Welcome to the most beautiful part of Shanghai, the French Concession! If you’re looking for things to do in the French Concession, you’ve totally come to the right place.
After living in this area for over a year on Panyu Road, with countless visits and insider tips from my local friends, I’ve put together this complete itinerary guide.
I’m sharing everything from the most well-known restaurants I visited, cafés, and streets to all the hidden ones that I know of.
Before we dive in, take a look at my complete virtual tour, where I walk through the French Concession on a rainy, yet beautiful day, to get a real sense of what the area is like.
Here are the best things to do in the French Concession, Shanghai:
Best Things To Do
Let’s start with the must-visit places that I always go to when I’m there. Each spot comes with practical details so you can easily get there:
1. Visit Columbia Circle
The first hidden gem: Columbia Circle! I lived only a few streets away, and I went here countless times. It’s like a small oasis in a metropolis. Columbia Circle is where locals come to lunch for an ‘insta-worthy’ spot, sort of say.
There’s a beautiful bookstore, French lunch cafés, and an ancient restored pool surrounded by restaurants. I love this spot. There are always several pop-up events, or small independent food trucks or coffee shops. It’s a really cute and fun area to spend a few hours during lunchtime.
How to get there: Columbia Circle. Take a taxi, rent an Alipay bike, or walk from Jiao Tong University Subway Station (Exit 6 is the best one).
Best time to visit: Any day, and any time of the day until 6pm is a great time to go.
2. Check Out Wukang Mansion & Street
This tree-lined road is probably the most photographed street in all of Shanghai, and for good reason. The French plane trees create this perfect view along Wukang Road, and the buildings represent every era of Shanghai’s architectural history. You’ll see French-style apartments, traditional houses, and modern buildings all on the same block.
Start at Wukang Mansion (that iron-shaped apartment building from 1924) and walk north. Every few blocks, duck into the small streets that branch off; each one has its own character. There are great café spots, bookstores, and small galleries scattered throughout this entire area.
How to get there: Wukang Mansion. Metro Line 10 or 11 to Jiaotong University Station, walk 5 minutes east.
Best time to visit: Almost any day, time, or even weather situation, it will be crowded… Just go with the flow!
3. Explore Tianzifang
This labyrinth of narrow alleyways is where you can find anything from handmade items to tea houses, lunch cafés, and cocktail bars in the heart of the French Concession area. What started as a residential area has transformed into this fun-to-explore maze of tiny galleries, boutique shops, and tea houses. You can easily spend 2 or 3 hours here just wandering and discovering new places.
And although this is a rather well-known area, it still feels authentic. Yes, it’s a little bit touristy, but locals still live here, hanging their laundry between the art studios and chatting with neighbors while you walk around.
How to get there: Take Metro Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station (Exit 1), then walk 5 minutes south.
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons (10am-4pm) to avoid crowds.
4. Go To Xintiandi District
Xintiandi is the more upscale area of the French Concession. There are ice cream stores selling unique flavors for double the price, pop-up events featuring expensive brands, and Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s a fancy area, but still fun to check out. I really like this area in the afternoon for lunch or in the evening to go for a drink with some friends.
How to get there: Metro Line 10 or 13 to Xintiandi Station (Exit 6)
Best place to eat: Polux by Paul Pairet
Best time to visit: Later afternoon and evening (7pm-late) for the best vibes.
5. Walk through Xingfuli
This street was just across the house where I lived for over a year. It’s a cozy little street with several great restaurants and coffee shops. You can find a really good Tapas restaurant (which is hard to find in Shanghai), Chinese restaurants, and a big bookstore that’s also a coffee shop.
Luneurs has amazing bread, which is also rare to find in Shanghai and throughout China. Across the street, there are also lots of local restaurants, whiskey bars, and coffee shops, and some Western restaurants (if they’re still there because many restaurants come and go)
It’s a relatively unknown area, and thus all the more fun to explore.
How to get there: Xingfuli. Jiao Tong University Subway Station.
Best time to visit: Any day between 9 am and 8 pm.
6. See Xinhua Road
This is one of those beautiful roads in the French Concession with incredibly looking houses. It’s a mix of European-style houses, local supermarkets, and some hidden restaurants like Villa Le Bec. If you’re in the neighborhood, it’s definitely worth checking out.
How to get there: Xinhua Road. Jiao Tong University Subway Station.
7. Check Out Yuyuan Road
Another beautiful road, coffee shops, restaurants, and little parks. Especially the side alleys on this road are particularly beautiful to explore. Visit Akimbo Coffee Shop for a wide variety of coffee drinks. Akimbo is a truly creative coffee spot with various pop-up events held every few weeks, featuring collaborations with brands like Nike, Levi’s, and Prada.
How to get there: Metro Line 10 to Xintiandi Station, walk south for 8 minutes.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon (1pm-8pm)
8. Check Out Sinan Mansions
These villas were built in the 1920s and 1930s, and many have been converted into hotels, coffee shops (of course!), and restaurants. Walking through this area feels like stepping back in time. The architecture is the perfect blend of European and Chinese styles.
How to get there: Metro Line 10 to Xintiandi Station, walk south for 8 minutes.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon (4pm-6pm) for the best lighting.
9. Rent a Bike
If you’ve connected your credit card to Alipay, you should be able to unlock the blue bikes you see on the streets. You can walk through the French Concession, but on one of those bikes, it’s just a bit easier to explore, and you’ll be able to see more.
Traffic in Shanghai is pretty clear, there aren’t many road signs, there aren’t any roundabouts( as far as I know), only crossroads, and they’re the same everywhere in Shanghai. So, it’s pretty easy to cycle around, even when you’re not familiar with the city.
Tip: One thing to keep in mind, especially for drivers, but mostly taxi drivers, is that they sometimes open their doors without looking. So if you cycle past parked cars on the road, be careful not to cycle into a door.
10. Go To Fuxing Park Morning Community Life
Want to see real Shanghai life? Go to Fuxing Park around 6:30am for your walking tour of morning activities. This isn’t a tourist show; it’s genuinely how hundreds of locals start their day. You’ll find groups practicing tai chi, ballroom dancing, traditional Chinese opera singing, and even sword dancing under the plane trees.
The park itself is a gorgeous mix of French and Chinese garden design, with plane trees providing perfect shade and winding paths that lead to unexpected pavilions. Jump in with any group; they’re super welcoming. I’ve seen 70-year-old grandmas teaching confused tourists how to do proper tai chi forms, everyone laughing and having the best time.
How to get there: Metro Line 10 or 13 to Xintiandi Station, walk 3 minutes west.
Best time to visit: Early morning (6:30-8:30am) for tai chi, anytime for people watching
11. Check out the Historic Former Residencies
These European-style villas are where some of China’s most important historical figures resided. You can visit some of these villas, and the rooms are set up exactly as they were, with original furniture and personal belongings.
Most of these villas are on Fuxing Road or side streets on that road, but you will see them all around the French Concession.
Some of these vilas are:
How to get there: Fuxing Road. Metro Line 10 to Xintiandi Station, walk 5 minutes to Xiangshan Road.
Best time to visit: Any time until 5 pm, most villas close around that time.
12. Visit Ding Xiang Hua Park
This tiny park is one of those places you’d totally walk past without noticing, and it kind of looks like you’re entering someone’s way. But it’s actually a pub park with some restaurants in the back. Ding Xiang Hua Park is super small compared to Fuxing Park, but that’s what makes it special.
How to get there: Ding Xiang Hua Park. Metro Line 1 to Shanxi South Road, walk 3 minutes east.
Best time to visit: Any time during the day until 7pm.
13. Go Shopping
Huai Hai Road is where Shanghai’s shoppers come, and it’s completely different from the touristy shopping areas. Huaihai Road stretches through the French Concession, mixing international brands with local designers and everything in between.
There are also tons of small restaurants and cafés tucked into the side streets like Changle Road. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here.
Alimentari is where you go when you need good imported ingredients or just want to browse fancy olive oils and cheeses. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it! I’ve eaten there countless times, and I highly recommend going there one time for a late afternoon snack and drink.
French Concession Shopping Tips
I actually find the French Concession the best area for drinks, coffee, and lunch. There are several options for shopping, but you will not find them in the traditional and typical French Concession streets. The best area for shopping in Shanghai is around Jing’an Temple, and from there, you can walk to Nanjing Road.
Within the French Concession, these spots are the best for shopping:
Huaihai Road is the main shopping street running through the French Concession in Shanghai. You’ll find everything from international brands to local designers, plus department stores and specialty shops. The street itself is perfect for people-watching while you browse.
IAPM: This is the mall I’ve visited the most. Lots of different shops, and the area outside is also great to explore.
Anfu Lu has become the go-to street for boutique shopping in the former French Concession. Small, independently owned stores sell everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing and home goods explicitly designed for Shanghai apartments.
Where to Eat & Drink
There are a lot of amazing places to eat and drink. Most of these places can be found on the previously mentioned streets and areas. As Shanghai is a city that changes a lot, and fast, it is hard to keep a list of all the best places. The spots below have been there many years and are my favorites:
14. Wulumuqi Road Café Hopping
Wulumuqi Road has become a cool street. You’ll find a mix of small cafés, local restaurants, and shops that feel genuine. It’s one of those streets where you can just walk and discover stuff, plus people-watch without feeling like you’re in a tourist zone.
How to get there: Metro Line 1 to Changshu Road or Hengshan Road, walk to Wulumuqi Road.
Best time to visit: Evening hours (6pm-9pm) for the best local energy and food options
15. Have a coffee at Shanxi Road
Shanxi Road is another excellent area where you can find coffee shops, lunch places. It’s another non-touristy place where you will almost only see locals.
At the start or end, you will find the castle looking Moller Hotel, another incredible building you would never expect to see in China!
There are also several bars with outdoor terraces, perfect for enjoying a cocktail in the evening.
16. Akimbo
One of my favorite coffee places in Shanghai. There are weekly pop-up events from brands such as Nike, Levi’s, Disney, Prada, and so on. It ‘s also a great spot to work remotely with your laptop, as there is a lot of space in the back.
After your coffee, walk a bit further down the street and you’ll discover a lot more cool places, restaurants, coffee, and local shops to visit.
How to get there: Akimbo.
17. Boxing Cat Brewery
A more international crowd than most other bars, but nonetheless a great place to hang out.
How to get there: Boxing Cat Brewery French Concession.
18. Alimentari
How to get there: There are several locations throughout Shanghai. Within the French Concession Alimentari Grande is a great choice.
19. Lotus Eatery
The best traditional Chinese restaurants I could find in Shanghai! Really good and plenty of space if you go with a group.
How to get there: Lotus Eatery
20. Lost Heaven
A fantastic Yunnan food restaurant. If you’re not particularly fond of traditional Chinese food, you might enjoy this one. Yunnan food is less spicy, and overall, it has a bit easier-to-eat flavor.
How to get there: Lost Heaven.
21. Eat at Anfu Lu
Anfu Lu is where young Shanghai creatives come to shop and eat in the former French Concession. This street has become a perfect mix of independent boutiques, vintage stores, and some seriously good restaurants that locals actually go to. The vibe is completely different from the big shopping centers, much more personal and cool.
How to get there: Metro Line 10 to Shanghai Library Station, walk 5 minutes west.
Best time to visit: Weekend afternoons (2pm-5pm) when most shops and restaurants are open
How to get there: Huia Hai Road. Multiple metro stops along the line, Huangpi South Road (Lines 1 & 8) is central.
If you’re at Fuxing Road, it’s a short walk north.
Best time to visit: Weekend afternoons (2pm-8pm) for the full experience.
22. Dine at Dongping Road
Dongping Road is where the French Concession becomes more international, with its diverse range of restaurants. This street has become a perfect little strip of authentic restaurants. It’s not touristy fake international food, it’s the real deal run by people who really know what they’re doing.
- La Creperie for proper French crepes that taste like you’re in a Paris café.
- La Cabana brings some amazing Latin American flavors to Shanghai.
- Jiujiujia Bistro is a cozy spot that does modern European food with a casual neighborhood feel. Perfect for a date or just treating yourself to something special.
How to get there: Metro Line 1 to Hengshan Road, walk 5 minutes east to Dongping Road.
Best time to visit: Dinner time (7pm-9pm) when all restaurants are open and the street has energy.
Getting Around
The Shanghai French Concession area is vast, but also pretty compact in a way. Walking is, in my opinion, the best way to get around, as you’ll catch all those details that make this neighborhood so special.
Subway
The subway is super convenient in Shanghai. Lines 1, 10, and 13 all run through or near the French Concession Shanghai location, with stations at Xintiandi, Huangpi South Road, and Changshu Road. A single ride costs around 3-7 yuan, depending on the distance, and you can buy cards at any station. The trains run from 5:30am to around 11:00pm, so you’re covered for most activities.
Taxis
Taxis are available everywhere and relatively cheap, especially compared to Western cities. Most rides within the French Concession area will cost 15-30 yuan. The challenge is that many drivers don’t speak English very well, or at all, so have your destination written in Chinese characters! Didi (Chinese Uber) works great too and handles the language issue since you can input your destination in the app.
Bikes
Bikes are very popular in China (unlike in South Korea, where you will barely see any bikes!), and there are several bike-sharing companies operating in the former French Concession. You can unlock bikes with apps like Mobike or Ofo, and it costs just a few yuan per ride. The streets of the French Concession are generally bike-friendly, and there is plenty of space.
French Concession Shanghai Address Information
If you’re taking a taxi, simply show your driver these addresses in Chinese, and they will know where to go.
- 法租界 (Fǎzūjiè) – French Concession (Although this might be too general)
- 新天地 (Xīntiāndì) – Xintiandi
- 安福路 (Ānfú Lù) – Anfu Road
- 东平路 (Dōngpíng Lù) – Dongping Road
- 武康路 (Wǔkāng Lù) – Wukang Road
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) is absolutely perfect. The weather is mild, usually around 15-25°C, and all the street trees are blooming. This is peak tourist season, though, so popular spots will be more crowded and accommodation prices could be higher, but most streets and spots you’ll visit are still relatively quiet compared to places like the Bund.
Quick note: most tourists are 'local' tourists from all over China. You will not see that many foreign tourists.
Fall (September-November) is my personal favorite time in Shanghai. The temperature is comfortable for walking around all day, usually 18-26°C, and the autumn leaves on all those French plane trees create this gorgeous golden look over the streets.
Summer (June-August) can be intense. Shanghai experiences hot and humid conditions, often exceeding 30°C, with high humidity that intensifies the heat. Just pack light, breathable clothing, and embrace a slower pace. There will be some rain showers, but those are usually over very quickly.
Winter (December-February) is not the worst time to visit Shanghai. But you’ll miss out on the beautiful green trees that you see everywhere in the French Concession during spring. I always did find all those alleys and hidden bars extra cozy during the winter.
This photo below was taken in January.
When not to go
Avoid visiting Shanghai during Golden Week which is the first week of october. It’s the most busy time of the year and everything will be fully booked.
Where to stay
The French Concession (and the Bund) is one of the best areas to stay in Shanghai:
- Experience local life
- Quiet streets
- Incredibly beautiful houses
- Many hidden gems
- Not touristy
Here are my hotel recommendations:
Low Budget: 🛌 City Hotel Shanghai
A more local option, great location, and the cheapest hotel I’ve stayed at, the Wi-Fi registration didn’t work for me tho with an international number. However, it’s on Shanxi Road which is a fantastic part of Shanghai, with coffee shops, bars, and outdoor terraces. Although it’s an affordable option, breakfast was excellent!
Mid Budget: 🛌 Pullman Shanghai Skyway
Staying here means you’ll be right at the heart of the French Concession. It’s right next to Tianzifang, where you will find lots of cocktail bars, so it’s easy to walk back to the hotel after a great night. It’s within walking distance from Xintiandi.
High Budget: 🛌 The Langham Xintiandi
This hotel is a bit more expensive than Pullman, but the location is even better:
- It’s right next to Xintiandi.
- Very close to Huaihai Lu, which is excellent for shopping.
- Close to People’s Square and the National Museum.
- Surrounded by several parks.
- 15 to 20-minute walk from the Bund
- Overall, The Langham Xintiandi has the perfect area to wander around when you step outside the hotel. You might even save money on taxis since many of the things to see and do are within walking distance.
Below is a map with all available hotels in the French Concession:
F.A.Q.
Here are the questions I get most often from friends planning their trips.
What are the DOS and don’ts in Shanghai’s Former French Concession?
DO walk slowly and take time to explore the small side streets, that’s where you’ll find the most interesting discoveries in the French Concession!
DON’T skip the early morning hours, the neighborhood comes alive at dawn with tai chi, street food vendors, and local life.
DO try to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; locals really appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is terrible. Thank you = Xie Xie (pronounced as Sje Sje), Hello = Ni Hao (pronounced as Knee How)
Is the French Concession Expensive?
Some restaurants and coffee shops are more expensive than others, but they are still very reasonable by international standards. Street food costs 5-15 yuan per item, while local restaurants charge 30-60 yuan per person for a good meal, and cafés range from 25-50 yuan for a decent cup of coffee.
Is Visiting Shanghai’s French Concession Worth It?
Absolutely, especially if you want to see what makes Shanghai unique beyond the skyscrapers and shopping malls, you’ll see authentic local culture alongside international influences. I lived here for over a year and wouldn’t have wanted to live anywhere else in Shanghai.
Is the Former French Concession Safe?
Very safe, even late at night. Shanghai generally has low crime rates, and the French Concession is one of the safest neighborhoods. The biggest safety concerns are traffic-related, so just stay alert when crossing streets. However, even after riding my electric scooter for over a year in the French Concession and the rest of Shanghai, I haven’t witnessed many accidents and haven’t been involved in one myself. Traffic is pretty straightforward to follow. It always surprised me how few signs there are on the road, which makes it easy to navigate the streets.
Where is the French Concession in Shanghai?
The French Concession Shanghai is located in the central part of the city, roughly bounded by Huaihai Road to the north, Xujiahui Road to the south.
How to Get to the French Concession in Shanghai?
The best way is via the metro. Take Line 10 or 13 to Xintiandi Station for the shopping and dining areas. Line 1 stops at Huangpi South Road, Changshu Road, and South Shaanxi Road, all within the French Concession area.
Final Thoughts & Tips
The former French Concession is undoubtedly the most beautiful area of Shanghai and perhaps of China; it’s where you’ll discover why people fall in love with Shanghai, including me. The Bund is impressive, and the other side of the river, Pudong, looks like the future, but the French Concession feels like home. It did for me for over a year!
My biggest tip? Don’t overschedule your time in Shanghai. This is a neighborhood for wandering, for discovering that little café down an alley you almost missed. Some of my best Shanghai memories happened when I was supposedly walking between two planned activities but got completely sidetracked by something interesting like in the virtual tour at the beginnig of this travel guide.
Enjoy Shanghai!!
