Wu Kang Road, in the shade of trees that line the route.[Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

Shanghai is a Chinese city which has been greatly influenced by foreign culture during the course of its prosperity. Wukang Road, which measures just over one thousand meters in length, is a concrete representation of the city's international and cosmopolitan character.

Located in Xuhui district of downtown Shanghai, the road was formerly named Route Ferguson, in honor of the American missionary John Calvin Ferguson who was sent to China at the turn of the 20th century.

The road used to be in the French Concession and was bordered by western-style buildings. In recent years, a collection of newly built Spanish villas have been added to the area, making the road a popular sightseeing spot for tourists.

Besides its western allure, the road was also home to many Chinese celebrities during the mid 20th century. The residences of Chinese literary figure Ba Jin, star singer Zhou Xuan and established actor and film director Sun Daolin are all located along the road.

This year, Wukang road was recognized as one of China's historical and cultural roads, for its embodiment of foreign culture in Shanghai.