French Concession Travel Guide

Plan your trip to the French Concession in Shanghai with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit attractions, best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and more.


Introduction to French Concession

Located in the heart of Shanghai, the French Concession is a charming neighborhood filled with historical buildings, leafy streets, and trendy boutiques. Originally established in the 19th century by French colonizers, the area still retains its unique French heritage, evident in its architecture and cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in French Concession

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre: This museum holds the world’s largest collection of Chinese propaganda posters.
  • Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen: The former residence of the founding father of the Republic of China.
  • Shanghai Conservatory of Music: A beautiful venue that hosts various classical performances.

Natural Attractions of French Concession: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fuxing Park: A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, with beautiful gardens and a small lake.
  • Jing’an Sculpture Park: A verdant park that features sculptures from various artists.
  • Shanghai Botanical Garden: Home to a range of beautiful flowers and plants, as well as a variety of birds.

Hiking/Biking Routes of French Concession

  • Sinan Mansions: A beautiful neighborhood that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Huangpu River Cruise: Embark on a river cruise to enjoy scenic views of the city.
  • Tianzifang: A maze-like alley filled with shops and cafes, perfect for a bike ride.

Best Things to Do in French Concession: Activities and Tours

  • Learn to Cook Chinese Cuisine: Take a local cooking class to learn the secrets of Chinese cooking.
  • Shopping: French Concession is home to many boutique shops, with plenty of local and international brands on display.
  • Take a Food Tour: Sample some of the best local dishes on a food tour that takes you through the narrow alleys of the neighborhood.

Week-Long Itinerary for French Concession

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the museums and admire the historical buildings
Day 2 Enjoy a leisurely stroll in Fuxing Park, followed by afternoon tea at a nearby cafe
Day 3 Take a bike ride through the quaint streets of Tianzifang
Day 4 Embark on a river cruise on the Huangpu River
Day 5 Attend a classical performance at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music
Day 6 Spend the day shopping at the many boutique stores
Day 7 Take a cooking class and learn to create authentic Chinese dishes

Food and Drink Scene of French Concession

Must-Try Dishes

  • Xiaolongbao: A steamed dumpling filled with pork or shrimp and a savory soup.
  • Jianbing: A popular breakfast dish made with a thin pancake and various fillings like vegetables, eggs, and meats.
  • Mao Xue Wang: A spicy beef tripe stew that’s served with noodles.

Local Beverages

  • Baijiu: A high-proof liquor made from fermented grains.
  • Bubble Tea: A sweet tea-based drink that’s mixed with various syrups and topped with chewy tapioca pearls.
  • Tsingtao Beer: A refreshing lager that is one of the most popular beers in China.

Where to Stay in French Concession: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • URBN Boutique Hotel: A stylish eco-hotel located in a quiet alley.
  • Jing An Shangri-La: A luxurious hotel that’s located in a central location.
  • Mansion Hotel: A boutique hotel that’s housed in a restored colonial mansion.

What to Buy in French Concession: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Shanghai Jazz Vinyl Records: Browse through the collection of vintage jazz records at a local shop.
  • Chinese Tea: Buy some high-quality Chinese tea, which is available at many local tea shops.
  • Antiques and Mao-era Memorabilia: Visit the Dongtai Road Antique Market to find unique souvenirs and Mao-era memorabilia.

Local Culture and Customs of French Concession

The French Concession is unique in its blend of French and Chinese cultures. It’s a neighborhood that values orderliness and cleanliness.

Best Time to Visit French Concession

The best time to visit the French Concession is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of French Concession

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try local dishes and beverages.
  • Shop at local boutiques and markets.

Don’t:

  • Take photos of people without their permission.
  • Litter in public spaces.
  • Insult local culture or customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in French Concession

The French Concession is a safe neighborhood, but travelers should take precautions against pickpockets and scams.

Health in French Concession

Tap water in Shanghai is not drinkable, so travelers should only drink bottled or boiled water.

Getting to French Concession: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near French Concession

  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Bus Stations Near French Concession

  • Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station
  • Shanghai South Bus Station

Other Options

  • Taxi
  • Metro
  • Bike rental

How to Get Around in French Concession

The best way to explore the French Concession is on foot or by bike. Taxis and the metro are also convenient options.

Where to Go Next from French Concession: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • The Bund: A historic waterfront area that’s lined with colonial-era buildings.
  • Yu Garden: A large garden with beautiful rock formations and traditional Chinese architecture.
  • Zhujiajiao: A charming water town with narrow streets and traditional architecture.

Conclusion

The French Concession is a charming neighborhood in Shanghai that’s perfect for travelers looking to explore history and culture, while also enjoying the modern amenities of a bustling city. Plan your visit using this comprehensive guide and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Shanghai in 1935, with French Concession outlined in red. The eastern part of it wraps around the Shanghai/Old City Shanghai in 1935, with French Concession outlined in red. The eastern part of it wraps around the Shanghai/Old City Cathedral. Xujiahui Cathedral. Xujiahui Near Hengshan Road metro station Near Hengshan Road metro station Xintiandi cafes Xintiandi cafes Former residence of Zhou Enlai. Former residence of Zhou Enlai. A house on Wukang Road A house on Wukang Road First national Communist Party meeting First national Communist Party meeting Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling Longhua Temple Longhua Temple Xujiahui Xujiahui