurant is known for its the king of crabs and yellow rice wine.
The restaurant sells delicious and meaty hairy crab, which is often a popular dish to order here. Diners can be seated on the spacious first or second floor during meal times.
Apart from crabs, try out their yellow fish, duck tongue, shrimp, spicy seaweed knots and more when here!
156 year old Lao Zheng Xing
556 Fuzhou Lu
Started in 1862, Lao Zheng Xing is a 156 year old store that has stood the test of time.
With its Michelin one star recommendation, many youngsters often come here for the ambience, service, and great food. Some dishes to try include the stir-fry red braised pig intestine and osmanthus braised balls.
Wugong Hotel
3/F, 431 Fuzhou Lu
A classic, the hotel serves local Shanghainese delights, offers quality accommodation, and is a great wedding venue.
Apart from the classic restaurants, Fuzhou Lu has other popular snack places as well!
Jing’an Bread Shop
348 Fuzhou Lu
A newly opened store on Fuzhou Lu and opposite Xinhua Building, the bread shop is known for their Qing Tuan and cream squares.
We recommend trying out their other breads, including the octopus bun.
Old Shanghai Spring Onion Pancake
151 Fuzhou Lu
Next to Xinhua Building, the store is known for their delicious and crispy spring onion pancakes.
Zhen Ding Chicken
440 Fuzhou Lu
The store has been winning customers over just by selling white steamed chicken over the past century!
Xiong Jiu Sixty Thousand Sticks
452 Fuzhou Lu
The meat here is juicy and tender, and the store is considered a legend in its own right.
blues & jazz
60 Fuzhou Lu
Near the Bund, the bar opens after 11pm every night and is a great jazz bar to hit up despite the small storefront.
To many, Shanghai is often seen as a busy and slightly cold-hearted city, however streets like Fuzhou Lu, in the very center of Shanghai, remind us of the warmth and culture of Shanghai.
Escape the bustle of life, grab a cup of coffee and unwind over a great book on Fuzhou Lu today!