Former French Concession Tours

French Concession featuring street scenes and a city
Former French Concession showing street scenes
French Concession featuring street scenes and a city
French Concession featuring street scenes and a city
French Concession featuring street scenes and a city


Wealthy European families created an art deco oasis in Shanghai's heart. The area is now full of modern boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

The French Concession was one of Shanghai’s major European enclaves from the mid 19th century to just before World War II. Today, the district is again a sought-after address for expats living in Shanghai, as well as being a popular tourist destination and the hub of the city’s upmarket shopping scene. Wander along the quiet, tree-lined streets that offer a welcome respite from highly urbanized Shanghai. Admire the mix of modern apartments and neoclassical, colonial-style villas and art deco mansions. Notable buildings include the former residence of Sun Yat-sen. You can see many of the personal belongings of the “father of modern China” in this preserved house, which also has a museum.There are many quaint shops, galleries and cafés to explore throughout the district. Head to Chang Le Lu to find a row of shops that specialize in made-to-measure, traditional Shanghai-style silk dresses. You’ll also find cheap T-shirts in a number of shops, as well as vintage clothes and handmade accessories. Head to Huaihai Road for a mix of upscale brands and chain stores. The middle section of this shopping strip is near to Fuxing Park, a great place to watch locals enjoying leisure activities such as kite flying and tai chi. The area has plenty of options for dining. Choose from excellent French, Italian and Chinese restaurants. Follow your nose to Ferguson Lane, off Wukang Road. Here you’ll find restored buildings filled with chic restaurants and boutique stores. Visit the French Concession in the early morning and evenings to experience the area at its most peaceful. For a deeper insight into this area’s unique social history and architecture, join a walking tour and spend an hour or two exploring lanes and courtyards. The French Concession is within walking distance of The Bund and is close to Xujiahui Station, one of the biggest metro stations in Shanghai.

Plan a trip to see Former French Concession

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Dayin International Youth Hostel (Shanghai Nanjing East Road;People's Square;The Bund Branch)
Elegant International Hotel Shanghai - Bund Sichuan Road North Metro Station Branch
Dayin Hotel (Shanghai People's Square & Suzhou River Branch)

Browse tours and tickets to explore Former French Concession

Tours & day trips

See all 364 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 253 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 69 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 36 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 22 activities

Reviews of Former French Concession

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
203
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
112
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
27
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very interesting 1920s architecture

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

This is a cool area definitely worth checking out. We walked from our hotel, so a few miles away, but it was worth seeing. Some of the oldest architecture in Shanghai and really beautiful. Tons of shopping/food here as well.

4/5 - Good

BRIAN

We saw this area of the city on a half day bike tour with China Cycle tours. Ask for Ellen. Highly recommended (the tour and Ellen!) :)

4/5 - Good

EPL

Please Google "Shanghai Scam" if you are visiting. This area was really cool. The architecture and tree lined streets were really nice. The newer area that was just refurbished felt very Western but still in Shanghai. It's by the Paulaner restaurant. If felt weird eating and drinking German food in Shanghai but after a few days of Chinese food it was a nice change. The whole area around this was pretty nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Mansions have been turned into smart retail along tree-lined streets. Try PainChaud (next to Starbucks) on West JianGuo for delicious French pastries, breads, sandwiches. Closest Metro stop is Jiashan Road on Line 9 (not Line 1 as mentioned on incorrect tourist info).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Highly recommed spending full day

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Former French Concession

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

5 out of 5
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

5 out of 5
88 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Conrad Shanghai

Conrad Shanghai

5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
Jin Jiang Tower

Jin Jiang Tower

4 out of 5
161 Changle Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Jin Jiang Tower
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

5 out of 5
33 Fu Cheng Road, Pudong, Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre

Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre

5 out of 5
555 Middle Xizang Road, (Close to Nanjing), Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund

Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund

4.5 out of 5
159 South He Nan Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund
Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai

Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai

4.5 out of 5
No. 59 Mao Ming Road ( S ), Shanghai, Shanghai
Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai
The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai

The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai

5 out of 5
Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai, Shanghai
The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Former French Concession

Exploring the Former French Concession offers a memorable stay filled with unique shopping options and vibrant art scenes. Stroll through charming tree-lined streets, where you'll find trendy boutiques, local art galleries, and delightful cafes, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely day of shopping and cultural immersion.

Shopping

The Former French Concession offers a delightful shopping experience with places like Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre, Jing An Kerry Centre, and Plaza 66, all within 1.6km. Each features a vibrant mix of entertainment, shopping, and dining, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At the Shanghai Changning Tennis Court, enjoy a match in a vibrant atmosphere and engage in friendly competition. The Shanghai Concert Hall offers a cultural retreat with captivating performances, while Dongfang Shooting & Archery Hall provides a luxurious setting for honing your skills in shooting and archery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at the Shanghai International Circuit, located 27.4km from the Former French Concession. For a unique journey, explore the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, only 4.8km away. Don’t miss the fun at the Tropical Storm Water Park, situated 11.3km away, perfect for family adventures.

Nightlife

The Former French Concession buzzes with nightlife excitement. Catch a romantic film at Cathay Theatre, located 644m away, or immerse yourself in culture at the nearby Lyceum and Lanxin Theatres, both 805m away. Each venue offers a unique blend of entertainment and charm.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Former French Concession

The Former French Concession in Shanghai offers a rich blend of culture and history, making it a must-visit for travelers. Explore charming streets, urban parks, and historic houses that reflect its unique heritage. Don't miss key attractions and nearby sites, and consider staying at one of the many hotels in the area for a family-friendly experience. Whether you're seeking culture or leisure, the Former French Concession has something for everyone.

  • People's Square: A vibrant urban hub, People's Square is surrounded by modern architecture and lush gardens. It's a great place to experience the city’s dynamic atmosphere, with many shops, cafés, and cultural venues nearby.
  • Jing'an Temple: This historic Buddhist temple offers a serene escape from the bustling city. The stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect spot to appreciate traditional Chinese culture and spirituality.
  • West Nanjing Road: Known for its shopping and dining options, West Nanjing Road is a lively street filled with both international brands and local boutiques. It's an ideal place to immerse yourself in the modern city vibe while enjoying delicious food.

Best time to go to Former French Concession

The best time to visit Former French Concession is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.3°F (5.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June75.0°F (23.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
December45.9°F (7.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Former French Concession

Visiting the Former French Concession in Shanghai can be budget-friendly with a few smart choices. The best time to visit is from December to February, when accommodation prices drop, particularly on Sundays. To save more, use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort options by price. Consider booking a package that combines flights and hotel stays for additional savings. Enjoy free activities like exploring the charming streets and parks. Lastly, take advantage of public transport, which is economical and efficient for getting around the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Former French Concession are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Former French Concession is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Former French Concession is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase available sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay in the Former French Concession with your flights and activities.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia