Former French Concession (FFC)

Introduction 

The Former French Concession is a former concession of France which lasted between 1849 and 1943. It occupies an area of around 8 kilometers stretching west of the Bund. It is to the east of Huashan Road, to the south of Yan’an Road, to the west of Huangpu River and to the north of Zhaojiabang Road Xujiahui Road. 

The French consulate office was allowed to recreate 66 hectares into their liking to improve Franco Chinese relations and expand the consulate’s land. In addition to French government officials, other wealthy civilians from Britain, Russia and the USA also lived in this elegant location creating it into what it is today. The Former French Concession history dates back to 1849 when it developed to be the greatest and most prosperous French Concession in China. In the 1920s it was the most prosperous area in Shanghai and in 1943 the government took it over and shut the French concession that had been in power for close to 100 years. 

Things to see and do on a visit

Residential area

A visit to the neighborhood clearly brings out a perfect juxtaposition from other Shanghai neighborhoods with its unique architecture and tree-lined streets. At Sinan Road, there are at least twenty garden houses on opposite sides representing almost all the residential buildings that were in Shanghai since the early 20th century. The FFC is a great residential area amongst foreigners and expats. Visitors can see residences of Soong Ching Ling: the Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China, Sun Yat Sen and Zhou Enlai. 

Strolling, shopping and eating 

FFC is the best place to take long walks along tree-lined streets, perfect boulevards, narrow alleyways protected by wrought iron gates featuring cafes, restaurants, breweries, boutiques, antique stores and galleries giving visitors a feeling of the spirit of walking in the foreign land of Europe. Walking along streets such as Wukang Lu, Wulumuqi Lu, Fuxing Lu, Dongping Lu, Changle Lu, Julu Lu, Taojiang Lu, Yongfu Lu, Xinle Lu and Tai'an Lu guarantee a good time whether you are looking to shop for international products such as  European cheese, jams, all kinds of oils, wine, exotic herbs, local fresh produce and local merchandise. There are also art stores, galleries, exhibitions and artistically decorated buildings. Middle Huaihai Road is one of the busiest streets keeping up with the latest trends and is home to numerous top-rated restaurants. Visitors who wish to relax over a meal or drink can find both indoor and outdoor establishments serving both local and international cuisine.

Fuxing Park

At Fuxing park, visitors can see how dominant the European influence is. The park is full of life with people showcasing the art of water calligraphy, elderly couples dancing away to classical hits as others practice tai chi

Moller Villa

This Moller Villa is situated at the corner of South Shaanxi Road on Yan'an Middle Road. It is a Nordic style garden villa that was constructed by an Englishman named Moller who lived in Shanghai. Moller wanted to fulfill his daughter’s dream by building this villa. It has a small gate, colorful walls and tiles, Chinese glazed tiles, gothic spires and buddha statues. Visitors feel like they are walking in a fairy tale somewhere in northern Europe when they visit this place. Its interior was inspired by a luxurious cruise ship and its floors were paved with fine wooden strips to form the pattern of seaweed and kelp.