From riverfront views to historic streets and cultural landmarks, Shanghai’s Hongkou district offers plenty to explore on foot. Below are three walking routes, each taking around 1.5 to 2 hours.

North Bund riverside route

International Cruise Terminal Station (Exit 3) → Intersection of Dongchangzhi Road and Lushun Road → Intersection of Dongchangzhi Road and Jiulong Road → International Port Building → Manner Coffee (International Cruise Terminal Riverside) → North Bund's egg-shaped sculpture → Gate of Music → North Bund Yacht Service Station → Gongping Road Pier

Walking time: About 1.5 hours

Start at Exit 3 of the International Cruise Terminal Station on Metro Line 12, then follow the route along the Huangpu River. Along the way, pause at the riverside Manner Coffee shop to rest and enjoy views of the river and the Lujiazui skyline.

Another highlight is the egg-shaped mirrored structure at the North Bund. With heart-shaped cut-outs and a soft glow at night, it has become an iconic photo spot.

The route also passes the Gate of Music and the North Bund Yacht Service Station before ending at Gongping Road Pier. From there, take the Taigong Line ferry for 2 yuan ($0.28) to see the Huangpu River from a new perspective.

Tilanqiao heritage route

Tilanqiao Station (Metro Line 12) → White Horse Cafe → Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum → JIC Books → North Bund Sunset Promenade

Walking time: About 2 hours

This route links historic sites with modern cultural spaces in the Tilanqiao area.

Walk past White Horse Cafe and the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum among the old blocks.

Also stop by JIC Books, nicknamed "Shanghai's Hogwarts" for its vaulted ceiling and towering bookshelves.

Its floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of the Huangpu River and the Lujiazui skyline, making it perfect for reading and taking photos.

The route ends at North Bund Sunset Promenade. Facing the river, this is an idyllic place to watch the sunset at dusk.

Duolun Road cultural route

Liyang Road → Duolun Road cultural celebrity street → Hongde Church → Xishi Bell Tower → Memorial Hall of the Left-Wing Writers' Union of China → Tian'ai Road

Walking time: About 1.5 hours

The route starts along Liyang Road, where former homes of notable figures rest beneath shady plane trees in peaceful surroundings.

The route continues to Duolun Road cultural celebrity street, home to historic sites including Hongde Church, Xishi Bell Tower, and the Memorial Hall of the Left-Wing Writers' Union of China.

The walk also leads visitors along Tian'ai Road, a 520-meter street devoted to romance. Its walls feature Chinese and foreign love poems, while a love-themed postbox and message wall remain popular photo spots.

Source: Hongkou district government