Is Lu Xun Park free to enter?

Yes, Lu Xun Park is free for the public to enter. It is a popular spot for locals to practice Tai Chi and ballroom dancing, especially in the early morning hours.

What is the best time to visit Hongkou's literary sites?

The best time is Tuesday through Sunday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Most museums in the area, including the Lu Xun Museum, are closed on Mondays.

Is this walking route suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly as the route is mostly pedestrianized and includes a large park at the end. Children often enjoy the statues on Duolun Road and the open spaces in Lu Xun Park.

Can I see Lu Xun's former residence on this walk?

Yes, while not a primary stop, Lu Xun's former residence is located very close to the park on Shanyin Road. You can easily add a 5-minute detour to see the exterior of the house where he spent his final years.

Is the area accessible for those with limited mobility?

The streets are generally flat and paved. Lu Xun Park and the Lu Xun Museum are wheelchair accessible, though some older shops on Duolun Road may have steps.

What is the significance of Tianai Road?

Tianai Road is known as the most romantic street in Shanghai. It features a 'Love Mailbox' and walls covered in international poetry, making it a popular spot for couples.

Are there places to eat near Duolun Road?

Yes, there are several small local eateries and charming teahouses along Duolun Road. For more modern dining options, the Hongkou Football Stadium area near the end of the walk has many restaurants.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back into the 'Golden Age' of Chinese literature with this self-guided walk through the Hongkou District, the intellectual heart of 1930s Shanghai. This neighborhood stroll invites you to wander down narrow lanes where revolutionary writers once shared forbidden ideas and international thinkers gathered in clandestine bookstores. As you explore independently, you will encounter the spirit of Lu Xun, the father of modern Chinese literature, whose presence still lingers in the statues, museums, and shaded parks of this historic quarter. The route centers on Duolun Road, often described as an open-air museum of architecture. Here, you can admire a unique blend of Islamic, French, and English-style villas that served as the backdrop for the League of Left-Wing Writers. Beyond the politics, this walking route also reveals the softer side of the city on Tianai Road, known as the most romantic street in Shanghai, before concluding in the vibrant Lu Xun Park. This neighborhood is far removed from the glitz of the Bund, offering a peaceful look at the city's soulful past. Whether you are a history buff or a casual traveler, this self-guided adventure provides a deep dive into the stories that shaped modern China. While many visitors seek a guided tour Shanghai for convenience, this audio-guided experience allows you to linger at the Site of Uchiyama Bookstore or contemplate the modern art installations at your own pace. Discover how the literary ghosts of the 1930s continue to influence the creative energy of Shanghai today through this immersive walking tour Shanghai experience.

Highlights

The diverse 'Open Air Museum' architecture of Duolun Road

The Site of Uchiyama Bookstore, a 1930s intellectual hub

The romantic murals and 'Love Mailbox' on Tianai Road

The comprehensive exhibits at the Lu Xun Museum

Local life and Tai Chi practitioners in Lu Xun Park

Statues of China's most influential modern writers

Tour Stops (6)

Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art

Begin your exploration at this contemporary landmark nestled within a historic neighborhood. The Duolun Museum of Modern Art stands as a bridge between the radical intellectualism of the 1930s and today's cutting-edge Chinese art scene. While the building itself is modern, it occupies a space that has long been a sanctuary for creative expression. Take a moment to look at the surrounding architecture; you are at the gateway to a street that once housed the 'League of Left-Wing Writers.' This museum frequently hosts rotating exhibitions that challenge social norms, much like the writers of the past who gathered in the nearby cafes to discuss revolution and reform.

Duolun Road

As you walk down this L-shaped street, you are entering what is essentially an open-air museum. Duolun Road was a prestigious residential area in the early 20th century, and its eclectic architecture reflects that history. Look for the 'Old Jingyun Lane' where Lu Xun and Mao Dun lived. You'll pass bronze statues of famous literary figures like Ding Ling and Guo Moruo, frozen in conversation. The architecture here is a fascinating mix—keep an eye out for the Fitch Memorial Church with its distinct Chinese-style roof, and the various European-style villas that now house antique shops and quiet teahouses. This street was the epicenter of the Chinese literary movement during the Republican era.

Site of Uchiyama Bookstore

This unassuming building was once one of the most important cultural crossroads in Asia. Run by Kanzo Uchiyama, a Japanese expatriate, this bookstore became a safe haven for Chinese intellectuals who were under surveillance by the authorities. Lu Xun was a frequent visitor and a close friend of Uchiyama; the bookstore even served as a clandestine post office for his subversive correspondence. Today, the site commemorates this unique friendship between a Japanese merchant and a Chinese revolutionary writer, proving that even in times of intense political friction, literature and shared humanity could build a bridge between cultures.

Tianai Road

Transition from revolutionary history to modern romance as you turn onto Tianai Road, often called the 'Road of Sweet Love.' Legend says that couples who walk the length of this street together will stay in love forever. The walls are lined with international love poems and romantic graffiti. Look for the special 'Love Mailbox' near the entrance; letters sent from here receive a unique heart-shaped postmark. It is a quiet, tree-lined contrast to the busy city streets, offering a glimpse into the gentler, more whimsical side of Shanghai's neighborhood life.

Luxun Museum

Located within the grounds of Lu Xun Park, this museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of the man who revolutionized Chinese writing. By moving away from classical language to the vernacular 'Baihua,' Lu Xun made literature accessible to the masses. Inside, you can see his original manuscripts, personal belongings, and even his death mask. The exhibits trace his journey from a medical student in Japan to the biting social critic who used his pen as a weapon against injustice. It is a somber but essential stop to understand the intellectual foundations of modern China.

Lu Xun Park

Conclude your walk in Lu Xun Park, formerly known as Hongkou Park. This is where the great writer is buried, and his tomb features calligraphy by Mao Zedong himself. Beyond its historical gravity, the park is a vibrant center of local life. Depending on the time of day, you might see groups practicing Tai Chi, seniors engaged in spirited games of chess, or residents practicing 'water calligraphy' on the pavement. It’s a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously, offering a peaceful environment to reflect on the literary ghosts you've encountered along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Walking the length of Duolun Road takes about 15-20 minutes, but you should allow at least 45 minutes to appreciate the architecture and statues. The total walking route through the neighborhood typically takes 90 minutes.