Wukang Mansion — Attraction in Shanghai

Recently I visited Wukang Mansion, formerly known as the Normandie Apartments, located in Shanghai’s Xuhui District. This iconic structure is renowned for its unique wedge-shaped design, which gives it the appearance of a ship’s prow when viewed from the front. From an aerial perspective, its layout resembles the letter “E,” making it a distinctive landmark in the city. 

Historical Significance

Designed by Hungarian-Slovak architect László Hudec and completed in 1924, Wukang Mansion stands as a testament to Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past. Originally built to house Western expatriates working in the foreign concessions, it quickly became a residence for the city’s elite. In 1942, Kung Ling-wei, daughter of the prominent banker H. H. Kung, purchased the building. Over the years, it attracted numerous celebrities from China’s golden age of cinema, including actors and actresses like Wu Yin, Wang Renmei, Qin Yi, Zhao Dan, Sun Daolin, Wang Wenjuan, Shangguan Yunzhu, and director Zheng Junli. Notably, Sun Daolin resided there for three decades until his passing in 2007. 

The building’s history also reflects the tumultuous periods of China’s past. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), it was renamed the “Anti-Revisionist Tower” by the Red Guards. Tragically, it became associated with numerous suicides, as persecuted intellectuals and others saw it as a final refuge. Locals somberly referred to it as “The Diving Board” during this era. 

Modern-Day Appeal

Today, Wukang Mansion stands as a protected historic building and a symbol of Shanghai’s rich architectural heritage. Its unique design and storied past have made it a popular spot for photographers and tourists alike. Visitors often flock to the intersection of Wukang Road and Huaihai Middle Road to capture its striking façade, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

While the building remains a residential property and is not open for public tours, its exterior continues to captivate onlookers. The surrounding area, with its tree-lined streets and historical ambiance, offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s bygone era, making it a must-visit for those interested in the city’s architectural and...

super gorgeous architecture! went on a thursday morning and the crowds were quite crazy, i wouldn’t like to know what it would be like on the weekends 🫣

there are various photographers roaming around the area & you can ask them to help you take pictures for you for a fee. mine was 30RMB for 1 edited pic (yes…30). she was a really sweet lady who helped me with my poses, and she noticed i was carrying my digicam so she took some shots for me too!

what i would watch out for is this creepy old man (third pic) who was basically stalking my every move. where i moved, his camera would move too. it was so unnerving, but i tried to hide in the crowd so he couldn’t snap a good shot. it only came to a boiling point when i was standing still while the photographer i mentioned above was helping me take a few more pictures. he tried to snap a photo of me & i yelled at him & told the photographer what he’s been trying to do. he said i had 毛病 (illness) and scurried away. i feel like he’s the one who does but what do i know 😆

i took the third photo when i was leaving the area and spotted him sitting near the building. had to give him a taste of his own medicine of course. he’s a man in his 60s or 70s, about 170cm tall? he carries a canon eos 50d, and may or may not have his dog (a shiba) by his side. i feel bad for his dog honestly, who knows how many girls he’s sneakily taken a picture of & gotten away with.

overall, amazing building to look at, photographers are a little on the steep end if you’d like to hire them, but the shots aren’t too bad. just request for them to give you the original pics because they tend to edit your face like craaazy. also watch out for the old...

The Wukang Road-Anfu Roadblock, known as the "World Residential Architecture Expo Block", showcases Shanghai's modern lifestyle and urban culture. It features historical and cultural landmarks, such as Wukang Mansion, the former residence of Soong Ching Ling, and Ba Jin's Former Residence. It is a key area to preserve and promote Shanghai's spirit, character, and heritage. The block blends the old and the new, with trendy food, fashion, and beauty brands. It is a hotspot of Shanghai's style, attracting online customers to offline shops.

The Wukang Building is a protected historic apartment building in the former French Concession area of Shanghai. It was designed by Laszlo Hudec and completed in 1924. It is located at the southern end of Wukang Road, on the corner with Middle Huaihai Road, in Shanghai's Xuhui District. It is in the western part of the former French Concession area of the city. The eight-storey building is in the French Renaissance style and is the oldest veranda-style apartment building in Shanghai. The concrete building is 30 metres tall, occupies a land area of 1,580 square metres, and has a floor area of 9,275 square metres. There were originally 63 apartments, 30 servants' quarters, and three elevators. Built to commemorate the Normandie, a World War I-era battleship, the building looks like a ship from one direction. The unusual wedge-shape of the building is reminiscent of the Flatiron Building...