Hengshan Road, originally known as Avenue Pétain, was built in 1922 and renamed in the 1940s after one of Hunan Province's most revered mountains. Today, it's a delightful blend of old and new—lined with eateries, bars, and enough charm to make even a casual stroll feel like a mini adventure.

Last week, I took the time to vlog and photograph a late-afternoon/early evening walk along this iconic street. Even in late August, Shanghai's heat and humidity can be relentless, but the towering plane trees offered generous shade, and a typhoon breeze took the edge off the swelter. If you're not in a rush, I'd love for you to join me on this walk that connects the Former French Concession to Xujiahui, the historic Catholic heart of Shanghai (keep an eye out for St. Ignatius Cathedral in the vlog!).

Start the walk from Xujiahui Station on Metro Line 1, or hop off at Hengshan Road Station to dive right into the middle of it all. Either way, you'll be surrounded by charming villas and apartment buildings from the 1920s and 1930s. Along the way, you'll also spot the Community Church at the intersection of Hengshan Road and South Wulumuqi Road—a quiet gem worth pausing for.

Across from Yongpingli (永平里), a giant bowling pin stands as a playful nod to a generation's favorite pastime. And with plenty of parks of all sizes along the route, there's always a spot to catch your breath.

Feeling peckish or parched? The Union Trading Company at 306 Hengshan Road (衡山路 306 号) serves up lovely aperitifs, Yongpingli at 191 Hengshan Road (衡山路 191 号) offers a wide array of food options, and JZ Club at 8 Hengshan Road (衡山路 8 号) might just jazz you into falling even deeper in love with Shanghai.

So take your time, wander, and let Hengshan Road unfold its stories—one charming corner at a time.