A walk in the French concession in Shanghai

Created in 1849 in the northern of Shanghai, near the Huangpu River, the French Concession is one of the nicest placesof the city, with many streets lined with trees. Around Huaihai Lu, the chic and commercial avenue there are a multitude of cafes, shops, art deco buildings or neoclassical villas which give this area a special atmosphere. It is also one of the meccas of Shanghai nightlife.

The district of Xintiandi

The district of Xintiandi has been fully restored thanks to a Hong Kong billionaire Vincent Lo. Following two blocks, alleys and "shikumen", town houses with stone door typical of Shanghai's early twentieth century, have been completely renovated and made into cafes, shops and restaurants.

Xintinadi is the breeding ground of a strong cultural energy through its many art galleries, design and fashion stores. You will here discover the numerous talent of artists, stylists and designers of China.

The Xintiandi district is particularly appreciated by the gilded youth who loves Shanghai  at night to enjoy the many restaurants, trendy bars and clubs. This is undoubtedly the  Shanghai "rendez-vous", to see orto  be seen.

A few streets from Xintiandi, between Huaihai Fuxing street and Huaihai avenue, you will discover an area of particular interest with a relaxed and friendly  atmosphere, to have a coffee or to meet some professionals tailors and order silk clothes made to measure.

Fuxing Park

Not far away, Fuxing Park is an oasis which very lively fits seamlessly into  the concession.
Each corner has a specific function: the card players who teach in the central courtyard, sports, or tango dancers practice in front of statues of Marx and Engels. Around the small pool and the covered gallery, retired tease the erhu (two-stringed viola). Enjoy the ride to admire the flower lawns and visit the galleries of contemporary  'Shang' art 'at the forefront of artistic creation.

The street market Xiangyang

Not far from the conservatory of music, the market attracts a crowd whose buying fever is fueled by the sales of CDs and small merchants with shrill cries.
It extends by a large food market on the street of Nanchang which houses a series of small booths where noodles, fried ravioli and delicious vegetables regulars camped around wooden tables. Ideal for a small lunch break!

The atmosphere of the French concession has already taken its inevitable place in the cultural and economic life of Shanghai.