French Concession: Hip Neighborhood Guide

The Former French Concession (法租界) is Shanghai's most charming neighborhood - think tree-lined streets, historic villas, indie boutiques, and hidden cafes.

Overview

• **Area:** Roughly bounded by Nanjing Road (N), Zhaojiabang Road (S), Chengdu Road (W), Chongqing Road (E)
• **Best for:** Wandering, shopping, dining, cafe hopping
• **Time needed:** Half to full day
• **Vibe:** Trendy, artsy, romantic

Main Areas to Explore

1. Xintiandi (新天地)

**Metro:** Xintiandi Station (Lines 10, 13)

• Restored shikumen houses
• High-end shops and restaurants
• Tourist-friendly but authentic architecture
• Good starting point

**Highlights:**

• Shikumen Open House Museum
• CCP First Congress Site (free)
• Outdoor dining areas
• Weekend markets

2. Tianzifang (田子坊)

**Metro:** Dapuqiao Station (Line 9)

• Maze of alleyways
• Art galleries and craft shops
• Local artists' studios
• More authentic than Xintiandi
• Less expensive

**What to do:**

• Browse boutiques
• Collect unique souvenirs
• Stop at rooftop bars
• Explore the lanes

3. Julu Road (巨鹿路)

**Metro:** Changshu Road (Lines 1, 7)

• Trendy cafe street
• Boutique shopping
• Weekend brunch spot
• Beautiful old villas

**Must-visit:**

• Numerous cafes (Manner Coffee, Seesaw)
• Vintage clothing shops
• Small art galleries

4. Wukang Road (武康路)

**Metro:** Changshu Road, then walk

• Most beautiful street in Shanghai
• European-style villas
• Celebrity residences
• Perfect for photos

**See:**

• Wukang Mansion (iconic corner building)
• Former residences of famous people
• Russian Orthodox Mission
• Tree-lined promenade

What to Do

Cafe Hopping

The French Concession is Shanghai's cafe capital!

**Local Chains:**

• Manner Coffee (affordable, excellent)
• Seesaw Coffee (specialty coffee)
• Mellower Coffee

**Boutique Cafes:**

• Tailor's Cafe (Yongfu Road)
• Commune by the Great Leap (Xinle Road)
• Pie Cafe (desserts!)

**Pro tip:** Most cafes have WiFi, perfect for digital nomads.

Shopping

**Independent Boutiques:**

• Unique clothing designers
• Handmade jewelry
• Home decor and art
• Vintage finds

**Famous Streets:**

• Changle Road (长乐路) - boutiques
• Dongping Road (东平路) - antiques
• Xinle Road (新乐路) - designer shops

Dining

**Brunch Spots:**

• Egg (Western breakfast)
• The Shed (healthy options)
• Baker & Spice (bakery cafe)

**Lunch/Dinner:**

• Ferguson Lane - collection of restaurants
• Jianguo 328 - food court style
• Hidden restaurants in lanes

**International Cuisine:**

• Spanish tapas on Yongfu Road
• Italian on Dongping Road
• Vietnamese on Wulumuqi Road
• Japanese izakayas scattered throughout

Nightlife

**Bars:**

• Senator Saloon (speakeasy)
• Apartment (rooftop)
• Craft beer bars on Yongkang Road

**Clubs:**

• Smaller venues, more intimate
• Live music at various venues
• Jazz clubs scattered around

Walking Routes

Route 1: Villa Tour (2-3 hours)

Changshu Road Metro → Wukang Road → Anfu Road → Wuyuan Road → Fuxing Park

Route 2: Shopping & Cafes (3-4 hours)

Xintiandi → Walk north on Huangpi Road → Julu Road → Changle Road → Tianzifang

Route 3: Hidden Gems (2 hours)

Changshu Road → Donghu Road → Hengshan Road → Gao'an Road (explore lanes)

Parks & Green Spaces

Fuxing Park (复兴公园)

• French-style park
• Morning tai chi sessions
• Rose garden
• Paddle boats

Xiangyang Park

• Local neighborhood park
• Great for people watching
• Morning exercises

Historical Sites

1. **Zhou Enlai's Former Residence**

- Free admission

- Historical significance

- Well-preserved

2. **Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence**

- Father of modern China

- Beautiful garden

- Small museum

3. **Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence**

- Museum and memorial

- Lovely garden

- ¥20 entrance

Art Galleries

• **Shanghai Arts & Crafts Museum** - Beautifully restored mansion
• **K11 Art Mall** - Contemporary art in shopping mall
• Small galleries in Tianzifang
• Rotating exhibitions in cafes and shops

Pro Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms, pleasant weather
• Fall (Sept-Nov): Comfortable temperatures
• Weekday mornings: Quieter streets
• Weekends: More energy but crowded

Getting Around

• **Walking:** Best way to explore
• **Bike:** Mobike/Hello Bike available
• **Metro:** Connect between areas
• **Taxi:** Easy to find

What to Wear

• Comfortable walking shoes (uneven sidewalks)
• Layers (AC inside, hot outside in summer)
• Camera ready (very photogenic area)

Budget Tips

• Cafes: ¥25-50 for coffee/snack
• Restaurants: ¥80-200 per person
• Shopping: Wide range, boutiques expensive
• Walking and window shopping: Free!

Hidden Secrets

1. **Ferguson Lane** - European-style complex, fewer tourists

2. **Random lane exploration** - Don't be afraid to wander

3. **Early morning** - See local life, tai chi, market shopping

4. **Rooftop spots** - Hidden bars and cafes with views

Avoid

• Tourist trap restaurants on main streets
• Overhyped venues (research first)
• Rush hour taxis (impossible to find)
• Rainy days (flooding in some lanes)

Nearby Attractions

• **Jing'an Temple** - 15 min walk north
• **Xujiahui Cathedral** - 15 min metro south
• **Shanghai Library** - Interesting architecture
• **Huaihai Road** - Major shopping street

Perfect Day Itinerary

**Morning (9-12):**

• Start at Wukang Road (photos when quiet)
• Coffee at boutique cafe
• Browse shops on Anfu Road
• Explore Fuxing Park

**Afternoon (12-3):**

• Brunch on Julu Road
• Walk to Tianzifang
• Shop and explore lanes
• Art gallery or museum visit

**Late Afternoon (3-6):**

• Cafe break
• More exploring or shopping
• Rest in a park

**Evening (6-10):**

• Dinner at recommended restaurant
• Xintiandi evening stroll
• Drinks at rooftop bar
• Night cap at speakeasy

The French Concession is where Shanghai's past and present blend perfectly. It's not a single attraction but an experience - wandering its leafy streets, discovering hidden cafes, and soaking in the neighborhood vibe.

**Bon Voyage! 🌳**