Audio Guide of the Former French Concession

As it is a historic residential district, the streets of the Former French Concession are open 24 hours a day. However, most shops, cafés, and attractions in areas such as Xintiandi or Tianzifang usually operate from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

No, strolling along its famous tree-lined boulevards and enjoying the exterior architecture is completely free. You only need to pay if you decide to enter specific museums within the area, such as the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China or historic residences preserved as museums.

We recommend setting aside at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the area at a relaxed pace. It is the ideal place for a leisurely walk, to enjoy a coffee on a terrace, and to get pleasantly lost among the historic lanes.

This area, administered by France from 1849 to 1943, represents the height of cosmopolitan Shanghai in the 1920s and 1930s. It is famous for its unique shikumen architecture and Art Deco buildings, blending Western culture with Chinese tradition in an atmosphere reminiscent of old Paris.

Autumn (October and November) is spectacular because of the plane tree leaves covering the streets, and spring is also very pleasant. As for the time of day, the afternoon is ideal for seeing the architecture in natural light and then enjoying the vibrant nightlife and food scene at dusk.

The main avenues and modern commercial areas such as Xintiandi are well paved and accessible. However, if you plan to enter the older, narrower alleys of Tianzifang or visit unrestored historic buildings, access can be difficult because of high thresholds and crowds.

Within the area itself, you should not miss the iconic Wukang Building and the artistic maze of Tianzifang. In addition, you are very close to the relaxing Fuxing Park, perfect for observing local life, and only a short metro ride from Jing'an Temple.

Wear very comfortable shoes, as the best way to discover its secrets is on foot, and keep an offline maps app handy because the streets can feel like a maze. To avoid missing the details of the mansions and their history, it is highly recommended to use a specialized audio guide during your walk.