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

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Dayin International Youth Hostel (Shanghai Nanjing East Road;People's Square;The Bund Branch)
Shanghai Bund Elegant Hotel
Dayin Hotel (Shanghai People's Square & Suzhou River Branch)

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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
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

4.5 out of 5
505 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai

Conrad Shanghai

5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai

Central Hotel Shanghai

4 out of 5
No 555 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai
Jin Jiang Park Hotel

Jin Jiang Park Hotel

4 out of 5
170 Nanjing Road West, Shanghai, Shanghai
Jin Jiang Park Hotel
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road by IHG

Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road by IHG

4.5 out of 5
700 Jiujiang Road/719 Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road by IHG
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
Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai

Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai

5 out of 5
58 Mao Ming Nan Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Okura Garden Hotel 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

The Former French Concession in Shanghai is a vibrant area renowned for its shopping and fashionable spots. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the historic Hongkou district, where culture meets contemporary style. Whether exploring chic boutiques or unwinding at a local tennis court, there’s a blend of activities that capture the essence of Shanghai's unique charm and lifestyle.

Food and drinks

Visit Three on the Bund for a mix of city vibes and delicious Italian dishes, perfect for a romantic dinner. Don’t miss Huxinting Tea House, where you can enjoy local Shanghai specialties in a charming setting, ideal for families and casual gatherings.

Shopping

The Former French Concession offers great shopping experiences. Nanjing Road Shopping District and Huanghe Road are both 2 miles away, featuring a mix of family-friendly and business vibes. Hongqiao Int'l Pearl City is 5 miles from the area, perfect for unique finds and souvenirs.

Recreation

The Mercedes Benz Arena offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while the Hongqiao Golf Club invites you to enjoy outdoor golfing among lush landscapes. For a tranquil experience, visit Gongqing Forest Park, where you can unwind and soak in the serene natural surroundings.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at the Shanghai International Circuit, located 17 miles from the Former French Concession, where high-speed excitement meets a vibrant sports atmosphere. For a unique adventure, take a ride through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, situated 3 miles away, offering a captivating journey under the Huangpu River.

Nightlife

The nightlife in the Former French Concession is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Lyceum Theatre, just half a mile away, or immerse yourself in culture at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, a mile away. For family-friendly fun, consider a visit to Sheshan Observatory, located 18 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Former French Concession

The Former French Concession in Shanghai is a vibrant area filled with urban parks, charming streets, and event venues, making it perfect for cultural exploration and family experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to visit notable landmarks, enjoy the scenic waterfront promenade, and explore the Shanghai Conservatory. This eclectic neighborhood offers a unique blend of history and modern attractions, reminiscent of Paris, ensuring an unforgettable vacation.

  • The Bund: Stroll along this iconic esplanade, where stunning views of the Huangpu River and the skyline of modern Shanghai meet historic architecture. Perfect for families and couples, The Bund offers a romantic ambiance, especially at sunset.
  • People's Square: A vibrant hub in the heart of the city, People's Square is surrounded by museums and galleries. Enjoy the modern urban vibes, and take a leisurely walk through the beautiful gardens and fountains that adorn this lively area.
  • Yu Garden: Step into a serene oasis filled with classical Chinese architecture and lush landscapes. Yu Garden is rich in history and culture, showcasing exquisite artistry and traditional design, making it a must-see for art lovers and history buffs.

Best time to go to Former French Concession

Visitor numbers around Former French Concession is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Former French Concession is dependant 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.3°F (5.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
March50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June75.0°F (23.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Former French Concession

When visiting the Former French Concession in Shanghai, take advantage of free attractions like The Bund, Nanjing Road Shopping District, and People's Square. Travel during March, August, or December for lower hotel rates, and consider booking one month in advance for the best deals. Use Expedia to customize your hotel search, filter by price, and explore package deals that combine flights and accommodations for savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future stays, ensuring a budget-friendly experience in this charming area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Former French Concession are March, August and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and April to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Former French Concession is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, preferred destination, and the type of hotel you're looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase hotels that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in the Former French Concession with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.