Visit Former French Concession Shanghai
The Former French Concession neighborhood is one of the high-end residential places in Shanghai. The quality of life in the Former French Concession is relatively high, attracting a large number of expats and wealthy people to live here.
The main characteristic of the Former French Concession neighborhood in Shanghai is reflected in its architectural style. Many of these buildings showcase the style of the French Renaissance.
Although the commercial center has changed over time, the Former French Concession neighborhood still maintains a certain degree of commercial vitality, particularly in areas such as fashion retail and catering.
Map: Former French Concession
The Former French Concession neighborhood is mainly located in today's Huangpu District and Xuhui District. Its borders are Yan'an East Road in the north, Zhaojiabang Road in the south, North-South Elevated Road in the east, and Huashan Road in the west.
History of Former French Concession Shanghai
The history of the Former French Concession neighborhood in Shanghai can be traced back to the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842. In 1849, France established the French Concession in Shanghai, and it subsequently expanded through several expansions.
The existence period of the Former French Concession in Shanghai was from its formation in 1849 to its dissolution in 1943, spanning nearly a century. The reputation of Shanghai as the Eastern Paris also originated from the Former French Concession.
The Former French Concession in Shanghai maintained a high degree of autonomy in the old days and was the city's upscale residential place. The Former French Concession was famous for its unique French culture and architectural style.
The urban planning of the Former French Concession in Shanghai was influenced by Western urban planning concepts, and its road system and district division were relatively regular.
The Former French Concession had a good greening environment, with wide streets and dense shade. The French Maples plane trees in the French Concession were also a distinctive feature.
The commercial area of the Former French Concession was concentrated on both sides of Avenue Joffre (currently Middle Huaihai Road). It gathered many Western-style restaurants, bars, and foreign firms, and was one of the bustling commercial centers in Shanghai at the time.
Immigrants from all over the world gathered in the Former French Concession, forming a unique concession culture, which was one of the places where Eastern and Western cultures blended in Shanghai at that time.
This place has a strong cultural atmosphere, retaining many churches, schools, hospitals and other cultural facilities, these institutions often have a clear European style.
Properties in Former French Concession neighborhood
The Former French Concession neighborhood was one of the upscale residential places in old Shanghai. It once gathered a large number of expats and local wealthy, forming a unique social structure.
At that time, the French in the Former French Concession strictly followed the social customs and lifestyle of France, and formed a cultural style that was completely different from other concession areas.
The Former French Concession is famous for its unique architectural style, with buildings mostly adopting European classical style, French Renaissance style, Baroque style, etc.
Many buildings in the Former French Concession are still an important part of Shanghai's urban landscape to this day. Residential and commercial areas on both sides of Avenue Joffre (now Middle Huaihai Road).
The Former French Concession neighborhood has many historical and cultural relics, such as old western-style houses, old apartments, lane houses, etc. Some of them have been renovated and are popular rental properties in the market.
The Former French Concession also had a limited number of apartments and serviced apartments for rent. Famous properties, including The Summit, Central Residence, Joffre Garden, Palace Court, Chevalier Place, etc.
Best Attractions in Former French Concession Shanghai
The Former French Concession of Shanghai is a place full of history and culture, with rich cultural heritage and unique urban style.
Here are some of the famous attractions of the Former French Concession that are worth a visit:
Middle Huaihai Road
Middle Huaihai Road is known as the Champs-Elysees of Shanghai. Huaihai Middle Road is a shopping, dining and entertainment in one of the bustling commercial street.
Sinan Road
Sinan Road is a street famous for its unique European architecture and peaceful environment. Here you can find Sinan Mansions, buildings full of historical significance.
Shaoxing Road
Shaoxing Road has many interesting small shops and cultural attractions, such as the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe and Shaoxing Park.
Wukang Road
Wukang Road is a famous historic place in Shanghai, with garden houses of different styles on both sides. Many cultural figures once lived here.
Tianzifang
Located in Lane 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Tianzifang is home to a number of artist studios and creative shops. This is one of the most popular attractions for foreigners in Shanghai.
Sinan Mansions
Sinan Mansions is a cluster of French garden villas on Hengshan Road, showcasing the architectural style and garden art of the early 20th century.
Wukang Mansion
Wukang Mansion (Wukang Building) is located at No. 1850 Middle Huaihai Road, Xuhui District. Built in 1924, the Wukang Mansion was one of the first high-rise apartments in Shanghai. The shape of the Wukang Mansion resembles a large ship with sails and waves.
Shanghai Chongqing Apartment
Shanghai Chongqing Apartment is a historic building located at 185 South Chongqing Road, Huangpu District. It was originally built in the late 1920s and completed in 1931.
Shanghai Liuli Art Museum
Shanghai Liuli Art Museum is located at No. 25 Taikang Road, Huangpu District, adjacent to Tianzifang. It is the place where masterpieces of glass art are displayed.
Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts
Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts is located at 79 Fenyang Road, Xuhui District. The Museum is a French style building. Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum was established in October 2002, formerly Shanghai Institute of Arts and Crafts.
Fuxing Park
Located at 105 Yandang Road, Huangpu District, Fuxing Park is one of the earliest parks in Shanghai, with a French classic style.
Shanghai Science Hall
Shanghai Science Hall is located in No. 47 Nanchang Road, Huangpu District, founded in 1958. Shanghai Science Hall is not only a place for academic exchange, but also one of the landmarks of Shanghai.
Shanghai Culture Square
Shanghai Culture Square, located at No. 597, Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu District, is an important cultural landmark. Shanghai Culture Square is one of the main venues for Shanghai musicals.
Conclusion
The Former French Concession neighborhood in Shanghai, as an important chapter in modern history, not only witnessed the changes in Shanghai, but also deeply reflected the exchange and collision of Eastern and Western cultures.
In history, the Former French Concession was one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Shanghai, with many important institutions located here. With the development of the city, the Former French Concession buildings have gradually become important landmarks in Shanghai.
The architectural style of the Former French Concession was unique and had high artistic value. Its architectural style is influenced by European art and incorporates local characteristics of Shanghai, making it a unique aesthetic style.
Due to historical reasons, the Former French Concession community attracted a large number of expat residents, forming a diversified international community environment.
This place is usually conveniently located near the city center and has well-developed public transportation. The surrounding living facilities are complete, including shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, etc. There are also multiple large hospitals and medical institutions in the surrounding area.
There are several well-known local and international schools located near the Former French Concession neighborhood, providing excellent educationalresources for expatriate families.
In addition, the Former French Concession neighborhood not only has a unique history and culture, but also many places for food and shopping, making it perfect for day trips and walking tours.
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