Near Wukang Building Once Lived a Nude Painting Artist Who Shocked Shanghai Society

Description

If you ask where the most Korean tourists and young people gather in Shanghai, many will answer without hesitation: “Wukang Road.” If you ask why they like it here, they might mention the rows of French parasol trees, the old European-style buildings, and the beautiful street scenes. Not to mention, this area has been a filming location for Korean variety shows and movies, making it a hotspot filled with handsome guys and beautiful girls, which naturally attracts young people. If you dig a little deeper, they might not be able to explain it any further. That’s why Cardmails has specially explored the historical and cultural stories of the Wukang Road area and created this postcard titled “Near Wukang Building Once Lived a Nude Painting Artist Who Shocked Shanghai Society,” hoping to take you into these forgotten stories of the past.

Do you know what Wu Kang Road and Wu Kang Building were originally called?
Wu Kang Road was originally named after an American missionary but was later renamed by Wang Jingwei’s government.
Wu Kang Building had a very Western-sounding name because it was initially built for wealthy foreigners.

Did you know that the rent at Wu Kang Building was once outrageously high?
From the late 1920s to the early 1930s, the rent here was several times higher than that of ordinary residential areas, making it the “Tomson Riviera” of its time—one of Shanghai’s most luxurious apartment buildings.

Did you know there was a “nude painting” eccentric near Wu Kang Building?
A highly controversial artist once lived near Wu Kang Building. He became the center of public debate for advocating life drawing with nude models. What kind of turmoil did his art exhibitions spark? Why did both the government and warlords intervene?

Reasons to Recommend

✔ For Art Lovers: This story, rich in art and conflict, is perfect for those engaged in creative work, or anyone who challenges tradition and celebrates free-spirited thinking.
✔ For Yourself or Collecting: Let the story of Wukang Road become a part of your life, immersing you in Shanghai’s unique transformation during modern history.
✔ Home Art Decor: Use it to adorn your living space—whether as wall art, tabletop decor, or in your bullet journal—bringing a touch of historical weight and artistic charm to your home.