Head to the Old Film Café for a coffee and admire the peculiar Charlie Chaplin statue outside
Built in 1911, this historic street was once home to a number of famous Chinese writers. The writers have moved on, but the architecture and the atmosphere remain. Nowadays, the street is lined with art stores, antique shops, galleries and teahouses. It’s a pedestrian street, and not one that is always overwhelmed with tourists, so head along for a peaceful amble.
The golden age of this street was in the 20s and 30s. Then it was known as Darroch Road, and it was studded with writers and celebrities. Among them were various influential League of Left-Wing Writers, including the founder Lu Xun, whose former residence is now an authentically preserved museum. He even got the nearby park renamed after him by the Communist Party of the People’s Republic of China. He was never a member, but they have a slightly selective memory.
The architecture along Duolun Road makes for a rather good style timeline of 20th century Shanghai. Chinese styles were fused with foreign ones, so its interesting to see elements of Islamic, Jewish and French styles alongside one another. Highlights include the Hongde Temple, a Christian church built in a Chinese style, and the political museum where the League of Left-Wing Writers was founded. The Shanghai Doulun Museum of Modern Art also warrants a visit, not just for the art, but also for its charming terrace.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.