French Concession (法租界) – Shanghai's Most Charming Quarter

The French Concession (法租界, Fǎ Zūjiè) was an extraterritorial French settlement established in 1849, and it remains Shanghai's most atmospheric and architecturally distinctive neighbourhood. Unlike the grand colonial boulevard of the Bund, the Concession is a leafy residential quarter of Art Deco apartment blocks, whitewashed garden villas, and sun-dappled avenues of London plane trees.

Walking the Former Concession

The best way to explore is on foot. The main east-west artery is Huaihai Middle Road (淮海中路) — Paris-like in its mix of luxury boutiques, pavement cafés, and tree cover. Run north-south through it are charming lanes: Sinan Road (思南路), Yongkang Road (永康路), and Wulumuqi Road (乌鲁木齐路).

Key Sites

Fuxing Park (复兴公园) – Laid out in French formal style with rose gardens, bowling greens, and a famous corner where elderly Shanghainese gather to dance, play chess, and sing opera.
Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen (孙中山故居) – The preserved home of the founder of modern China, with period furnishings and garden; CNY 20 admission.
Former Residence of Zhou Enlai – China's first Premier lived at 73 Sinan Road; now a museum.
Sinan Mansions (思南公馆) – A cluster of 51 restored 1920s garden villas now housing boutique hotels, restaurants, and a weekly Saturday market.
Yongkang Road Bar Street – A laid-back block of open-fronted bars, coffee shops, and street-food vendors popular with expats and young Shanghainese.

Architecture

Look up as you walk — the neighbourhood is packed with architectural gems: Normandy Apartments (a 1932 Art Deco tour de force), the Cathay Mansion, Mission-style villas on Dongping Road, and countless shikumen lane houses.

Getting There

Metro: Line 1, Shaanxi South Road (陕西南路站) or Changshu Road (常熟路站)
Metro: Line 10/13, Xintiandi Station (新天地站)

Book a French Concession Walking Tour

Our private Shanghai day tours include a French Concession walk with an English-speaking licensed guide. View Shanghai day tours →