During 1849 an area of almost 160 acres was conceded to the French for building a settlement on Chinese land, quite like the British had done at the time. However, little by little this area expanded to more than 10 times its size with the increase of French influence. Construction in the area was dominantly with a Renaissance style and the residents; French. But this evolved with influx of settlers from America, different parts of Europe and even the Chinese started preferring this area making it, not only more diverse culturally but also flavoring the architecture with a global twist. With London planes grown alongside well-paved streets in the concession area, it became an affluent place in the city and the residence of choice for many. However, in 1943, after almost a century, the Chinese government formally took the area back in their own control. Some areas did fall victim to Shanghai’s explosive development, making way for high-rise buildings and apartment complexes in place of Shikumen and French homes. But the government stepped in to preserve the authenticity of certain streets and the area in general, leaving a protected heritage neighborhood with a charming European appeal.
The Former French Concession area is spread in the Xuhui and Huangpu district with so much to see that a day is hardly enough time for this attraction. With a big spread, there are atleast 3 subway stations which will land visitors in different parts of the French concession. Huaihai Middle road station (line 13), Xintiandi station (line 10) and Xujiahui station (lines 1, 9 and 11) are all Shanghai metro stops to the area.
Xintiandi is perhaps the face of the French Concessions, as it has been completely renovated from the ground up and is now a more picturesque and clean area mostly for tourists with its boutiques and hip cafes along the streets. The buildings are still in the old style but visitors can sense the lack of genuineness.
Sinan Mansions is another lane in the area with the distinguishing feature that it is lined with about 50 mansions which used to house wealthy residents of the time. The plaques mention descriptions of the houses’ owners. Home of Zhou Enlai can be found here and is open to visit.
Tianzifang has also had some renovations but it still has residents living in the houses giving the place a special warmth. It is an area which speaks of a thriving art scene in Shanghai and has many studios within its alleys. There are also restaurants and souvenir shops among the Shikumen buildings but beware not to intrude on private homes.
Huaihai road in the French Concession has earned its fame due to its reputation for great shopping with trendy boutiques under the canopy of shady trees. Grab a seat in one of the road side café tables and recharge with a coffee once done.
Longhua Temple and Fuxing Park are some places of respite in the lovely area brimming with life and antiquity.