Spring Stroll | Unlock the Exclusive Romance of Shanghai City Walk

| Unlock the Exclusive Romance of Shanghai City Walk. If you also enjoy wandering freely through a city, encountering unknown beauties, then I must share this hidden Shanghai City Walk route with you! It’s like a key that opens the wonderful door where Shanghai’s history, culture, and cuisine intertwine. The entire route takes about 4 hours, starting from Exit 2 of Yan’an West Road Metro Station. The scenery along the way unfolds like a springtime painting, with unique charm at every turn. Just stepping out of the metro station, the fresh air eagerly fills your nostrils, and the excitement of beginning a wonderful journey instantly surges in your heart. The first stop is Tianshan Park. Built in 1959, this park is like a pure oasis in the city. Entering from the south gate, stroll along Hulu Lake, whose shimmering waters seem to hide countless little secrets. Visiting in spring is especially breathtaking. When I went, the peonies had slightly lost their color due to a spring rain, but their majestic elegance remained undiminished. In early April, the cherry blossom pavilion should be filled with pink flowers like clouds and mist, but unfortunately, the blossoms were already fading when I visited. Still, the remaining flowers carried a unique charm. Imagine the peak bloom, with trees full of blossoms—what a romantic scene it must be. Leaving Tianshan Park, you step onto Wuyi Road, a century-old street. Established in 1925, the garden villas and historic buildings along the street are arranged in a charming mix. The former residence of Bao Yugang and the Belgian Consulate stand quietly, as if telling stories of the past. The red brick buildings of Renyi New Village are also distinctive, bearing the marks of time. The old street is very quiet, with occasional breezes rustling the leaves by the roadside. Walking along Wuyi Road, turn left onto Yan’an West Road, and you’ll find Changfa Restaurant. There’s often a line for their meat skewers. As someone from Chengdu used to bold flavors, I found the taste average, but local friends might love it more. If interested, it’s worth a try. Next is Jiangsu Road, where Master Bao’s Pastry Shop (Jiangsu Road branch) emits an enticing aroma. Stepping inside, the cozy environment lifts your spirits. I casually bought a few pastries and enjoyed them while walking—pure bliss. The sweet treats instantly dispelled any fatigue from walking, each bite filled with happiness. Further ahead is Yuyuan Road, rich in historical and cultural atmosphere. Here, old-style villas and new-style lane houses coexist, making you feel like you’ve traveled back to old Shanghai. I heard that Sun Li and Deng Chao once lived here, so I looked around curiously, trying to find traces of the celebrity couple’s home. The villas along the street are exquisite and elegant, with Shikumen gates and tiger windows—every detail carries Shanghai’s historical memory, truly like stepping into a historical drama. When tired, rest at Zhongshan Park. Built in 1914, the park’s entrance is guarded by two rows of towering ancient trees, silently protecting this peaceful place. In March, Zhongshan Park blooms with a hundred flowers competing in beauty. Walking among the blossoms, the fragrance lingers, intoxicating you. Find a bench, close your eyes, feel the breeze on your face, listen to the birds singing, and all worries drift away. The final stop is Changning Road Raffles City. Here, you can see the former site of St. Mary’s Girls’ School “Four Halls and One Floor”: Sibutang, Gezhi Hall, Shantang, Sisun Hall, and the Clock Tower. These buildings are solemn and elegant, exuding a strong historical atmosphere. When night falls and the lights come on, the entire plaza looks dreamlike, with breathtaking night views. Plus, from the second floor of the plaza, you can directly access Zhongshan Park Station on Lines 3 and 4, making it very convenient to go home after the trip. This route is easily accessible by foot and perfect for spring or flower season visits. Remember to wear comfortable shoes; starting in the morning means fewer people and easier photo-taking. There are many delicious foods along the way, and you might even encounter small shops that only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to bring some cash to better experience local life. Whether you love history and culture, enjoy photography and strolling, or are traveling with a partner or friends, this route will give you an unforgettable experience. This spring, come to Shanghai and start this romantic City Walk journey!