Autumn in Shanghai is an artist's dream as the city quietly transforms, creating a mosaic of fiery ginkgo leaves, muted gold plane trees, and the sweet, invisible confetti of osmanthus fragrance.

It is a perfect season to explore the city on two wheels. The following two routes promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of the city.

Route: Fumin Road → Changle Road → South Shaanxi Road → Julu Road

Distance: 1.7 kilometers

This route winds through a popular area known as "Ju Fu Chang", named after its three main streets: Julu Road, Fumin Road, and Changle Road. The streets are lined with plane trees that form a dense canopy, complemented by historic residential architecture that adds character and charm to the ride.

Changle Road, over a century old, hums with a timeless literary energy. It is easy to imagine Eileen Chang walking here, drawing inspiration for Lust, Caution, or Qian Zhongshu contemplating the walls of his Fortress Besieged.

Crossing South Shaanxi Road, Julu Road opens onto its quieter western side, showcasing architecture from the 1920s to 1940s. Beautiful French-style villas sit tucked behind walls, while landmarks such as Julu Garden, the creative complex of Julu758, and the Shanghai Writers Association invite a slower pace, allowing cyclists to soak in the city's rich cultural heartbeat.

Route: Blue Bottle Coffee → Anyuan Bridge → Butterfly Bay Garden → South Suzhou Road → Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial → Former Site of the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce

Distance: 4.3 kilometers

This longer route traces a path along the shimmering Suzhou Creek. Here, water, culture, greenery, and urban life converge. Known as the "golden corridor" of Shanghai's modern industry, each bend of the creek holds a story waiting to be discovered.

The journey starts at the former site of Yutong Flour Mill Dormitory, a restored red-brick historic building that now buzzes with activity as the Blue Bottle Coffee.

Continuing along the route, you will arrive at Butterfly Bay Park, a graceful green space named for its wing-like shape along the river. The park is an oasis of calm, with new cherry tree gardens and integrated riverside paths that invite a leisurely stroll.

After the park, a visit to the Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial offers a moment for somber reflection. The bullet-pocked western wall stands as a powerful, silent tribute to the "Eight Hundred Heroes" who resisted the Japanese invaders during WWII.

The journey continues to the new landmark of Suhe Bay MixC World, where you will see two preserved historical sites: the Tianhou Palace and the Shenyuli shikumen-style neighborhood, creating a striking dialogue across eras.

The final stop is the Former Site of the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce, a classical building that is now run by the Bulgari Hotel, featuring a restaurant, bar, and banqueting facilities.

Just remember to stay safe, keep hydrated, and let Shanghai's autumn story unfold around you with every pedal stroke.

Source: Shanghai Jing'an Media Center