Tree-lined streets of colonial villas, boutique cafés, and the best restaurants in China
The French Concession is Shanghai's most livable and photogenic neighborhood — a grid of plane-tree-lined streets filled with preserved 1920s–1930s French colonial villas now housing some of China's best restaurants, boutique hotels, independent bookshops, and design studios. The Wukang Road intersection — with its distinctive Art Deco residential tower — is the most-photographed street corner in Shanghai.
The Wukang Road Art Deco building is the single most-photographed Instagram spot in Shanghai — featured by every travel creator
Address: Former French Concession, Xuhui and Jing'an Districts, Shanghai
The easiest way to reach French Concession is by Didi (China's ride-hailing app, similar to Uber). Download the Didi app and link your international credit card before arriving in China. Show the driver the Chinese name: 法租界.
Metro is also available for most attractions — check the city metro map and look for the nearest station. All metro signs in Shanghai are bilingual (Chinese and English).
Citizens of 54+ countries including the USA, UK, EU nations, Canada, and Australia can visit China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa. French Concession is fully accessible during a visa-free transit stay.
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