Former French Concession Tours and Activities

French Concession which includes a city and street scenes
Former French Concession
French Concession which includes street scenes and a city
French Concession showing street scenes and a city
French Concession showing a city and street scenes


Wealthy European families created an art deco oasis in Shanghai's heart. The area is now full of modern boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

The French Concession was one of Shanghai’s major European enclaves from the mid 19th century to just before World War II. Today, the district is again a sought-after address for expats living in Shanghai, as well as being a popular tourist destination and the hub of the city’s upmarket shopping scene.

Wander along the quiet, tree-lined streets that offer a welcome respite from highly urbanized Shanghai. Admire the mix of modern apartments and neoclassical, colonial-style villas and art deco mansions. Notable buildings include the former residence of Sun Yat-sen. You can see many of the personal belongings of the “father of modern China” in this preserved house, which also has a museum.

There are many quaint shops, galleries and cafés to explore throughout the district. Head to Chang Le Lu to find a row of shops that specialize in made-to-measure, traditional Shanghai-style silk dresses. You’ll also find cheap T-shirts in a number of shops, as well as vintage clothes and handmade accessories. Head to Huaihai Road for a mix of upscale brands and chain stores. The middle section of this shopping strip is near to Fuxing Park, a great place to watch locals enjoying leisure activities such as kite flying and tai chi.

The area has plenty of options for dining. Choose from excellent French, Italian and Chinese restaurants. Follow your nose to Ferguson Lane, off Wukang Road. Here you’ll find restored buildings filled with chic restaurants and boutique stores.

Visit the French Concession in the early morning and evenings to experience the area at its most peaceful. For a deeper insight into this area’s unique social history and architecture, join a walking tour and spend an hour or two exploring lanes and courtyards.

The French Concession is within walking distance of The Bund and is close to Xujiahui Station, one of the biggest metro stations in Shanghai.

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Best Lodging Options Near Former French Concession

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

5 out of 5
88 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

4.5 out of 5
505 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

5 out of 5
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
Conrad Shanghai

Conrad Shanghai

5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai

Central Hotel Shanghai

4 out of 5
No 555 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai
Jin Jiang Park Hotel

Jin Jiang Park Hotel

4 out of 5
170 Nanjing Road West, Shanghai, Shanghai
Jin Jiang Park Hotel
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road by IHG

Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road by IHG

4.5 out of 5
700 Jiujiang Road/719 Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road by IHG
Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai

Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai

5 out of 5
58 Mao Ming Nan Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Okura Garden Hotel Shanghai
Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai

Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai

4.5 out of 5
No. 59 Mao Ming Road ( S ), Shanghai, Shanghai
Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Former French Concession

The Former French Concession in Shanghai is a vibrant area brimming with trendy bars, charming art galleries, and unique local tours. Visitors can indulge in shopping while exploring the best of Shanghai's cultural offerings. Whether you're looking for an exciting nightlife experience or a guided Shanghai tour, this area promises a delightful blend of leisure and exploration, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.

Shopping

In the Former French Concession, explore the Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre and Highstreet LOFT for a vibrant shopping experience filled with family-friendly options. Don't miss the local flavours at Wujiang Road Food Street, just a short walk from your location, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At Shanghai Stadium, immerse yourself in a vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying various athletic activities. The Shanghai Concert Hall offers an entertaining experience with captivating music performances. For a touch of luxury, visit Dongfang Shooting & Archery Hall, where you can engage in archery in an elegant setting.

Adventure

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel offers a unique underground journey beneath the Huangpu River, showcasing stunning light displays. For thrill-seekers, the Tropical Storm Water Park features exhilarating water slides and wave pools, perfect for a fun family day. Meanwhile, the Shanghai International Circuit provides exhilarating motorsport experiences for racing enthusiasts.

Nightlife

The nightlife in the Former French Concession offers a blend of culture and romance. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Lyceum Theatre or catch a film at the nearby Cathay Theatre. For more entertainment, visit Lanxin Theater, all within a short stroll from the vibrant streets.

Find the best attractions near Former French Concession

The Former French Concession in Shanghai offers a captivating blend of culture and urban charm, featuring picturesque streets, vibrant urban parks, and quaint neighbourhoods. Visitors can immerse themselves in local history while exploring attractions like Old Town Shanghai. For a comprehensive experience, consider consulting a Shanghai travel guide to navigate this cultural gem and discover its hidden treasures.

  • People's Square: A vibrant hub of modernity, People's Square is a lively gathering place located 1.6km from the Former French Concession. Experience the city's pulsating energy amidst impressive architecture and lush gardens, perfect for people-watching.
  • Notre Dame Church: Situated 966m away, Notre Dame Church offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Shanghai. This beautiful church features stunning Gothic architecture, creating a serene atmosphere for reflection and appreciation of its historical significance.
  • Jing'an Temple: At 1.6km from the Former French Concession, Jing'an Temple stands as a serene oasis in the bustling city. This exquisite temple showcases traditional Chinese architecture and offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to admire its intricate carvings and spiritual ambiance.

Best time to go to Former French Concession

Visitor numbers around Former French Concession is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Former French Concession is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.3°F (5.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June75.0°F (23.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
December45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Former French Concession

The Former French Concession in Shanghai is a great budget-friendly destination. Enjoy free attractions like The Bund, People's Square, and Nanjing Road Shopping District. To save on accommodation, consider visiting between December and February, when prices are lower, especially on Sundays. Use Expedia to find the best hotel deals by filtering for budget options and eco-certified stays. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. With careful planning, you can experience the charm of the Former French Concession without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Former French Concession are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Former French Concession is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Former French Concession is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy some savings by combining your hotel stay in the Former French Concession with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.