Wulumuqi Lu
Classic Former French Concession Living With Food, Bars and Casual Charm
Wulumuqi South Road · 乌鲁木齐南路
Wulumuqi South Road is the older, more elegant cousin of Shanghai's newer bar and restaurant clusters — deep in the Former French Concession, known for tree-lined streets, relaxed nights out, legendary dive bars, and some of the best spots for a coffee or spritz paired with great people-watching.
- tree-lined shaded streets
- relaxed nights out
- legendary dive bars
- coffee or a spritz
- great people-watching
Classic Shanghai atmosphere, with some of the oldest establishments still standing strong in a city under constant change.
Alimentari
The Best Alimentari in Town for Coffee or a Midday Cocktail
There are five Alimentari locations in Shanghai, but the one on Anfu, just off the corner of Wulumuqi, is by far the best instalment for coffee or a midday cocktail.
With a lovely patio, great beer and wine selection, and plenty of passers-by who will probably stop to take your picture, it's perfect for a coffee meet-up or light brunch to start your weekend.
Price: Mid Atmosphere: Casual, outdoor Value for money: Great Address: 158 Anfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai Nearest Metro: Changshu Road Station, Line 7 Best for:: coffee, cocktails/wine, working remotely Directory: Restaurant
Just Grapes
An Elegant Wine Shop with Al-Fresco Lounging
No seats at Alimentari? Side step next door to Just Grapes. This little wine shop may not have coffee, but you go for the elegant vino selection and the equally satisfying al-fresco lounging space.
Price: Mid Atmosphere: Casual, outdoor Value for money: Good Address: 162 Anfu Road, Shanghai Nearest Metro: Changshu Road Station, Line 7 Best for:: wine Directory: Bar
Arabica
Pure Coffee and People-Watching at Anfu and Wukang
For a pure coffee and spying experience, no place in town is as interesting as Arabica on the corner of Anfu and Wukang. This intersection is one of the busiest for foot traffic any day the weather is fair, especially weekends. The coffee is very good, but the sight-seeing is the main attraction. Grab a snack across the street at Sunflower Café.
Price: Mid Atmosphere: Casual, outdoor Value for money: Good Address: 322 Anfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai Nearest Metro: Changshu Road Station, Line 7 Best for:: coffee Directory: Cafe
Union Trading Company
Speakeasy-Style Cocktails on Hengshan Road
A place that flies under the radar, Union Trading Company has some of the most unique cocktails in the Wulumuqi area. A speakeasy-style bar on Hengshan Road with original tastes, a low-lit cozy atmosphere, and a great date spot before or after dinner.
Price: Mid to higher mid-range Atmosphere: Stylish, intimate, confident Value for money: Strong if you care about drinks quality Address: 306 Hengshan Road, by Yongjia Road, Xuhui District Nearest Metro: Hengshan Road Station, Line 1 Best for:: cocktails, date nights, friend catch-ups Directory: Bar
Abbey Road
A British Pub Holding Down the Yueyang Triangle
While bar after bar in Shanghai closes or moves, Abbey Road has been holding down the famous Yueyang Triangle for ages. A British-themed bar great for sports or a pint, but the real draw is nightly entertainment and the beer yard — trivia, stand-up, game night, or live music nearly every night. The Friday band in the yard is our favourite reason to go. Hungry? Try the Chicken Lemonade.
Price: Mid-range Atmosphere: Lively, Western, friendly Value for money: Good for the location and longevity Address: No. 3 Taojiang Road, near Hengshan Road, Xuhui District Nearest Metro: Hengshan Road Station, Line 1 Best for:: casual dinners, drinks, groups Directory: Bar
The Hai
One of Shanghai’s Best Sports Bars
Another mainstay with one of Shanghai's most loyal foreigner communities, the Hai moved early in 2026 from Yongjia and South Shaanxi to the corner of Yongjia and Gao'an. Newly renovated but keeping the old charm, it sits next to Beni's, another longtime divey gem. Some of the best wings in town plus great pool and darts make it one of the city's best sports bars.
Price: Mid-range Atmosphere: Casual, social Value for money: Good Address: Corner of Yongjia Road and Gao’an Road, Xuhui District Nearest Metro: Hengshan Road Station, Line 1 Best for:: beers, bar food, sports, bar games Directory: Bar
Garlic
Some of the Best Turkish Food in Town
One of Shanghai's best for Turkish food, and an easy recommendation for readers who want something different from the usual French Concession mix. The elegant open design and top-end Turkish plates pair well with original cocktails and a buzzy atmosphere.
Price: Mid-range Atmosphere: Friendly, comfortable, slightly old-school Value for money: Good Address: 698 Yongjia Road, near Anting Road, Xuhui District Nearest Metro: Hengshan Road Station, Line 1 Best for:: long lunches, relaxed dinners, family meals, Turkish food fans Directory: Restaurant
Mi Thai
Michelin Bib Gourmand Thai on Anfu Lu
Shanghai has no shortage of Thai food, but Mi Thai on Anfu Lu stands above the rest. A Michelin Bib Gourmand spot known for classic, herb-forward Thai dishes with a beautiful ambiance and creative cocktails — one of our favourite dinner spots to tail-end a day of coffee and curiosity in the Wulumuqi area.
Price: Upper-mid-range Atmosphere: Casual but classy, nice lighting, charming Value for money: Good Address: 195 Anfu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai Nearest Metro: Changshu Road Station, Line 7 Best for:: dinner, cocktails, dates, groups Directory: Restaurant
LOCO Gastro & Bar
Spanish Fusion Flavours and a Laid-Back Gastropub Feel
LOCO gives the Wulumuqi area a splash of Spanish fusion and a laid-back gastropub feel. A useful recommendation for diners who want a unique Spanish experience in a town full of taco stalls. A culinary upgrade well worth a visit.
Price: Mid-range Atmosphere: Easy-going, international, sociable Value for money: Good Address: 205 South Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai Nearest Metro: Hengshan Road Station, Line 1 Best for:: dinner, drinks, relaxed nights out Directory: Restaurant
La Tavernetta
An Intimate Italian Bistro and Wine Bar
Formerly La Vite, this cozy Italian bistro and wine bar reopened as La Tavernetta, the newest addition to the popular Bar a Vin family. Perfect for an intimate, authentic Italian dining experience — warm, compact, and rustic. Try the clam pasta or pan-seared veal with ham.
Price: Mid-range Atmosphere: Easy-going, warm, romantic Value for money: Good Address: 247-2 Wulumuqi Lu, near Wuyuan Lu, Xuhui District Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM – Midnight Nearest Metro: Changshu Road Station, Line 7 Best for:: dinner, wine, date night Directory: Restaurant
High Yaki The Sea
Seafood-Centric Japanese Grill at Hengshan and Wulumuqi
At the corner of Hengshan and Wulumuqi South Road, a Japanese-inspired restaurant run by High Yaki owner Justin Xu. Sleek and unintimidating, focusing on a seafood-centric Japanese grill and charcoal concept. Try the Snow Crab Stone Pot Rice or Uni Noodles.
Price: Mid to higher mid-range Atmosphere: Smart, modern, slightly special-occasion Value for money: Good if you want quality and a nicer setting Address: Corner of Hengshan Road and Wulumuqi South Road, Xuhui Nearest Metro: Hengshan Road Station, Line 1 Best for:: date nights, seafood lovers, nicer dinners Directory: Restaurant
Living around Hengshan Road and Wulumuqi South Road
Maybe the best thing about the Wulumuqi area is that it's such a great place to live. Low traffic, quiet, central, with beautiful shaded streets — paired with amazing places for coffee, drinks and dinner, it's one of the most sought-after residential areas in Shanghai.
- ✓ Low traffic, quiet, central
- ✓ Beautiful shaded streets
- ✓ Great metro stations (Hengshan Lu, Shanghai Library)
- ✓ Local import shops like Avocado Lady and Just Fresh
- ✓ Multiple Aldis within a 10 minute delivery
Quick mini guide: where to go first
For cocktails: Alimentari on Anfu Lu
For a relaxed dinner/drinks: Mi Thai
For Turkish food: Garlic
For brunch and comfort food: Abbey Road / Alimentari
For seafood and a nicer meal: High Yaki The Sea
For Spanish fusion gastropub vibes: LOCO Gastro & Bar
The Verdict
Wulumuqi South Road is the Former French Concession at its most lived-in — tree-lined, walkable, and packed with places worth returning to. It doesn't have the concentrated buzz of Yanping Road or the polished newness of Shang Kang Li, but for classic Shanghai atmosphere with some of the city's oldest and best establishments still standing, it remains one of the most dependable and charming neighbourhoods in the city.
More from Shanghai Directory
Things to Do · 20 min
50 Free Things To Do in Shanghai (That Are Actually Worth Your Time)
Shanghai is ranked one of the most expensive cities in the world — but some of its best experiences cost nothing. 50 genuinely free things to do, from iconic first-time experiences to hidden local favourites.
Things to Do · 10 min
China's National Day: What Golden Week Means in Shanghai — and How to Survive It
Every 1 October, China marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In Shanghai, that means flags along the streets, packed railway stations, illuminated skylines and the beginning of one of the biggest travel weeks on earth.
Things to Do · 8 min
The best things to do in Shanghai during Golden Week
Six relaxed, crowd-aware ways to enjoy Shanghai during the October National Day holiday — from sunrise at the Bund to the Propaganda Poster Art Centre, French Concession walks, riverside cycling and smaller parks.
Comments (1)
test