The Wukang Building | 180 sqm | 3-Bed 2-Bath | Historic Normandy Apartments | Unfurnished Rental
武康大楼, 1850, 淮海中路, 天平路街道, 徐汇区, 上海市, 200030, 中国
¥36,000
Overview
Apartment, Residential
Property Type
3
Bedrooms
2
Bathrooms
180
Area Size
Description
Property Name: The Wukang Building (武康大楼) Also Known As: Wukang Mansion, Normandy Apartments (诺曼底公寓), Dongmeite Apartments (东美特公寓) Location: Room 503, No. 1850 Middle Huaihai Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai Landmark Setting: At the iconic five-way intersection of Huaihai Middle Road and Wukang Road Architect: László Hudec (邬达克) – Shanghai’s most celebrated pre-war architect Year Built: 1924 Historical Status: Second Batch of Shanghai Excellent Historical Architecture (1994) ; also recognized as an “outstanding historical building” Architectural Style: French Renaissance – the first gallery-style apartment building (外廊式公寓大楼) in Shanghai Building Height: 8 stories, reinforced concrete structure Elevators: 3 passenger elevators serving the building Unit: Room 503 (5th floor) Layout: 3 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 bathrooms (3房2厅2卫) Size: Approximately 180 square meters Furnishing: Unfurnished (空房出租) Rent: 36,000 RMB per month
Presenting a rare rental opportunity at The Wukang Building (武康大楼) – arguably Shanghai’s single most photographed and iconic historical building. This is not merely an apartment; it is a piece of living history, an opportunity to reside in one of the few remaining ship-shaped architectural landmarks in the world.
Situated at the confluence of Huaihai Middle Road and Wukang Road, the building’s wedge-shaped, ship-like prow cuts through the city traffic like a monument. Designed in 1924 by the legendary Hungarian-Slovak architect László Hudec (邬达克) , it was the first gallery-style apartment building (外廊式公寓大楼) ever constructed in Shanghai .
This particular unit, Room 503, offers approximately 180 square meters of internal space configured as a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. This is an unfurnished rental (空房出租) , offering a blank canvas to design a bespoke living environment within a protected historical structure.
The Wukang Building – A Living Landmark
The Wukang Building (originally the Normandy Apartments) or Wukang Mansion was completed in 1924, funded by the International Savings Society . It stands 30 meters tall, covering a land area of 1,580 square meters with a total construction area of 9,755 square meters .
Its iconic “ship on dry land” shape was dictated by the triangular wedge of land at the bustling five-road intersection. The architectural design features a dramatic “ship bow” prow, three-section horizontal division of the facade, and a striking reddish-yellow brick exterior with French Renaissance detailing .
The building was originally equipped with three elevators and a grand spiral staircase. Even today, walking the halls reveals original features such as terrazzo flooring, high ceilings over 3 meters tall, and unique “round-cornered” room layouts designed to maximize the irregular footprint .
Heritage & Hollywood Pedigree
Category
Details
Architect
László Hudec – one of the most influential architects in Shanghai’s history
Architectural Style
French Renaissance; First gallery-style apartment in Shanghai
Heritage Status
Class 2 Protection (Excellent Historical Building)
Famous Residents (Historical)
Zhao Dan (赵丹), Qin Yi (秦怡), Sun Daolin (孙道临), Wang Renmei (王人美) – legendary figures of Chinese cinema
Cultural Significance
Supposedly where Nie Er (聂耳) previewed the theme song for Children of Troubled Times, which later became the national anthem of China
Modern Cinema
Featured prominently in Ang Lee‘s Lust, Caution, the sci-fi blockbuster Shanghai Fortress, and the romantic comedy This Is Not What I Expected
The Building‘s 2019 “Triple-In-One” Restoration
The Wukang Building underwent a meticulous, landmark restoration in 2019. This “triple-in-one” project was the first in Shanghai to combine historical building renovation, old housing renewal, and high-altitude坠物 prevention .
The results for current residents are tangible:
Restoration Feature
Resident Benefit
“Overhead Cables Buried”
Removal of “spider web” wires – the sky is now clean and the classic photographic backdrop restored
“Repair as Old” (修旧如旧)
Every original red brick and decorative cornice was preserved; the historical street facade remains museum-quality
Structural Monitoring
The building is equipped with a remote monitoring system to track settlement and deformation, ensuring safety
Hanging Wires & AC Units
External clutter like clothes poles and AC compressors were removed or hidden on the building’s north side, creating a pristine facade
Communal Garden
The former tar-paper roof was transformed into a lush “miniature sky garden” with potted plants and dedicated public drying racks
The Wukang Road – Huaihai Road Location
The building sits at the crossroads of extreme convenience:
Destination
Details
Transportation
Walking distance to Shanghai Library (Line 10), Jiaotong University (Line 10/11), and Changshu Road (Line 1/7) stations
Shopping
Steps from Huaihai Road shopping corridor; adjacent to the Wukang Road – Anfu Road cultural district
Culture
Adjacent to the former residence of Soong Ching Ling
Parking
Available in the lot of the Huicheng Group building directly across the street – very convenient
Why This Property Stands Out
Feature
Why It Matters
The Wukang Building Address
Pure prestige. No other residential building in Shanghai has this global iconic recognition
Authentic Hudec Architecture
High ceilings (over 3m), original terrazzo floors in common areas, and the distinctive “ship cabin” layout
“One of Three”
It is one of only three surviving ship-shaped buildings of its kind in the world
Cinematic Views
The famous “pointed bow” view is out your window
Excellent Value
At 36,000 RMB for an unfurnished heritage unit, this is an accessible entry point to live in a national treasure
Vacant Unit
A rare moment of availability – most residences here have been held by the same Shanghai families for generations
Ideal For
Tenant Type
Why It Works
Diplomats / Consulate Staff
The building is surrounded by consulates (US, France, etc.); high security and prestige
Creative Directors / Architects
To live inside a Hudec masterpiece is the ultimate professional inspiration
History & Culture Lovers
Steeped in the lore of Old Shanghai and Chinese cinematic history
CEOs & Senior Executives
An address that immediately signals a unique appreciation for the city’s soul
