Duolun Cultural Road
The Duolun Cultural Road is bursting with so much history, culture, and interesting architecture. This place made its mark in history because it is recognized as the nest of the greatest writers of the 20th century. The Association of Left-Wing Writers is a respected and influential organization. Its prominent members like Dinglin, Shating, and Quqiubai lived on Duolun Cultural Road. Other prestigious writers like Guo Moruo, Mao Dun, Lu Xun, Wangzaoshi, and Ye Shengtao are also known to have resided in this street.
The golden era of the Duolun Cultural Road is from the 1920s to the 1930s. This was the time when a lot of Shanghai’s elites resided in this area. Unfortunately, when the end of the 20th century came in, the reputation and overall appeal of the street gradually faded. A lot of unattractive infrastructure appeared along the street. The income of the residents dwindled, too.
The good thing is that in 1998, the government exerted effort to bring back the glam that this place used to have. Historic buildings were restored, and some were transformed into commercial establishments with the quintessential vibe. Some museums and galleries were repaired by the government. Hence, Duolun Cultural Road today is bursting with traditional Chinese beauty. There are also plenty of interesting spots to check out.
Places to Visit
In 1998, the Duolun Cultural Road was officially recognized as an outdoor museum. Yes, walking along the street would make you feel like you are inside a museum that echoes traditional Chinese culture. The surroundings are filled with architecture that can be traced back to the 1920s.
Aside from the fascinating establishments with impressive architecture, several bronze statues are done as life-size structures. One of the more famous statues is the one that features Rou Shi. A tribute was given to him because he is one of the Left Union’s five martyrs. In 1931, they were killed by the Kuomintang.
In memory of the famous writers on Duolun Cultural Road, there is also the League of Leftist Writers Museum. It holds many of the artifacts and ancient items that were left by the prominent writers of the 20th century.
- Admission Time: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 am to 11:30 am, 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Admission Fee: Admission is free, and tours can be arranged ahead of time
- Address: Bldg 2, 201 Duolin Road
Among the popular architectural landmarks in Duolun Cultural Road is the home of Kong Xianxi. His residence was first built in 1924, and this is reflective of Islamic-style architecture. He is popular for being one of the top entrepreneurs of his time and an official of the Kuomintang.
Address: 250 Duolun Lu
The entirety of Duolun Cultural Road may be reflective of traditional Chinese culture, but this place is also the home of the Hong De Church. This is a Christian church, but the architecture that is used in its construction is based on Chinese style. Because of the impressive preservation, a lot of people choose this place not just for sightseeing but also as a location for photography. Some people still hold spiritual gatherings here.
Address: 95 Duolun Lu
Of course, there are also plenty of great finds in Duolun Cultural Road, which will complete your trip. You can find quaint shops of local Chinese products, home decoration, and arts and crafts. This street is also the best place to find antiques.
Address: Best antique pieces are found in 181 Duolun Lu
Since this street is frequented by tourists too, some interesting cafes and restaurants serve delicious local dishes that will satisfy your hunger after a day of exploration.