Former French Concession (FFC) in Shanghai stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural diversity, with its charming streets offering a blend of old-world elegance and modern vibrancy. Among the most renowned streets in the FFC are Tai’an Road, Huaihai Middle Road, Wuyuan Road, Dongping Road, Xinle Road, Sinan Road, Wukang Road, Yuyuan Road, Fuxing West Road, and Jinling East Road. Each street holds its own allure, from quaint alleys adorned with historic residences to bustling thoroughfares boasting chic boutiques and trendy eateries. Together, they weave a tapestry of Shanghai’s past and present, inviting visitors to explore the city’s dynamic character and cultural heritage.
Tai’an Road: Spanning just 514 meters, Tai’an Road was constructed between 1918 and 1921. Situated within the French Concession, it bears the name of French immigrants and is one of Shanghai’s 64 streets never to be widened. Today, it hosts a restaurant exuding French ambiance.
Huaihai Middle Road: Often hailed as the most expensive, beautiful, and modern street in Shanghai, Huaihai Middle Road seamlessly integrates classic Western-style houses with traditional alleyways, showcasing the city’s diversity. Amidst modern commercial facilities, it preserves numerous historical buildings, including the former residence of Soong Ching-ling, now a museum commemorating her legacy.
Wuyuan Road: Stretching 820 meters, Wuyuan Road is one of Shanghai’s few streets inaccessible by public transport. It epitomizes the fusion of bourgeois and middle-class lifestyles, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s unique social fabric.
Dongping Road: A street brimming with sophistication, Dongping Road spans less than 400 meters. Lined with stylish restaurants and creative boutiques, it exudes an artistic ambiance. The street is dotted with many historical residences worth exploring.
Xinle Road: The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary on Xinle Road is a must-visit site in the French Concession. Its dignified yet slightly solitary architecture offers a unique visual experience, surrounded by a profound religious atmosphere and historical significance.
Sinan Road: Sinan Road is a distinctive thoroughfare in downtown Shanghai, characterized by its numerous garden villas and old apartments. As the former center of the French Concession, it boasts well-preserved historical buildings and cultural relics, embodying Shanghai’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Wukang Road: A street steeped in historical charm, Wukang Road was once the epitome of the French Concession. Despite its modest length of 1,183 meters, it houses numerous historical buildings and former residences of prominent figures, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s Western cultural influence and historical allure.
Yuyuan Road: Yuyuan Road exudes a unique ambiance, spanning across Jing’an and Changning districts. Lined with lush plane trees and old-fashioned houses and shops, it emanates a romantic atmosphere distinct from other streets. A stroll along Yuyuan Road offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s bourgeois lifestyle and vibrant urban life.
Fuxing West Road: Fuxing West Road exudes tranquility and elegance, preserving Shanghai’s early urban landscape. The street’s unique architectural style blends Western and Chinese elements, once home to numerous cultural luminaries and a significant gathering place for Shanghai’s artistic community.
Jinling East Road: Historically part of the French Concession and built in the 1850s, Jinling East Road was one of the area’s most prosperous streets due to the long-standing presence of the French Consulate. It features a mix of historic buildings and modern establishments, offering a perfect setting to experience Shanghai’s multicultural essence.