[One-Day Tour of the French Concession in Shanghai]How to Plan an Optimal Route for Sightseeing and Dining in the French Concession?

This is Shanghai's most European-style district, featuring a collection of garden villas in diverse architectural styles and a wide array of trendy snack shops. Here, you'll be enveloped by a distinct bohemian and artistic atmosphere. This guide recommends two walking routes that cover most of the area's highlights, complete with nearby dining spots to recharge when you're ready for a break.

The Past and Present of the French Concession

The French Concession in Shanghai began in 1849 and ended in 1943. Spanning a century, it was the earliest established, largest in area, and most prosperous of China's four major concessions during the modern era. The influx of foreign merchants and capital during the opening period imbued this area with a distinctive European flair. Today, garden villas, upscale restaurants, fashionable design, and bohemian charm remain indispensable elements within the former French Concession. Primarily located in present-day Huangpu and Xuhui districts, it bordered the International Settlement (formed by the merger of the British and American concessions). Today's bustling Nanjing Road and Jing'an Temple sit within the former International Settlement, while the “Racecourse” corresponds to present-day People's Square. The Yu Garden, meanwhile, occupies the site of the former Shanghai County seat. This explains why the architectural styles and atmospheres of these areas differ so markedly.

Route 1: Northwest French Concession

Wukang Road

Wukang Road has become a viral hotspot on social media, brimming with crowds and serving as a prime example of how commercial development can revitalize historic districts. Alongside its many trendy eateries, Wukang Road carries a rich cultural aura. The distinctive garden villas lining both sides of the street once housed countless political figures, elites, and cultural luminaries. Each courtyard and building here has witnessed a legendary chapter of history. If you're curious, you can learn about the former owners from the plaques at the entrances.

For those captivated by Republican-era love stories, we highly recommend a romantic trail tracing the heartrending romance of Eileen Chang's Love in a Fallen City and the enduring bond between Ba Jin and his lifelong love. Every detail you've ever wondered about unfolds here, told with tender care.

The former site of the Beiping Academy at 395 Wukang Road is a Baroque-style garden residence built in 1926.

The distinctive curved treatment of the sharp-angled corners at Cape Town Apartments is uniquely striking.

Wukang Road Historical and Cultural Street

· Designated as a “China Historical and Cultural Street” with 37 historic buildings, it is hailed as one of Shanghai's most European-style neighborhoods in the city center.

· It is also a veritable “Street of Celebrities,” where literary giants Ba Jin, Huang Xing, and Song Qingling once resided. ·Beyond the homes of the famous, the distinctive mansard-roofed building at No. 99 is the former residence of Zheng Guanghe, featured in the film “Lust, Caution.” ·Architectural styles including Spanish and French Renaissance stand out, flanked by lush ancient trees—perfect for strolling and photography.

Ba Jin's Former Residence, Hunan Road

At the intersection of Wukang Road and Hunan Road, you can head east along Hunan Road, where notable buildings like Ba Jin's Former Residence are clustered.

At the northeast corner stands the Midan Apartment, an Art Deco-style residential building. As one of the most fashionable reinforced concrete structures of the 1930s, it served as the Yipin Loan Bank during the Republic of China era. Later, renowned film actor Sun Daolin resided here. Its distinctive triangular floor plan maximizes land use, drawing many passersby to pause and take photos.

Behind Midan Apartment stands the detached garden villa that served as Mr. Ba Jin's residence. Here, he spent over half a century of his life, penning his renowned literary masterpiece “Random Thoughts,” celebrated worldwide. The ground floor houses the living room and dining area, while the second floor accommodates the study and bedroom. The primary furnishings and furniture remain arranged in their original layout.

The Hunan Villa at the northwest corner of the intersection was originally the residence of a major shareholder of the British firm Jinlong Trading Company, initially named Jinlong Villa. Comrade Deng Xiaoping, Mayor Chen Yi, and others once lived here, drawn by its tranquil surroundings. Even with tall fences now erected along its beige exterior walls, one can still sense the lush greenery within the courtyard—a place of profound peace and serenity.

Ba Jin's Former Residence

No. 113 Wukang Road in Shanghai was Ba Jin's final residence in the city and the place where he lived the longest. This small building, constructed in 1923, once served as the Soviet Commercial Representation Office. Beginning in 1955, Ba Jin and his daughter Li Xiaolin's family resided in this three-story Western-style house, whose courtyard was filled with white magnolias. Ba Jin lived here for over 40 years. It was here that Ba Jin completed his “Book of Truth,” hailed by literary and intellectual circles worldwide as a monumental work of candor.

Dongping Road

Strolling along Dongping Road and Taojang Road, you'll be enchanted by the interwoven bohemian charm and elegant tranquility of these streets. Dotted with cafes, restaurants, creative boutiques, and French plane trees, they also bear witness to and nurture history and sentiment. Just 400 meters long, Dongping Road hosts the former residences of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling, as well as the homes of Soong Tse-ven and Kung Hsiang-hsi. These sites reveal the former glory of the three powerful families—the Chiangs, the Soongs, and the Kungs—who dominated the Republic of China era, now visible to all.

Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts

Originally the residence of the Chief Commissioner of the French Concession Municipal Council, this building was later occupied by Mayor Chen Yi. In the 1960s, master artisans from Shanghai's folk traditions successively took up residence here to work. After the 1970s, an exhibition hall was established. Today, the second-floor bathroom still preserves century-old stained glass windows, along with a state-of-the-art three-dimensional massage showerhead that was ahead of its time.

【Admission Fee】: 8 RMB

【Opening Hours】: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts

Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts, situated on the tranquil Fenyang Road, occupies a site area of 5,862 square meters. Its main building houses three major exhibition halls dedicated to weaving and embroidery, carving, and folk crafts. The museum features over ten specialized sections, including embroidery, theatrical costumes, velvet embroidery, bamboo carving, and boxwood carving, comprehensively covering traditional craft varieties in urgent need of preservation within Shanghai.

Fenyang Road, Shanghai Conservatory of Music

Shanghai Conservatory of Music is China's first independently established national institution of higher learning dedicated to music. It was co-founded by Cai Yuanpei, the first president of Peking University, and music educator Xiao Youmei. The campus's quiet and elegant environment allows one to leave the bustling streets behind, as if entering another world, where the pleasant sound of musical instruments can be heard while walking along the paths. Along Fenyang Road near the school entrance, numerous small music shops line the street endlessly. This has earned Fenyang Road an interesting nickname—the singing street.

Shanghai Conservatory of Music

Shanghai Conservatory of Music traces its origins to the National Conservatory of Music, jointly founded on November 27, 1927, by the great democratic revolutionary, distinguished educator, and thinker Mr. Cai Yuanpei and music educator Dr. Xiao Youmei. Mr. Cai Yuanpei served as its inaugural president. In September 1929, it was renamed the National Conservatory of Music. Following the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was designated as the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 1956. As China's oldest institution of higher learning in music, the Conservatory has cultivated a robust academic foundation in the composition, performance, and research of classical and serious music throughout its long history.

Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Mother

One of the most striking buildings on Xinle Road, it stands beautifully solitary. Resembling Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior, its onion-shaped domes are clad in copper. The peacock-blue domes blend seamlessly with the azure sky, exuding dignity and solemnity. It is said to have been a place where White Russians exiled to Shanghai would gather to mourn their homeland.

Want to hear more stories about the French Concession but don't feel like planning your own itinerary? Why not let a seasoned guide take you through the past and present of the former French Concession? (Note: The tour content and itinerary don't fully overlap with the guide routes—feel free to explore any spots that catch your interest after the tour concludes!)

Food Recommendations

%Arabica Coffee

Address: 1st Floor, 374 Wukang Road

Recommended: Spanish Latte, Matcha Latte, Macchiato, Australian White, Espresso, Lemon Sparkling Water, Espresso Macchiato

Coffee Tree Western Restaurant

Address: Wukang Courtyard, 376 Wukang Road

Recommended: Caramel Latte, Cheese Latte, Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin, Smoked Salmon Pasta, Seafood Pasta, Banana Yogurt Milkshake

Rainbow Milkshake Drink Shop

Address: 115 Wukang Road (near Hunan Road)

Recommended: Avocado Banana Smoothie, Blue Whale Smoothie, Grapefruit Apple Juice, Pineapple Passion Fruit Pear, Hawthorn Pie

Green & Safe Western Restaurant

Address: 6 Dongping Road

Recommended: Salad Platter, Classic Carrot Cake, Porcini Truffle Pizza, Beetroot Salad

Zang Yun Lanna Yunnan Cuisine

Address: 2nd Floor, 9 Dongping Road

Recommended: Black Truffle Mushroom Fried Rice, Old-Style Potato, Steamed Pot Chicken, Dai-Style Fried Tilapia, Shrimp Paste Water Spinach

Da Fu. Charcoal Grill House Japanese Cuisine

Address: 6th Floor, Golden World, 988 Huaihai Middle Road

Recommended: Beef Tongue, Short Ribs, Beef Brisket, Black Pepper Diaphragm, Cheese Sweet Potato

Route 2: Southeast French Concession Area

Tianzifang

Tianzifang, one of Shanghai's most popular attractions among foreigners, is a vibrant cultural hub. Here, scenes of old Shanghai alley life blend seamlessly with an artistic and bohemian atmosphere. Creative boutiques, galleries, photography exhibitions, and cafes are scattered throughout this iconic neighborhood, offering a unique and delightful experience for visitors.

Tips:

【Address】210 Taikang Road, Shanghai

【Recommended Visit Duration】40 min–1 hour

Shaoxing Road

This “most artistic street in Shanghai” spans just 500 meters yet truly lives up to its reputation. Free from the noise and crowds of public transit, it hosts a dense cluster of renowned magazines, publishing houses, specialty coffee shops, and quiet, mysterious galleries. If you're an artsy soul, this is where you'll find your tribe!

Tips:

【Walking Required】600 meters

【Recommended Visit Duration】20–40 min

Ruijin Hotel

Adjacent to the bustling Huaihai Road commercial district, the Ruijin Hotel's unparalleled location makes it an emerald embedded within the former French Concession. Upon entering through the Second Road gate, one encounters four distinct European-style villas and an English-style garden lawn, exuding aristocratic grandeur. This historic site has hosted distinguished leaders including Liu Shaoqi, Zhu De, Dong Biwu, Zhou Enlai, former Indonesian President Sukarno, former Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Ho Chi Minh, and former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung. Its exterior is now open to the public daily.

Tips:

Fewer tourists here—perfect for photos!

【Address】160 Taiyuan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai (near Yongjia Road)

【Recommended Visit Duration】Approximately 1 hour

Zhou Gong Guan

On Sinan Road stands an architectural gem not to be missed: the Zhou Enlai Residence. This former Shanghai office of the Chinese Communist Party delegation witnessed historic meetings where Premier Zhou Enlai received U.S. President Truman's special envoy George Marshall and representatives of the Kuomintang government. Close your eyes, and you can almost see the bustling crowd of international journalists outside the gates, while inside, distinguished guests filled the halls. The affable Premier Zhou warmly met with figures from all walks of life— What a lively scene!

【Admission】: Free

【Opening Hours】: 09:00–16:30 (Last entry at 16:00; open on public holidays)

Tips:

【Address】: No. 73 & 71 Sinan Road, Shanghai

【Walking Distance】: 600 meters

【Recommended Visit Duration】: Approximately 30 minutes

Sinan Mansions

Blending cultural heritage, history, and contemporary style, Sinan Mansions is truly a “museum of garden villas.” The complex features 51 historic garden villas of varying sizes, showcasing diverse architectural styles including detached garden villas, semi-detached garden villas, detached garden villas with inner courtyards, terraced buildings, arcade-style structures, new-style alleys, garden alleys, and modern apartments. This is an absolute must-visit for architecture enthusiasts!

Tips:

【Address】523 Fuxing Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

【Walking Distance】300 meters

【Recommended Visit Duration】1–2 hours

Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence

As the only residence shared by Sun Yat-sen and his wife Soong Ching-ling, this site holds greater significance than his other former residences in Guangzhou and elsewhere. This European country-style villa was purchased with funds raised by overseas Chinese living in Canada and gifted to Sun Yat-sen. With relatively few visitors and volunteer-led tours available, the experience is truly exceptional. Spend half an hour to an hour strolling through its grounds to appreciate the simple, unassuming lifestyle of this revolutionary couple—absolutely worth the admission!

【Admission】: ¥20

【Opening Hours】: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Tips:

【Address】No. 7 Xiangshan Road

【Walking Distance】200 meters

【Recommended Visit Duration】40 min–1 hour

Fuxing Park

Fuxing Park is Shanghai's sole surviving French classical-style garden and a masterpiece showcasing the fusion of Chinese and Western garden cultures in modern Shanghai. If you wish to appreciate East-West garden artistry or experience the daily life of residents within the former French Concession, this is the place to visit. Watching energetic seniors exercising and lively children playing creates such a harmonious scene that all your day's fatigue will surely melt away.

Tips:

【Address】105 Yandang Road, Shanghai

【Walking Required】200 meters

【Recommended Visit Duration】About 1 hour

Food Recommendations

Lotus Root Hot Dog Sticks (Korean Cuisine)

Address: No. 25, Lane 155, Jianzhong Middle Road (near Tianzifang)

Recommended: Double Cheese Sticks, Mozzarella Sticks, Octopus Sticks, Original Hot Dog Sticks

Big Boss Fries (Snacks)

Address: Inside Tianzifang (Back entrance of No. 6, Lane 248, Taikang Road)

Recommended: Cheese Milkshake, Original Roasted Seaweed, Honey Mustard Fries, Sesame Fries

Ah Da Scallion Pancake Snack

Address: 120-4 Ruijin 2nd Road (Yongshan Intersection)

Recommended: Ah Da Scallion Pancake, Scallion Oil Noodles, Mini Wontons

Alley CAFE Coffee Shop

Address: 260 Ruijin 2nd Road (Alley opposite Haihua Primary School, west of Jianguo Road)

Recommended: Hot Latte, Pour-Over Coffee, Australian White, Red Velvet Latte

Cha Restaurant (Sinan Road Branch) Cantonese Cuisine

Address: 30 Sinan Road (between Huaihai Middle Road and Nanchang Road)

Recommended: Rose Soy Sauce Chicken, Original Iced Milk Tea, Cha Ji Milk Tea Dong, Cheese Pineapple Bun, Homemade Curry Beef Brisket

The streets within the French Concession are lined with lush greenery, perfect for leisurely strolls. Don't stay cooped up at home—seize this beautiful spring weather, grab this guide and your camera, and come explore the French Concession!