Once a hub of luxurious residences in the western part of Shanghai's central urban area, Changning is a tapestry of stories waiting to be explored.

Stroll down Yuyuan Road for artsy shops and historic charm, or wander Xinhua Road, lined with stunning architecture and lush trees.

Don't miss the 2025 Changning Coffee Culture Festival, featuring fascinating city walking routes that pair cozy cafes with artistic hotspots. Perfect for your next adventure!

Yuyuan Road: Trendy cultural enclave

Yuyuan Road is where historical architecture meets creative spaces and tradition blends with modern life. [Video/Shanghai Daily]

First opened in 1911, Yuyuan Road now buzzes with cobblers, soy milk stalls, and a "Story Store" that trades tales for art. Here, Shanghai's century-old charm collides with fresh, indie vibes.

With over 100 years of history, it features a renowned art and lifestyle block, home to more than 110 trendy shops and art venues.

The area hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and live shows and is rich in history with 108 ancient houses and 60 cultural heritage sites.

Notable figures like Qian Xuesen (1911-2009), writer Shi Zhecun (1905-2003) and actress Zhu Xijuan (1938-) have ties to the area.

The block, recognized as a national-level tourism and leisure area, offers complete tourism facilities, making it a must-visit destination.

Xinhua Road: Shanghai's No 1 garden street

Visitors explore the Shanghai Film Art Center, SHO Dolby Auditorium, Xinhua Road, FICS Xinhua 365, Foreign Lane, Xinhua Alley Citizen Center, Shanghai AFA, and Columbia Circle. [Video/Changning district administration of culture and tourism]

Located at the heart of Changning district, Xinhua Road, once known as Amherst Avenue, is celebrated as "Shanghai's No 1 garden street".

It is famous for its stately plane trees and diverse architectural styles, including low-density modern garden houses.

Notable sites include Foreign Lane, or Xinhua Villas, with villas influenced by British, Dutch, Italian, and Spanish designs, and the Plum Well Villa designed by architect Xi Fuquan (1902-1983).

The Cake House was designed by Hungarian-Slovak architect Laszlo Hudec (1893-1958), whose legacy is honored at the Laszlo Hudec Memorial.

The Shanghai Film Art Center provides film-related experiences, aligning with the Shanghai International Film Festival.

The Pub HandyCup, China's first fully accessible bar, promotes inclusivity with wheelchair access and staff trained in sign language.

If you go

Plum Well Villa: Lane 593, Xinhua Road

Foreign Lane (Xinhua Villas): No 17, No 32 and No 36 in Lane 329, No 2 in Lane 211, Xinhua Road

Laszlo Hudec Memorial: No 127-129 Panyu Road

Shanghai Film Art Center: No 200 Xinhua Road

Pub HandyCup

Location: Room 108, Building 6, Lane 365 Xinhua Road

Hours: Daily, 6 pm to 12 am

'Coffee + Books' city walk routes

Uncover Shanghai's historic charm in Changning district, where delightful cafes are nestled within century-old buildings. Click on this video to discover your next tour destination! [Video/Changning district administration of culture and tourism]

The 2025 Changning Coffee Culture Festival started on April 23, with four curated city walking routes unveiled. These paths connect specialty bookstores, art galleries, and charming neighborhoods, offering a unique coffee and city walking experience.

• Route one: Literary classic tour

Explore Sisyphe Bookstore (Cloud Nine Shopping Mall), the Changning campus of the East China University of Political Science and Law, Yuyuan Road, Fan Deng Books (C PARK), and Liu Haisu Art Museum for literature and art.

• Route two: Shanghai-style modern tour

Discover Tsutaya Books (Columbia Circle), Sun Ke Villa, Xinhua Alley, and Xinhua Road Historical and Cultural Block, experiencing the essence of Shanghai culture.

• Route three: ACG & art mix

Visit Banana Fish Books, Cheng Shifa Art Museum, Oasis, and Golden Street for a blend of animation, comics, game culture, and leisure.

• Route four: Art exhibitions

Enjoy the Exception Cafe, Yu Wa Tai Art Space, China Publishing Bookstore, and Hongqiao Contemporary Art Museum for a journey through modern art.

Sources: WeChat account of Changning district administration of culture and tourism, website of Changning district government, WeChat account of Tsutaya Books in Columbia Circle, WeChat account of Changning district media center