The former French Concession Shanghai (上海法租界) is one of the most pleasant areas in the city to spend a day. Tree-lined streets, Art Deco architecture, independent cafés and some of the city’s best restaurants — it’s a natural first stop for anyone wanting to experience a slower, more local side of Shanghai beyond the crowds of Huangpu and Nanjing Road.
The area is best explored on foot. Start on Wukang Road (武康路) for the historic villas and the famous Wukang Mansion, then work your way across to Anfu Road (安福路) for coffee, wine bars and boutiques. Fuxing Park (复兴公园) is worth a stop for a very local scene, and Xintiandi (新天地) is an easy add-on for first-timers before heading further into Huangpu towards the Bund, Yu Gardens or Nanjing Road.
One common misconception is that the former French Concession is a district in its own right. In fact, the area spills across several of Shanghai’s official districts — including Huangpu, Xuhui and Jing’an — covering a surprisingly large part of the city. What defines it is not administrative boundaries but a shared architectural character and atmosphere that has persisted since the concession era.
The former French concession features in our 2-day Shanghai itinerary or see our full guide to things to do in Shanghai for more ideas.
Watch the 2-Day Shanghai Itinerary (FFC on Day 2)
The Former French Concession appears on Day 2, including Anfu Road, Wukang Mansion, Xintiandi, and the main walking routes.
Day 1 covers the Bund, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The former French Concession was established in 1849 as a designated area of Shanghai under French administration, separate from both the Chinese city and the International Settlement to the north. It retained this distinct character for nearly a century before being returned to Chinese administration, after which it evolved into the vibrant neighbourhood it is today.
Over the course of its existence, the area developed its own distinct character. Wide, leafy boulevards were laid out, and a mix of European and Chinese architectural styles emerged that still defines the neighbourhood today. It became home to wealthy Chinese families, foreign residents, political figures and artists, and developed a reputation for a certain cosmopolitan sophistication that it has never quite lost.
Today, many of the original buildings survive. Walking through the area, you will notice elegant 1920s and 1930s villas sitting alongside modern boutiques and coffee shops, creating a combination that feels unlike anywhere else in the city.
WHERE TO WALK IN THE FORMER FRENCH CONCESSION SHANGHAI
The former French Concession is best explored on foot. The streets are shaded by large plane trees that were planted during the concession era and remain one of the area’s defining features, particularly in spring and autumn.
Wukang Road (武康路) One of the most photographed streets in Shanghai. The road curves gently through a quiet residential area lined with historic villas and boutiques. At the northern end, Wukang Mansion — a distinctive wedge-shaped 1920s building — has become one of the most Instagrammed spots in the city. The surrounding streets are worth exploring on foot after visiting the building.
Anfu Road (安福路) A popular street with a good mix of independent cafés, wine bars, bookshops and boutiques. Relaxed and relatively quiet compared to some of the busier nearby streets. A good place to stop for coffee or a drink by the intersection of Wulumuqi Road (乌鲁木齐路).
Xintiandi (新天地) A well-known commercial and dining area built around a restored block of traditional shikumen (stone-gate) houses. It is on the touristy side and not the cheapest part of the neighbourhood, but the architecture is attractive and it is worth a visit, especially for first-timers. The surrounding streets are quieter and more authentic if you want to explore beyond the main strip.
Fuxing Road (复兴路) and Fuxing Park (复兴公园) Fuxing Road runs east to west through the heart of the former French Concession and is one of the area’s most pleasant streets for a stroll. Fuxing Park, which was laid out by the French in the early twentieth century, is popular with locals for morning exercise, dancing and relaxing. A very local scene and one of the nicer parks in central Shanghai.
Huaihai Road (淮海路) The main commercial artery of the former French Concession. Good for shopping, with a mix of international brands and local stores. Busier and more built-up than the side streets, but worth walking at least part of.
CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS
The former French Concession has one of the highest concentrations of good cafés and restaurants in Shanghai. Here are a few of my favourites:
Vice Shanghai One of Shanghai’s most exciting recent restaurant openings, serving creative international small plates and excellent cocktails across two stylish floors. The upstairs cocktail lounge is worth a visit in its own right. See my full review of Vice Shanghai.
Metal Hands A very popular independent coffee shop that draws a loyal following. Known for its speciality espresso drinks and a consistently good cup. Often busy but worth the wait. 234 Nanchang Road, Huangpu District 黄浦区南昌路234号
Sichuan Citizen A foreigner-friendly take on Sichuan cuisine, with familiar dishes in a comfortable setting and a menu in English. A solid choice if you want bold flavours without the full intensity of traditional Sichuan spice. 2/F, 378 Wukang Road 武康路378号2楼
Di Shui Dong A long-standing Hunan restaurant popular with both expats and locals. The cumin spare ribs are not to be missed. 2/F, 56 Maoming South Road 茂名南路56号2楼
Just Grapes A small wine bar on Anfu Road with a lively pavement terrace in warmer months. Good selection of wines by the glass and light food options if you’re hungry. 162 Anfu Road, Xuhui District 徐汇区安福路162号
Tomatito A Spanish tapas restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and a good brunch menu. The rooftop terrace is one of the better outdoor dining spots in the area when the weather is good. See our full review of Tomatito. 3rd Floor, 168 Hubin Road, Huangpu District 黄浦区湖滨路168号3楼
The former French concession is also great for cocktails on a budget.
Hungry in the former French Concession?
Our Shanghai food and drink guide has the full picture — from local Shanghainese spots to international dining across the neighbourhood and beyond.
SHOPPING AND BOUTIQUES
The former French Concession Shanghai is the best area in Shanghai for independent boutiques, design shops and local brands, concentrated mainly along Anfu Road, Wukang Road and the smaller side streets between them.
You will find a mix of Chinese fashion labels, homeware stores, vintage clothing shops and art bookshops scattered throughout the neighbourhood. The area does not have a single main shopping street as such — part of the appeal is stumbling across things as you walk.
For mainstream shopping, Huaihai Road has international brands and larger stores, and connects easily to the IAPM mall at its eastern end. If you specifically want modern shopping malls and luxury shopping, Jing’an is probably a better choice.
WHERE TO STAY
Staying in the former French Concession Shanghai puts you within easy walking distance of some of the best restaurants and cafés in the city, and gives you a quieter, more residential feel compared to the Bund or Pudong.
It is a good choice for repeat visitors, longer stays, or anyone who prefers a neighbourhood feel over a hotel-district atmosphere.
Thinking of staying in the former French Concession?
Our Where to Stay in Shanghai guide covers the best areas and hotels across the city.
GETTING THERE
The former French Concession is well served by metro. The most useful stations are:
Changshu Road – Lines 1 and 7. Good starting point for Anfu Road and Wukang Road. Jiashan Road – Line 9. Useful for the eastern part of the area near Xintiandi. South Shaanxi Road – Lines 1 and 10. Good for Huaihai Road and the central part of the neighbourhood. Xintiandi – Line 10. Direct access to Xintiandi and the surrounding streets. For route planning, the Shanghai Metro official map is a useful reference.
Didi is also a convenient option if you are coming from further afield. The area can get busy on weekends, so allow extra time.
If you’re not sure whether to take the subway or a Didi, we have a useful comparison guide or take a look at our guide for more tips on getting around the city.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Autumn (September to November) is the best time to visit the former French Concession Shanghai. The temperatures are comfortable, the plane trees are at their most striking, and the outdoor café and restaurant terraces are at their best.
Spring is also pleasant, though rainfall is more common. Summer can be extremely hot and humid, which makes walking the neighbourhood less enjoyable. For more on seasonal planning, see our Shanghai weather guide.
TIPS
Wear comfortable shoes — the former French Concession rewards slow walking and unplanned detours. Allow at least half a day; a full day if you plan to eat and shop.
Weekends are noticeably busier, particularly around Wukang Mansion, Anfu Road and Xintiandi. If you prefer quieter streets, a weekday morning is the best time to visit.
The most interesting spots are often on the smaller side streets rather than the main roads. If a lane looks worth exploring, it probably is.
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Explore more: Things To Do in Shanghai | Food & Drink | Travel Essentials | Shanghai Layover Itinerary | Jing’an District | Huangpu District | Nanjing Road