Former French Concession, Shanghai (must see)
The Former French Concession in Shanghai, represents a significant historical and cultural enclave that spanned nearly a century, from 1849 until 1946. Established after China's defeat in the Opium Wars and the forced opening of Shanghai as an international port, this area was conceded to the French government and became a symbol of colonial presence in China. Initially marked on April 6, 1849, the concession grew through expansions, notably in 1936, to encompass what are today the Xuhui and Luwan districts.
During its heyday, the French Concession was a semi-autonomous region with its own laws and police, where entry by local Chinese was heavily restricted. It became a melting pot of cultures, attracting Chinese artists, intellectuals, and a significant number of American, British, and Russian settlers, especially following the Russian Revolution. The concession was known for its opulent lifestyle, with opium dens and gambling houses being prevalent in the 1930s.
The area's distinct European influence is evident in its architecture, which showcases a blend of Chinese and European styles, funded by French and Belgian investments. Streets lined with trees, alongside a modern infusion of trendy boutiques, restaurants, and small designer clothing shops, particularly along Changle Road and Xinle Road, highlight the area's evolution from a colonial enclave to a bustling, contemporary tourist destination.
A notable landmark within the Former French Concession is Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence, built in 1843 and now serving as a museum dedicated to China's political history up to the founding of the People's Republic of China. The residence, along with its original artifacts, photographs, and state-used cars, offers a glimpse into the life of one of China's most influential figures and the tumultuous period leading up to the establishment of the PRC.
Today, despite significant redevelopment, the Former French Concession retains its unique character, blending historical significance with modern vibrancy, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking to experience the legacy of Shanghai's colonial past and its dynamic present.
During its heyday, the French Concession was a semi-autonomous region with its own laws and police, where entry by local Chinese was heavily restricted. It became a melting pot of cultures, attracting Chinese artists, intellectuals, and a significant number of American, British, and Russian settlers, especially following the Russian Revolution. The concession was known for its opulent lifestyle, with opium dens and gambling houses being prevalent in the 1930s.
The area's distinct European influence is evident in its architecture, which showcases a blend of Chinese and European styles, funded by French and Belgian investments. Streets lined with trees, alongside a modern infusion of trendy boutiques, restaurants, and small designer clothing shops, particularly along Changle Road and Xinle Road, highlight the area's evolution from a colonial enclave to a bustling, contemporary tourist destination.
A notable landmark within the Former French Concession is Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence, built in 1843 and now serving as a museum dedicated to China's political history up to the founding of the People's Republic of China. The residence, along with its original artifacts, photographs, and state-used cars, offers a glimpse into the life of one of China's most influential figures and the tumultuous period leading up to the establishment of the PRC.
Today, despite significant redevelopment, the Former French Concession retains its unique character, blending historical significance with modern vibrancy, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking to experience the legacy of Shanghai's colonial past and its dynamic present.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Former French Concession on Map
Sight Name: Former French Concession
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Shanghai, China
Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Shanghai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour
The Old Town of Shanghai, historically the heart of the city, is a part of Shanghai's urban core. Shanghai's importance as a trade hub led to its elevation to county status in 1292. In 1554, during the Ming Dynasty, the area was surrounded by protective walls to safeguard against Japanese pirate raids and remained so until 1912, when the walls were dismantled.
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour
Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the “face of modern China.” Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Leaving Shanghai without calling local shops and procuring something truly original to bring home as a souvenir would be a pity. Indeed, souvenir shopping in Shanghai is an exciting experience.
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The Bund Sightseeing Tour
The Bund is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The term "bund" was borrowed into English from Hindi and originally referred to a dyke or embankment. The Chinese name for the Bund is unrelated in origin: it literally means "outer bank", and distinguishes this part of the riverfront from the "inner bank" adjacent to the Old Town... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Uniquely Chinese Things to Buy in Shanghai
Prepare a Shanghai surprise for your loved ones back home! Bring them a piece of exciting China from one of the country's most iconic destinations. Luckily, the choice of things fit to do the job is enormous. All you need is a knowledgeable advice on where to go to get a fair price and decent...