During your Shanghai tour, if you want to experience the exotic charm of the city, Former French Concession is one of the top destinations. Established in 1849 and lasting until 1943, this open-air historic district offers a stark contrast to the futuristic Bund and is free to explore. Just spend a leisurely half-day wandering beneath shady plane trees and discovering historic garden villas and secluded cafes.
Our guide covers the top attractions and things to do, provides practical transportation tips and recommends the best walking routes, helping you navigate this historic neighborhood at ease.
Fast Facts about the Former French Concession
- Chinese Name:上海法租界 (Shànghǎi Fǎ Zūjiè)
- Location: Spans about 8 km across Huangpu and Xuhui districts, stretching westward to the Bund.
- Admission Fee: free
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal times with mild and comfortable weather perfect for cozy city walks.
- Recommended Visiting Duration: half a day to fully experience the district’s charm.
- Opening Hours: Former French Concession is open to the public 24/7; however, individual attractions typically open from 9:00 to 17:00, and the operating hours for shops and cafés are generally from 10:00 to 22:00.
French style architecture in Former French Concession
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Why Visit the Shanghai Former French Concession?
- The Former French Concession forms a striking contrast to the Bund, offering you a glimpse into Shanghai’s multifaceted history and transformation into a modern metropolis.
- The district has various well-preserved buildings with distinctive architectural styles, from French-style villas to traditional Chinese Shikumen architecture.
- It is filled with cafes, western restaurants, contemporary boutiques and also art galleries, making it a perfect place for leisurely city walks.
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What to See & Do in Shanghai Former French Concession
Explore the Artistic Hub – Tianzifang
- How to Get There: Metro Line 9, Dapuqiao Station, Exit 1, walk 5 minutes to the north entrance
Tianzifang was once an industrial alley within the Former French Concession, now it has become a labyrinth of art. In 1998, artists led by Chen Yifei transformed these aging factories into creative studios. With time, other renowned artists followed, gradually filling it with dreams, turning it into an artistic hub. You can find delicacies, vintage jewelry and handcrafted goods for a creative souvenir. If you would like to learn its history, try visiting the studio of Chen Yifei and the Shoubai Art Museum.
Appreciate Various Characteristic Architecture on Sinan Road
- How to Get There: Metro Line 10 or 13, Xintiandi Station, Exit 2, walk 8 minutes to Sinan Mansion
In the 1920s, various styles of garden villas were built along Sinan Road, attracting military and political figures, entrepreneurs, and artists of the time. This transformed Sinan Road into a gathering place for the upper class and laid the foundation for what would later become Sinan Mansions.
Sinan Mansions encompasses eight of the ten main residential architectural styles of modern Shanghai. Among them, Sinan Bookstore is housed in a freestanding garden residence and is one of the few old mansions open for public visits. They still offer intellectual gathering events there from time to time. Reading in such a historic villa before taking a leisurely stroll through the adjacent Fuxing Park offers you a refined and elegant experience in the Former French Concession.
Capture the Fairy-Tale Castle – Moller Villa from the Outside
- How to Get There: Metro Line 1, 10 or 12, South Shaanxi Road Station, Exit 2, walk 8 minutes to get there
Stumbling upon Moller Villa feels like stepping into Andersen’s fairytale dreams. Legend has it that Moller’s daughter once dreamed of a magical land, and upon hearing her story, he decided to bring her vision to life. Spanning 5,269 square meters with a 2,000-square-meter English garden, it boasts 106 rooms and a layout reminiscent of a ship’s interior. Circular windows mimic portholes, and twisting staircases recall the spirit of a maritime journey.
Moller Villa is now a famous hotel in Former French Concession, so consumption is needed for entrance. You can take photos outside, or book accommodation here, along with a cup of afternoon tea, or holding events like weddings.
Unfold a Living Postcard on Wukang Road: Home to Iconic Wukang Mansion
- How to Get There: Metro Line 10 or 11, Jiao Tong University Station, Exit 7, walk 5 minutes to Wukang Mansions
Wukang Road is quaint and vibrant. You can find outdoor cafes sprinkled here and there. When night falls, jazz music fills the air. Known for its well-preserved European-style villas, this street is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Nestled in the heart of Wukang Road, you can also find the famous landmark – Wukang Mansion. This triangular building is designed by renowned architect Laszlo Hudec, featuring its wrought-iron balconies, flowing corner designs and sloped rooftops. It’s not just a masterpiece of French and modernist architectural styles, but also a keeper of memories. But kindly remember: residents in this building still live their everyday lives here. Please respect their privacy and do not disturb their normal routines while taking photographs.
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Experience the Perfect Blend of Retro Charm and Modern Living on Wulumuqi Road
- How to Get There: Metro Line 1 or 7, Changshu Road Station, Exit 2, walk 6 minutes to Middle Wulumuqi Road
Wulumuqi Road is divided into South Road, Middle Road and North Road. It is the best route to experience the historic charm and daily life in Shanghai. The South Road is like a quiet and elegant historical corridor. Garden villas stand in lines and are hidden behind the Chinese parasols, including several former residences. The Middle Road is full of vitality. Though only less than 1 km, it perfectly integrates the retro charm of old foreign-style houses with the international daily life. A market, various cafes and snack bars gather on this road. Tradition and fashion coexist in a wonderful way. While the North Road is the residential quarter.
Trace Historic Sites on Gaolan Road
- How to Get There: Metro Line 1, 10 or 12, South Shaanxi Road Station, Exit 2, walk 8 minutes to Gaolan Road
Gaolan Road is only 278 meters long, but it is a quiet poetic corner hidden in the core area of the Former French Concession. Taking a leisurely stroll is the best way to savor its unique charm. The unmissable scenic spots include Zhang Xueliang’s Mansion, a Spanish-style garden villa, and the Sinan Bookstore, a themed bookstore transformed from the former Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas. There are also many new-style li-nong housings and some of them used to be the living place of the historic figures or the former sites of important events.
Step into Sun Yat-sen’s Former Residence: A Time Capsule of Revolution
- How to Get There: Metro Line 10 or 13, Xintiandi Station, Exit 2, walk 10 minutes to the site
Used to be the residence of Mr. Sun Yat-sen and his wife Ms. Soong Ching-ling in Shanghai from 1918 to 1924, this former residence witnessed many critical moments of Mr. Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary career. The architecture is in European country style. Most furnishings are the original items and have been arranged as they were at that time. The living room, dining room, study and bedroom are all open for sightseeing. It has been a good place to learn about the modern history of China.
Other Popular Roads and Alleys
Roads |
Features |
Yongfu Road, Hengshan Road, Dongping Road, Yueyang Road |
Bars and nightclubs |
Xinle Road, Changle Road and Julu Road |
Fashion boutiques |
Anfu Road and Fumin Road |
Local eateries |
Enjoy Delicacies
Whether you’re looking for authentic Shanghai cuisine, local snacks, Western dishes, fusion cuisine or afternoon tea, the Former French Concession in Shanghai offers countless options. We have selected some of the most popular and highly reputable spots to indulge in local delicacies.
Restaurants |
Features |
Signature Dish |
Average Cost |
Antique Garden Café |
Housed in a historic villa, serves as a cafe during the day and a bar at night |
Hand-brewed coffee, Basque cheesecake, cocktails, platters |
CNY 150 -260 |
Bai Yulan Bakery |
A time-honored bakery brand offering authentic local flavors |
Large meat buns, butterfly cookies, nostalgic pastries |
CNY 15 – 40 |
Cheers Burger |
A trendy walk-in restaurant with a classic American-style storefront, featuring Vietnamese-style juicy burger |
Vietnamese-style burger, classic cheeseburger, iced Vietnamese coffee |
CNY 80 – 140 |
Canglang Pavilion Shengxing Sweet Dumplings |
A long-standing shop specializing in tangyuan |
Sesame tangyuan, fresh pork tangyuan, freshly wrapped wontons |
CNY 25 – 45 |
Recommended Walking Route Through the French Concession
To cater to different interests, we have designed three routes:
Route 1: Explore classic architecture along Wukang Road
- Route: Jiaotong University Subway Station – Wukang Building – Wukang Court – Romeo Balcony – Cape Town Apartment – Hunan Villa
- Highlights: This route covers the classic architectures along the Wukang Road, including both popular and niche scenic spots. If you get tired, have a rest at Wukang Court to enjoy coffee and food.
- Time Needed: 3 – 4 hours
Route 2: Step into historic attractions along Sinan Road
- Route: South Shaanxi Road Subway Station – Sinan Mansion – Zhou Mansion – Sun Yat-sen’s Former Residence – Fuxing Park
- Highlights: Focusing on Sinan Road, this route will take you back to the past. Through a visit to the historic attractions, you will have a deep understanding of the city’s history. Sinan Mansion is a preferred place for a break, which offers both afternoon teas and main meals.
- Time Needed: over4 hours
Route 3: Embark on an artistic and fashion tour from Tianzifang to Xintiandi
- Route: Dapuqiao Subway Station – Tianzifang – Shaoxing Road – Ruijin Hotel – Xintiandi
- Highlights: This route starts from the artistic Tianzifang, passes the quiet Shaoxing Road and ends at the fashion landmark Xintiandi. You will experience a blend of tradition and modernity. Along the way, several cafes and snack bars can be found.
- Time Needed: 3 – 4 hours
Explore Shanghai's dual identity through the Bund's colonial-meets-modern waterfront, Yuyuan Garden's Ming-Qing elegance, and the atmospheric Former French Concession lanes.
Historical Background
The French Concession was established in 1849 following the Treaty of Whampoa, which granted France a designated area in Shanghai for trade and settlement. The French Concession in Shanghai was the largest and most prosperous of the four foreign concessions in old China. The French Concession reached its peak development in the 1930s and ended in 1943.
Over a century, it evolved into a cosmopolitan enclave, blending French architectural styles with Chinese influences. Because of her existence, Shanghai gained the nickname “The Paris of the East”. Even thousands of miles away, the French Concession evokes the spirit of Paris, as though the two cities are alter egos. The area has become a hub for cultural exchange, political movements, and social reforms, leaving a lasting impact on Shanghai’s development.
Plan a Shanghai City Walk with China Xian Tour
City Walk has been a popular way to explore the city’s corners in recent years. Its interest lies in the surprise of encountering unique and fancy stores. Meanwhile, you can relax yourself during the wander. If you are interested in it, we can recommend some routes for you. If travelling with us, we can also tailor a Shanghai tour with a city walk experience. What’s more, your requirements for foods, hotels and guide will also be met. So do not hesitate to contact China Xian Tour.
