Location & How to Get There

Normandy Apartment (formerly known as the “Wukong Building”) sits at the heart of Shanghai’s Xuhui District, right where Wukang Road and Fairview Road intersect. This iconic apartment building is smack in the middle of the former French Concession, a neighborhood dripping with old-world charm. To reach it, hop on Shanghai Metro Line 10 or 11 and get off at Jiaotong University Station—it’s just a 10-minute walk (or a quick bike ride) from there. If you fancy buses, routes 42, 113, or 72 will drop you close by. Trust me, the walk from the station is half the fun—you’ll pass tree-lined streets and vintage shops that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a film set.

Natural Scenery: Trees & Skylines

Normandy Apartment isn’t just about architecture—it’s also about greenery. The building is flanked by towering Chinese parasol trees (those huge, leafy ones you see everywhere in Shanghai). In spring and summer, the canopy creates a shady, romantic vibe, while autumn turns the street into a golden tunnel. Even winter has its charm, with bare branches framing the building’s red bricks. For Instagram fans, the best shot is standing on Wukang Road, angling the camera so the apartment looms behind the leafy branches. Morning light is magic here, but honestly, any time of day works—this spot was made for photos.

Cultural Vibes & History

Let’s talk about Normandy Apartment itself. Built in the 1930s, this 8-story building is a rare mix of Eastern and Western styles. From far away, it looks like a typical European apartment block, but up close, you’ll spot Chinese details: check out the curved roof eaves and the way the windows are framed. Fun fact: it’s one of Shanghai’s first buildings with ensuite bathrooms—super fancy back in the day!

The area is packed with history too. Walk down Wukang Road and you’ll pass houses where famous Chinese artists like Zhang Leping (the guy who created Three Hairs cartoons) and actor Zhao Dan lived. The road is sometimes called “Shanghai’s Avenue of Stars” because of its celeb connections. Nearby, Anting Villa (a bonkers-cool garden estate) and Soong Ching-ling’s Residence add to the old-money vibes.

Food, Cafes & Shopping

After sightseeing, Normandy Apartment’s surroundings won’t let you go hungry. The neighborhood is a foodie天堂 (heaven). On Wukang Road, try % Arabica for coffee that looks like art, or grab a pastry at Farine (their almond croissants are next-level). For lunch, Winta serves fancy Shanghainese dishes with a modern twist. If you’re after something casual, street vendors sell liangpi (cold noodles) and shengjian bao (pan-fried buns) that’ll cost you less than a coffee back home.

Shopping? Anji Street and Tianping Road are your friends. Boutique clothes, vintage shops, and quirky art galleries line the streets. I once found a 1950s silk scarf here for a steal—keep your eyes peeled!

Exploring Tips & Experiences

Visiting Normandy Apartment is more than ticking off a box—it’s about soaking in the vibe. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Best time: Early morning (before crowds) or late evening (when the lights glow).
  • Secret spot: Cross the street to Fuxing Park for a distant photo with the apartment in the background.
  • Combine with: Walk to Huaihai Road for shopping or Xintiandi for a night out.
  • Avoid: Weekends if you hate tourist crowds.

Pro tip: The building is privately owned, so you can’t go inside, but the exterior and street views are enough. If you’re lucky, you might catch locals playing mahjong under the trees near the apartment—it’s like a live glimpse into Shanghai life.

Final Thoughts

Normandy Apartment isn’t just a building—it’s a symbol of Shanghai’s layers of history. Whether you’re into architecture, food, or just people-watching, this place has something for everyone. Wear comfy shoes, bring your camera, and take your time wandering. As they say in Shanghai, “Bǎi lè bù yáo” (enjoy every moment)—and this spot is pure joy.