Duolun Cultural Street @ Shanghai, China

Duolun Cultural Street (多伦路名人街) is lined with rows of beautifully manicured trees that has exquisite fusion of architectural styles combining Chinese, South East Asian, European and Islamic influences all in one street.  It is quiet and does not have the busy vibe nor the crowd like the rest of Shanghai and it’s the ideal place for those that like to go off the beaten path. Statues of famous writers and activists such as Lu Xun and Mao Dun, are erected on this road not by coincidence as these were the people that resided on this street, or in the vicinity of Hongkou district where Duolun Street is situated.  Each statue has a placard that gives a brief explanation about the person.    

This is the statue of Lu Xun (鲁迅, 1881 – 1936) and his disciples.  He is the founder of the New Cultural Movement and a pioneer in modern Chinese literature.

Uchiyama Kanzo, a life-long friend of Lu Xun.  Kanzo published many of Lu Xun’s books and also played a role in protecting Lu Xun during the revolution period.

Mao Dun (矛盾 1896 – 1981), also an activist and a leader in the  New Cultural Movement.

Ye Sheng Tao (叶圣陶 1894 – 1988), a writer and publisher.

Rou Shi (柔石1902 – 1931)- an activist and educator.

Qu Qui Bai (瞿秋白 1899 – 1935) – a prominent leader in the Communist Party.

The first half of the street is mostly of Chinse or Chinese-European architecture, with the most eye-catching building being the unusual Hongde Church (鸿德堂) built in Chinese architecture.

No. 66 on Duolun Street was built by the Xue family in the 1960’s with an European influence.

The second half of the street is mostly Chinese architecture or a fusion with south east Asian or Islamic concepts.

I like this part of the street that has traditional buildings, red framed windows and old-fashioned geometric patterns on the walls and railings. Images of iconic writers are carved onto the walls, making this part of Duolun Street a bit like an art gallery.

Another section of the street with traditional buildings and a nostalgic aura.


You can do a bit of shopping here – which is mostly along the lines of antiques and books. Quaint cafes and tea houses are dotted along the street as well.

Notable buildings on this part of the street include the Residence of Kung Hsiang Hsi, No. 250 (孔公馆) with Islamic influences.   He was a powerful politician and banker during the revolution period and he married one of the famed Song sisters, Song Ai Ling.

No. 145 on Duolun Street was built in the 1920’s with South East Asian influences and it used to be the dorm of University of China Arts.

One of the entrances into Duolun Street.

The Duolun Art Museum is located along the same street so swing by if you are a fan of arts.

More Info
Address: Duolun Lu, Hongkou District, Shanghai
Getting there : Take Metro Line 3, exit at Dongxing Baolu Station (东兴宝路站).

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