Hengshan Road, a beloved thoroughfare in Shanghai, showcases a blend of old apartments, houses, and theaters, each embodying a distinct style reflective of modern Shanghai.

These diverse architectural gems have stood the test of time, preserving their charm throughout history.

Join us on a tour of Hengshan Road to discover the diverse old and new structures waiting to be explored.

SFC New Heng Shan Cinema

SFC New Heng Shan Cinema, situated at No 838 Hengshan Road, is a significant historical building completed in 1952.

This Art Deco-style cinema, with vertical lines on its facade and distinctive architectural features, including a five-pointed star and the inscription of its name in Chinese, is a beloved landmark known for hosting the inaugural Shanghai International Film Festival.

Note: The cinema is currently closed for extensive interior refurbishment.

Washington Apartments

Washington Apartments, situated at No 303 Hengshan Road and built in 1928, underwent a recent transformation.

Influenced by Art Deco, the building features simplistic yet elegant yellow brushed cement walls that were later painted light green, and have now returned to yellow.

Characterized by white decorative motifs and layered forms, the design exudes a blend of simplicity, generosity, abstraction, and modernity, showcasing the designer's keen awareness of 1920s global architectural trends.

Georgia Apartments

Situated at No 311-331 Hengshan Road, Georgia Apartments was built in 1933 and boasts a distinctive "T" shape design.

The central facade stands at seven floors, flanked by wings of four floors each, featuring a symmetrical and gradual descent on both sides.

A vertical white cement decorative band running through the middle creates a striking contrast against the yellow exterior wall surface.

Cavendish Court

Cavendish Court, situated at No 525 Hengshan Road and established in 1933, showcases a distinctive architectural style.

The building ascends in the center and gently slopes on either side, creating a harmonious and proportionate structure.

Horizontal lines are accentuated by the interplay of concave and convex elements on the walls between floors, along with reddish-brown brick veneers nestled between the horizontal windows.

Additionally, the facade features brown fire-resistant brick veneer, providing a material contrast against the predominant light-yellow stucco walls.

I.S.S. Picardie Apartments

I.S.S. Picardie Apartments, located at No 534 Hengshan Road, stands tall as a modernist reinforced concrete apartment building, soaring approximately 62 meters high.

The facade exudes simplicity and clarity, accentuating a vertical composition with two lower sections flanked by two higher sections, seamlessly transitioning to the wings without extraneous embellishments, embodying a distinct modernist aesthetic.

The ground floor walls are adorned in a dark hue, while the remaining walls are finished with cement, subtly hinting at Art Deco influences within the overall design.

Notably, two additional floors were incorporated post-1985, significantly altering the building's original appearance.

Petain Apartments

Built in 1936 and located at No 700 Hengshan Road, this distinguished building is adorned in the Art Deco style prevalent during its era, the facade boasts intricate geometric patterns of circles and arcs, seamlessly blending the elegance of Art Deco with the simplicity of modernist architectural design.

The central feature of the main facade is a polygonal projection, flanked by columns on either side of the entrance. The ground floor is set back, showcasing an internal curved staircase, while the second floor ascends from a raised square balcony adorned with white semi-cylindrical decorative bands on both levels.

The internal stairwell within the apartment gracefully curves, creating a vertical space that spans six floors, showcasing a pronounced Art Deco influence throughout the structure.

Notably, Zhang Leping, the esteemed cartoonist who created Wanderings of Three Hairs the Orphan, once resided within these historic walls, adding a touch of cultural significance to the illustrious Petain Apartments.

No 8 Hengshan Road

No 8 Hengshan Road features Shengjia Garden and the iconic water tower of the Shanghai American School, both modern architectural landmarks.

Originally designed by renowned architect Henry Murphy, the Shanghai American School, characterized by red brick and white stone gables, is now utilized by the Shanghai Shipbuilding Equipment Research Institute.

The water tower square is accessible to the public, with a reflective pool displaying the tower's image and the address "No 8 Hengshan Road."

Shengjia Garden, another historical site on the premises, is primarily utilized for exhibitions and events, receiving limited foot traffic.

The newer buildings at this location boast contemporary design elements, predominantly white, juxtaposing the traditional structures while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

The street-facing building's facade pays homage to the arch design of the Louvre in France, drawing in curious passersby with its orderly and captivating layout.

The blend of historical significance and modern architectural flair makes Hengshan Road a unique and intriguing destination for visitors seeking a glimpse into Shanghai's rich cultural tapestry.

Sources: "shanghaifabu" "shanghaitourism" WeChat accounts