Discover the Most Beautiful Citywalk Route in Shanghai: Yongjia Road, Where Garden Villas and Hidden Treasures Await

Exploring the Most Beautiful Citywalk Route in Shanghai: Yongjia Road – Don’t Miss the Garden Villas and Hidden Gems

After wandering around Shanghai for so many years, if you ask me to instantly name a walking route that’s “always enjoyable, no matter how you take it,” I’d immediately say: Yongjia Road.
It’s not as bustling as Nanjing West Road, and it doesn’t get packed with tourists like Wukang Road. But the ginkgo trees on both sides of the street create this canopy that breaks the sunlight into little shards of golden light. When you step on it, the shadows feel fragrant. I usually start my walk after 3 PM on Fridays. With my phone at 80% battery and some lo-fi beats in my ears, I can casually stroll from IAPM all the way to Taiyuan Road, covering less than two kilometers, yet fully experiencing what “the most comfortable Shanghai” feels like.

Let me tell you how I do it

I like to start at the intersection of Taiyuan Road and Yongjia Road, right in front of that green-door villa. This house is fully wrapped in ivy, looking like something straight out of a Miyazaki film in the summer, and in winter, it suddenly reveals its red brick retro look when the leaves fall. Every time I pass by, I have to stop for a photo; no one’s rushing me, and if I mess it up, I won’t even mind.
A bit less than 100 meters south, you’ll find the Former Residence of Xia Yan on the right—its gray-white walls and black iron railings complete with a small sign saying “Please make an appointment for interior visits.” Honestly, just taking a picture at the entrance looks stunning, with tree shadows creating a natural filter on the wall.
Keep going, and suddenly you’ll spot the spacious lawn of the Ruijin Hotel; there are peacocks wandering around on the inside of the iron fence, leaving me wondering if I’m seeing things. About 200 meters ahead, the pale yellow villa of Rong Zhihun is hidden behind a wall, with a crooked magnolia out front. In spring, when it blooms, the ground is covered in huge white petals, and stepping on them makes a delightful crunch, like walking on snow.

After checking out the villas, I like to duck into the little alley nearby to find something to eat. The magical thing about Yongjia Road is that every 50 meters or so, there’s a “store that looks closed but actually opens with a push” and they all coexist without bothering each other.

My three secret spots

1. Siyuan Used Bookstore
   It has only a green wooden door, with a little blackboard outside saying “Open Today.” Stepping inside, it feels like a 90s living room, with books piled up to the ceiling and cats napping on the spines. Last time I scored a 1984 edition of the “Shanghai City Map” for just 25 yuan. The owner wrapped it in newspaper and casually handed me a 1998 bus monthly ticket, saying, “Keep this as a bookmark.”

2. Dimoon
   This is a small workshop for French-style jewelry, always showcasing just one item in the window, with light that feels straight out of a movie. I originally just wanted to hide from the rain, but ended up chatting with the owner for an hour. She let me try on a “Moonlight Waterfall” necklace; the mirror reflection turned the old chandelier on the ceiling into dots of stars, and I almost bought it right then and there. Ultimately, reason won over impulse, so I just took a couple photos and left, scoring a bit of romance for free.

3. Melt Season
   There’s a piano outside, entwined with vines to the point where you can’t see its color, and the lid is always half-open, creating its own background music without anyone playing. Inside, they sell fragrances and handmade soaps, and the standout scent is “Post-Rain Ginkgo.” As soon as I smelled it, I was reminded of afternoons at my grandmother's house hanging out bedding. It’s a bit pricey, but the staff will give you a small piece of soap to take home and try; that’s a successful freebie +1.

Coffee Stops in Order

• Tie Shou Coffee Manufacturing Bureau
  Right at Taiyuan Road, it has a metal industrial vibe. Their “Night Fragrance” dirty is served with a small cup of night-scent flower tea to rinse your mouth before the coffee; the floral and milky scents mix for an instant wake-up.

• T12
  With a green facade and only five seats, I had to queue even on weekdays. I recommend their “Perilla Americano,” where they smack a perilla leaf against the cup’s rim before inserting it. It leaves a cooling aftertaste; after a tiring summer walk, it feels like candy refreshing you.

• Captain George
  This white villa has a long bench out front, perfect for daydreaming. Their “Coconut Latte” is made with fresh coconuts, scraping off the flesh to blend into the milk foam. Once you’re done, you can use a small spoon to scoop out the remaining coconut; it’s a free refill for your tummy!

If I have more time, I’d keep walking to Sam and a Half, OPS, and Little Joy, because within 500 meters, you can tick off half of Shanghai’s coffee ranking list with a low chance of disappointment.

Dinner right at the corner

• gubigubi
  A home-cooked meal place with only an A4 menu. I always order the “Spiced Fried Chicken,” coated with cumin, curry leaves, and a touch of coconut sugar. When you bite into it, the juices burst out, paired with iced Thai milk tea; it’s a refreshing experience that makes you want to spin around.

• Herasa
  This one’s more hidden; it takes three turns in the alley to find it. They focus on “Chinese seasoning with Western methods,” and I recommend the “Green Peppercorn Braised Wagyu.” The Wagyu is braised tender enough to break apart with chopsticks, and the green peppercorn provides just the right amount of numbness, making your mouth feel like it just had a spa treatment.

A Few Final Tips

• Sunscreen: No matter how thick the tree canopy is, there are gaps, and the afternoon sun from the west can be harsh. A hat is more reliable than sunscreen.
• Power Bank: Outlets are scarce in the villa area, and coffee shops are tight on seating, so bringing your own power is the safest bet.
• Photos: Many residential homes have signs saying “Private residence, please do not disturb.” Don’t climb over the iron gates just to get a shot; it’s awkward when the aunties start scolding you.
• Payment: Half of the small shops only accept WeChat, with cash payments maxed at 100 yuan, so make sure to have change ready.
• Restrooms: There are public restrooms at the south gate of the Ruijin Hotel, on the second floor of Tie Shou’s, and next to T12, all free and clean. Remember these three spots so you won’t panic while out for the day.

Save this list to your WeChat favorites. Take a day off on a weekday or sneak away for two hours on a Friday afternoon, and you can replicate my entire route. Shanghai is so vast, but Yongjia Road packs in “beautiful sights, fun walks, delicious food, and great photo ops” all in one. After finishing, all you want to say is: “I wouldn’t mind doing it again tomorrow.”