Sinan Road
It is hailed as a specimen of Shanghai’s history.
Sinan Road has all kinds of old Shanghai residential styles. It’s like a living museum of Shanghai’s history. The buildings are super varied. You’ve got classic European villas, Sino-Western houses, and modern skyscrapers.
Originally, Sinan Road was called Masnan Road. It started back in 1914 and was named after the French composer Jules Masnan. There are lots of important historical spots here. You’ll find Zhou Enlai’s former residence, the Zhou Mansion, as well as Sinan Mansion, the home of the Peking opera master Mei Lanfang, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial.
These places not only show how Shanghai has changed over time but also give you a peek into modern Chinese history.
Table of Contents
Highlights
The Glass Art Museum (Chinese name: 琉璃艺术博物馆)
The Sinan Road Glass Art Museum is the only one of its kind in Shanghai. It was founded and designed by Taiwanese artists Zhang Yi and Yang Huishan. The museum showcases the history and development of glass art and offers a lot of interactive experiences.
The building itself is a piece of art. Its exterior is made of over 4,800 transparent glass bricks that look like cave rocks. During the day, it has a rough, natural vibe, and at night, it sparkles beautifully. Inside, there’s a giant golden peony that’s 10 meters wide, 5 meters tall, and weighs a ton. When the lights go out, the flower looks stunning and becomes a unique sight.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring works from international glass art masters. The best time to visit is Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Sinan Mansions (思南公馆)
Sinan Mansions is the only well-preserved old garden villa complex in downtown Shanghai. It has 51 historic garden houses. Visitors can feel the quiet and peace of old Shanghai here.
The place is open all year round, 24/7, but it’s a good idea to set aside 1-2 hours for your visit. Entry is free, but some spots might need a reservation.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial House (孙中山故居纪念馆)
Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Republic of China, and his wife, Soong Ching-ling, lived here in 1918. Inside the house, you can see many original items they used, like the sofa in the living room and the writing desk in the study. Everything is arranged just like it was, showing how they lived.
Exhibits include the grand marshal’s sword Sun used when he was the commander-in-chief and the wartime seal used by Huang Xing during the Wuchang Uprising.
Zhou Mansion (周公馆)
Zhou Mansion was where Zhou Enlai lived and worked in Shanghai. It’s now open to the public for free. The building is in Spanish style and was built in the 1920s. It used to belong to a French businessman.
In the garden, you can see a car that Zhou Enlai rode in, along with a statue of him, which is a popular spot for photos. The mansion is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM, but it’s closed on Mondays.
Sinan Bookstore (思南书局)
Sinan Bookstore is a cozy artsy shop hidden in an old villa, surrounded by lush trees and a charming atmosphere. The building was built in 1926 and used to belong to warlord Feng Yuxiang.
The bookstore has a great variety of books and a unique layout. You enter on the second floor, where the smell of coffee mixes with literature. The third floor is all about exhibitions and art books, while the first floor has history, philosophy, and a kids’ reading area. It’s open every day from 10:30 AM to 6 PM, but closed on Mondays.
Fuxing Park (复兴公园)
Fuxing Park on Sinan Road is the only park in Shanghai that keeps the classic French garden style. It’s a great example of blending Chinese and Western garden culture in modern Shanghai.
The park features several highlights, like the sunken flower beds, a rose garden, and the Marx and Engels statue. The statue is made of granite and is surrounded by cedar, camphor, and palm trees, making it a cultural symbol of the park.
There are also many old trees here, especially 223 plane trees that are over 50 years old, adding to the park’s charm.
Attraction Surprises
Antique Garden Café (古董花园咖啡馆)
Antique Garden Café is located at 44 Sinan Road in Shanghai. It’s a charming two-story villa with a vintage vibe. When you step inside, you’re greeted by lots of antiques, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere that pulls you right in.
I heard the owner is an antique collector, and the café displays many of their pieces. Each table and chair is an old treasure from Shanghai. Originally, it was an antique furniture shop styled after old Shanghai design, but it gradually turned into the cozy café it is today.
There’s a back garden, too. The first floor focuses on coffee and food, while the second floor has a bar and a nice balcony with a great view. Drinks are mostly around CNY 40 to 60 (about $5.50 to $8.50 USD), snacks and desserts are about CNY 40 to 50 (about $5.50 to $7 USD), and dishes range from CNY 60 to 120 (about $8.50 to $17 USD).
Popular Restaurants Near the Sinan Road
Enjoying authentic Shanghai cuisine during your travel in Shanghai.
A-Niang Noodle Shop 阿娘面馆
- Crab Meat Noodles(蟹粉拌面)
Super flavorful! It might be a bit salty for those who prefer lighter tastes, so adding some vinegar can enhance the crab flavor and balance out the saltiness. Mix the noodles well with the crab, and the more you eat, the tastier it gets!
Yellow Fish Noodle Soup(黄鱼煨面)
The delicious white broth is the soul of this dish, with a hint of pepper to enhance the flavor. Drink it hot; it’s super tasty. The fish is really fresh and cooked simply, keeping the natural taste intact. Address:
36 Sinan Road, Ruijin 2nd Road, near Nanchang Road
Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Average Spend:
CNY 47 (about $6.50 USD) per person
Practical Travel Tips
Recommended Route: Tianzifang → Shanghai Glass Art Museum → Zhou Mansion → Sinan Bookstore (Fuxing Middle Road) → Sun Yat-sen Memorial House → Antique Garden → Sinan Bookstore (Poetry Store) → Fuxing Park.
- Sinan Mansions isn’t just an indoor venue; it’s a whole area of classic Shanghai buildings and garden villas. It’s called an “open-air museum,” with lots of cool cafés, bars, and Western restaurants. You can take great photos anywhere you point your camera.
- Sinan Bookstore is inside Sinan Mansions, and you’ve got to visit. The artistic vibe is strong, and you can take some really charming photos. Just make sure to stay quiet! It’s closed on Mondays.
Hours and Fees
Hours
- Open all day.
Admission
- No admission fee required.
How to Get to Sinan Road
By Bus
- Buses that pass through Sinan Road include routes 146, 167, 320, 42, 911, 920, 926, and 986.
By Subway
- Take the subway Line 13 to Huaihai Zhong Road Station and exit from Exit 1.
How Visitors Rate the Sinan Road
International tourists
Local tourists from China
There were even some singers performing, and they sounded great—super relaxing! The place was packed with people enjoying the weekend. The tasty snacks and drinks at the market looked amazing, especially the bread and desserts. Everything seemed delicious!
