Former French Concession
Former French Concession
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
A residential area of Shanghai once designated for the French, the French Concession is popular with tourists and expats, and appreciated for its cafes, tree-lined avenues, and tudor houses.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Huangpu
Huangpu District in Shanghai, historically known as the city's business center, is home to a mix of old and new, traditional and modern. Iconic landmarks such as the Bund, a riverside promenade lined with colonial-era buildings, and the futuristic Oriental Pearl Tower, dominate the skyline. Shanghai's oldest and busiest shopping street, Nanjing Road, is located here, offering a plethora of dining and shopping options. Cultural attractions abound, including the Shanghai Museum, which houses a vast collection of Chinese art, and the Yuyuan Garden, a classic Chinese garden with pagodas and ponds. The area is well-served by public transportation, making it easy to explore this compelling fusion of past and present.
How to get there
- Huangpi South Road • 1 min walk
- South Huangpi Road • 1 min walk
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4.5
3,973 reviews
Excellent
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482
Poor
73
Terrible
21
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Игорь
Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia32,495 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
The French Quarter, or the Concession Français de Shanghai, is a neighborhood of several dozen streets with European architecture and a special mood. For almost a hundred years, starting in 1849, the quarter belonged to France. France took this land, almost all of what is now central Shanghai, as a concession and believed it was likely to be forever. They're camped here freely. Built for centuries. After the October Revolution, the French community was swelled by large numbers of Russian emigrants. Even the Russian Orthodox Church appeared here then. The first meeting of the Chinese Communist Party was held in the concession area. Zhou Enlai, Sun Yat-sen lived here. Today their homes have become museums that anyone can visit. If you are in Shanghai, you will definitely walk through these beautiful neighborhoods, visit museums, walk through parks, go to the Catholic Church. This land returned to the Chinese fold thanks to the pro-fascist Vichy regime in France and the Japanese occupiers. It was Vichy that gave the concession territory to the Japanese during the occupation, and after the victory over Japan, the French did not raise the issue of the return of the territory.
Automatically translated
Written 11 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zfy Ed
Singapore, Singapore10,987 contributions
May 2024 • Family
The French Concession was a foreign concession in Shanghai between 1849 to 1946, and it was progressively expanded between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area covered by the former French Concession in the 20th century was the premier residential and retail districts of Shanghai, and was also the centre of Catholicism in Shanghai. Despite rampant re-development over the last few decades, the area retains a distinct character, and is one of many popular tourist destinations.
During our walk-about there, we saw many historical but nice buildings and houses that could be dated back centuries ago and of course the more recent ones, linked to the three Song sisters and family, with the famous ones married to the revoluntionary leader, Dr Sun Yat Sen and Chiang Kai-Shek, who later lost the civil war and fled to Taiwan. During those days, they were the prominent figures there and owned many properties in the city.
While these houses and buildings have been retained and renovated, many of them have given way to the modern development as they are now education and enrichment centers, cafes, fashion boutiques, art galleries. Some have been transformed to hotels or highend restaurants too.
The road scenes are nice and serene. Right by the best way to explore is by foot, via the small roads and lanes to get up and close to the buildings and feel their cultural presence and context!
During our walk-about there, we saw many historical but nice buildings and houses that could be dated back centuries ago and of course the more recent ones, linked to the three Song sisters and family, with the famous ones married to the revoluntionary leader, Dr Sun Yat Sen and Chiang Kai-Shek, who later lost the civil war and fled to Taiwan. During those days, they were the prominent figures there and owned many properties in the city.
While these houses and buildings have been retained and renovated, many of them have given way to the modern development as they are now education and enrichment centers, cafes, fashion boutiques, art galleries. Some have been transformed to hotels or highend restaurants too.
The road scenes are nice and serene. Right by the best way to explore is by foot, via the small roads and lanes to get up and close to the buildings and feel their cultural presence and context!
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
The Former French Concession (FFC), including the Tianzifang area, consists of several streets with low houses that host shops catering to most needs, restaurants, and cafes—some quite exclusive, but most aimed at regular people. Much of the area is shaded by large, charming plane trees.
Many travel writers enthusiastically claim they feel transported to France, even to Paris itself, but that's only partly true. The houses resemble German architecture more than French. However, you can wander around for hours without feeling like you're in a bustling Asian metropolis. The area is neither Shanghai nor Europe, but entirely unique.
If you're aiming to explore the FFC, consider Julu Road, Yongjia Road, Sinan Road, Fuxing Park, and Tianzifang.
Many travel writers enthusiastically claim they feel transported to France, even to Paris itself, but that's only partly true. The houses resemble German architecture more than French. However, you can wander around for hours without feeling like you're in a bustling Asian metropolis. The area is neither Shanghai nor Europe, but entirely unique.
If you're aiming to explore the FFC, consider Julu Road, Yongjia Road, Sinan Road, Fuxing Park, and Tianzifang.
Written 7 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel Forssell
Boras, Sweden1,883 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Spent a few hours here and sure, it’s an okay area to stroll around and has its highlights, with fine shops, antiques and French touch mixed with a sense of old Shanghai. But nothing I would necessarily have prioritized to visit again. But the feeling is a bit more European than in many other places in the city with smaller bars, pubs etc.
Automatically translated
Written 1 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BackPacker800547
Bilston, UK1,669 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This area doesn't feel French at all and it transpires that it was mostly occupied by Chinese and Russians. There is a plaque on a building nearby that shows where the communist party first met but it's significant. not interesting. Easily missed.
Written 11 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra Q
6 contributions
July 2024 • Family
This is a nice area but if you are from a city in North America it just looks like a nice suburb with a tree lined street. If you have traveled to Europe, the buildings in Shanghai look the same. If time is limited, not sure if I would spend my time here.
Written 22 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresalen
Singapore, Singapore46 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
The French Concession is actually quite a big area. We started our walk from Xintiandi to Tianzifang and wanted to reach Wukang Building junction. But in the end we took a cab to Wukang Buikding from Tianzifang as we realised that we will need to walk quite a distance. The Wukang Building is a signature architecture and is opposite Song Meiling’s mansion which is another site of interest.
We enjoyed both of walks between taking the cab. So I will recommend really planning the route to go around.
We enjoyed both of walks between taking the cab. So I will recommend really planning the route to go around.
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EwaJulianP
Basel, Switzerland34 contributions
Oct 2020
Tianzifang Market In French Concession is a place full of character , shops with a silk, soaps, tea, creams and nick nacks. Lost of lovely restaurants, street food places and little bars with nice atmosphere. I will recommend Bell Bar/Restaurant and a Tibetan Restaurant where you can find unusual food, really worth to try.
Written 15 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen C
Singapore, Singapore1,146 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
This attraction is best done on foot. Depending on how far and what you want to cover, it could be as long as 7 kilometers.
The main draw for me was the old architecture, which is remnants from the French concession period. The local government has done a good job of preserving the buildings so that you can still get a flavor of how locals many decades ago.
There are plenty of eateries and coffee shops along the way. There are also shops selling paintings and other creative items.
The famous Xintiadi and Tianzifang are also part of this area.
The main draw for me was the old architecture, which is remnants from the French concession period. The local government has done a good job of preserving the buildings so that you can still get a flavor of how locals many decades ago.
There are plenty of eateries and coffee shops along the way. There are also shops selling paintings and other creative items.
The famous Xintiadi and Tianzifang are also part of this area.
Written 5 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hugary1
Sydney, Australia9,870 contributions
Dec 2019
Part of our walking tour with Penny which also took in The Old Town, Yu Gardens Markets, Confucius Temple, a house were Albert Einstein stated in the 1920's and the oldest and largest house which is to be renovated.
Penny was a fantastic guide who picked us at the hotel and organised transport to a couple of the attractions.
Her English was outstanding and her knowledge was vast and extensive. We really enjoyed her commentary and general conversation. At the end of the tour she helped us get a Metro card and put enough funds to keep us going for 3 days of city travel. That gave us great freedom to explore the city and points further out and for that we are very grateful. She went above and beyond.
The walk showed us areas that will be demolished soon. Houses left and bricked up. People on the day we walked were being served with their date to leave. Then onto the last of the areas still fully populated with its quaint shops and wonderful market place. These are sites that are disappearing and we felt that we were seeing a passing of a way of life in this city.
The Temple was a place of calm and quite in a busy city and penny gave us the history behind it in a clearly articulated way.
I suggest you get to see this before it all disappears.
Penny was a fantastic guide who picked us at the hotel and organised transport to a couple of the attractions.
Her English was outstanding and her knowledge was vast and extensive. We really enjoyed her commentary and general conversation. At the end of the tour she helped us get a Metro card and put enough funds to keep us going for 3 days of city travel. That gave us great freedom to explore the city and points further out and for that we are very grateful. She went above and beyond.
The walk showed us areas that will be demolished soon. Houses left and bricked up. People on the day we walked were being served with their date to leave. Then onto the last of the areas still fully populated with its quaint shops and wonderful market place. These are sites that are disappearing and we felt that we were seeing a passing of a way of life in this city.
The Temple was a place of calm and quite in a busy city and penny gave us the history behind it in a clearly articulated way.
I suggest you get to see this before it all disappears.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How late are the shops open on a Friday night?
Written 22 June 2018
Quite late into the evening between 8pm and 10pm
Written 22 June 2018
French Consession & Xintiandi
Hai i want to ask how i get French Consession & Xintiandi from yuyuan garden or from people's Park?
Are that 2 places close to each other?
Thank you
Written 5 March 2018
We took the hop on hop off to the sites.
Written 6 March 2018
French Consession & Xintiandi
Hai i want to ask how i get French Consession & Xintiandi from yuyuan garden or from people's Park?
Are that 2 places close to each other?
Thank you
Written 5 March 2018
The French Concession as an area is quite big. Therefore there are quite a few relevant Metro stations. You can consider HengShanLu station. Again you would want to check out the map. Whilst in Shanghai you can use the Metroman App to manoeuvre the metro. It's very user friendly
Written 6 March 2018
Susanne B
Muelheim an der Ruhr, Germany
hey , mein Partner und ich haben heute den ganzen Tag das französische Viertel gesucht, aber vergebens.. Könnt ihr uns vielleicht weiterhelfen mit einer genaueren Beschreibung? Welche Haltestelle dort in der Nähe ist, etc.? das wäre super:)
Written 6 October 2016
Guten Tag,
das Französische Viertel ist auch nicht besonders zu erkenn, es ist einfach ein stadtquartier. Es befindet sich in dem Bereich Maoming Lu/Changle Lu. Kennzeichen des Viertels sind die vielen Maßschneider.
Wenn Sie mit der Metro fahren, nehmen Sie Haltestelle Linie 1 "South Shaanxi Lu" und Ausgang Moaming Xi (South) Lu bis zur Changle Lu, dort ist auch das Zentrum des Viertels mit dem alten "Jin Jiang" Hotel; gehen Sie ruhig mal dort rein, im "Cathay (South) Building" gibt es eine beeindruckende "Hall of fame" der Ehrengäste.
Und dem Hotel diagonal gegenüber ist enes der besten Restaurants Shanghai's: "Di Shui Dong (D-SH-D) (56 Maoming South Rd., 1 Stock ) - ganz ohne Schnick-Schnack echt gutes chinesische Küche.
Namensgeber des Viertels ist die frühere French Concession bei Kreuzung Changle Lu/Wulumuqi Lu.
Written 7 October 2016
are there good vegitarian food resturants..? we are Indians..
Written 15 September 2016
I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Definitely, yes, I did see some vegetarian and whole food restaurants (and Indian) but I did not try them. You have a much better chance of finding something good in the French Concession than anywhere else as I think the Chinese do not 'get' real vegetarian food. Good luck!
Written 4 October 2016
If l get a taxi from Pudong Ritz carlton, we're do l ask for
Written 10 November 2015
As Peter B answered, your Hotel will help you and they will also tell your taxi driver. Remember to get a Hotel card or directions in local language for your return trip to your Hotel. Not all drivers speak enough english to understand you. We did this with every cab no matter where we went and it elimated any confusion. Make sure you eat at Lost Heaven on the Bund. It has an amazing out door roof bar and food is fabulous.
Have a great trip, awesome city.
Written 10 November 2015
Hi,
Should I include this in our private tour or just do it on our own (easy to get to from Tomorrow Square)?
Thanks.
Written 3 March 2015
I would do it on my own. There are SO MANY stores and boutiques and sites in general, I would hate to feel rushed through the process. My son is American but lives in Shanghai so we made a day of it. We just walked around for about six hours and took in "Guardians of the Galaxy" in English. I had read about the area online prior to our tour so I felt reasonably informed. Not being boxed into a time slot worked for me. I guess it depends on what you like as an experience.
Written 3 March 2015
I am looking for a 4 or 5 star hotel that is right in the center of the French Concession. I'd like to be able to walk out the door and be an area for strolling, eating, hanging, etc. Do you know if the Intercontinental Ruijin would be in such a location. Or can you recommend another choice. Thank you
Written 3 January 2015
Nice hotel are the Garden Hotel Ort the andaz ( my Favorit )
Written 18 March 2015
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