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 Hotel (Shanghai Hongqiao Beixinjing Metro Station Branch)
Bellagio by MGM Shanghai
IFC Residence

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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

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
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

5 out of 5
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
Conrad Shanghai

Conrad Shanghai

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

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

4.5 out of 5
505 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Jin Jiang Tower

Jin Jiang Tower

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

Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

5 out of 5
33 Fu Cheng Road, Pudong, Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
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
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 offers a delightful blend of shopping and art experiences. Visitors can explore charming boutiques, savor local cuisine at trendy eateries, and immerse themselves in the vibrant arts scene. With its unique atmosphere and rich history, this area promises a memorable stay filled with delightful discoveries and cultural exploration.

Shopping

In the Former French Concession, visit Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre for a lively mix of shopping and entertainment, just 1 mile away. Explore Wujiang Road Food Street for local flavors, also 1 mile away. Highstreet LOFT, located 0.6 mile away, offers a unique shopping experience with family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

At Shanghai Changning Tennis Court, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere while playing tennis or watching matches just 2 miles from the Former French Concession. Jingan District Workers' Stadium offers a similar energetic experience, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a cultural twist, visit the Shanghai Concert Hall, just 1 mile away, for live performances.

Adventure

Experience the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, an exciting underground ride showcasing stunning light displays, located 3 miles from the Former French Concession. For thrill-seekers, the Shanghai International Circuit, 17 miles away, offers exhilarating motor racing. Alternatively, enjoy family fun at Tropical Storm Water Park, situated 7 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of the Former French Concession by catching a show at the Lyceum or Lanxin Theatres, both offering cultural and family-friendly entertainment. For a cinematic experience, the Cathay Theatre nearby provides a romantic atmosphere to enjoy the latest films.

*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, featuring charming streets, urban parks, and historic houses. Ideal for families and culture seekers alike, you can explore nearby attractions and find comfortable hotels close to popular sites. Whether you're interested in the unique atmosphere of the French Concession or looking for key attractions, there's something for everyone in this vibrant area.

  • People's Square: Experience the vibrant energy of this modern square, just 1 mile from the Former French Concession. Surrounded by impressive skyscrapers, it serves as a hub for locals and tourists alike, featuring lush gardens and cultural sites.
  • Jing'an Temple: Immerse yourself in the rich culture at Jing'an Temple, located 1 mile away. This serene Buddhist temple showcases stunning architecture and offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflection amidst the bustling city.
  • West Nanjing Road: Explore this bustling street, 2 miles from the Former French Concession. Known for its shopping and dining options, West Nanjing Road captures the essence of urban life in Shanghai, making it a must-visit.

Best time to go to Former French Concession

The best time to visit Former French Concession can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Former French Concession falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Former French Concession falls in January, 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 SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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

To save money during your visit to the Former French Concession in Shanghai, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates, especially on Sundays. Use Expedia to compare prices, apply filters for eco-friendly hotels, and consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and utilize the local public transport system for an affordable way to navigate the city.

  • 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 customize your travel options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. 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 by booking an Expedia package.
  • 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.

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