Former French Concession Tours

French Concession featuring street scenes
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

Modena by Fraser Putuo Shanghai
Mayson Shanghai Zhongshan Park Serviced Apartment
IFC Residence
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Reviews of Former French Concession

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 58.84057971014493%
4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 32.46376811594203%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 7.826086956521739%
2 - Disappointing
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 29, 2020

Very interesting 1920s architecture

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 9, 2019

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
Apr 20, 2019

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
Apr 15, 2019

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
Apr 11, 2019

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
Dec 23, 2018

Highly recommed spending full day

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