Sweet Love Road (Tian'ai Road)甜爱路
Sweet Love Road runs about 300 m, flanked by tall plane trees whose branches knit overhead into a natural green arch. Garden residences from the 1920s and 1930s line both sides, giving this quiet, elegant street a reputation as one of Shanghai's best strolls.
Shanghai · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Sweet Love Road (Tian'ai Road) worth visiting?
Sweet Love Road (Tian'ai Road) is Shanghai's most romantic street — a 300 m tunnel of plane trees and a favorite photo stop.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free admission |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 0:00-24:00 |
| Recommended duration | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Best time to visit | Apr-May for the green canopy, November for fallen leaves |
| How to get there | Metro Line 10 to Jiaotong University Station, then a 15-minute walk along Huashan Road; buses 26 and 96 |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Length | About 300 m |
| Location | Xuhui District |
| Signature | Tunnel of plane trees |
| Architecture | Garden residences |
| Nickname | Shanghai's most romantic street |
| Nearby | Jiaotong University, the former French Concession |
What to expect
Sweet Love Road is one of Shanghai's most distinctive streets. Tall plane trees line both sides, their branches intertwining overhead into a natural green arcade. The street is only about 300 m long, yet walking it feels a world away from the city's noise — hushed and romantic.
Garden residences from the 1920s and 1930s survive along the road in a mix of styles — Spanish, English cottage, French Renaissance — each with its own story. Set against the plane trees, these old houses compose the most atmospheric streetscape in the city.
In recent years the street has become a social-media favorite, drawing couples to stroll its length. The Sweet Love Road street sign at the entrance is a must-shoot, Sweet Love Square at the far end has sculpture, and several literary cafes nearby are good for lingering.
How to get there
Metro Line 10 to Jiaotong University Station Exit 1, then a 15-minute walk north along Huashan Road
Best photo spots
- The Sweet Love Road street sign
- Looking down the plane-tree tunnel
- Old apartment facades
- Couples strolling the street
Tips
- Come in November for the fallen leaves — a carpet of gold, wonderfully romantic
- Combine with other former French Concession streets by bike
- Jiaotong University is nearby; the campus can be visited
- The street is at its most atmospheric when the lights come on at dusk
Scams to avoid
- Don't accept arbitrary curbside parking fees
- Beware of photo fees demanded of wedding-shoot couples
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Sweet Love Road?
In the 1920s the road led to the old local court and was known as Xingshi Road; it was later renamed Tian'ai — "sweet love" — for a more romantic ring.
Is it better than Wukang Road?
The two differ in style: Wukang Road is longer and livelier; Sweet Love Road is shorter and quieter. Both are worth a visit.
How long do you need for photos?
About 30 minutes to an hour.
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