The French Concession is actually quite a big area. We started our walk from Xintiandi to Tianzifang and wanted to reach Wukang Building junction. But in the end we took a cab to Wukang Buikding from Tianzifang as we realised that we will need to walk quite a distance. The Wukang Building is a signature architecture and is opposite Song Meiling’s mansion which is another site of interest. We enjoyed both of walks between taking the cab. So I will recommend really planning the route to go around.

For lots of foreigners in Shanghai, this is the place to go. It still looks French and there is an international feel as there are restaurants from all over the place. So many restaurants. So much great food. It's a great place to walk and a great place to eat!

The Former French Concession (FFC), including the Tianzifang area, consists of several streets with low houses that host shops catering to most needs, restaurants, and cafes—some quite exclusive, but most aimed at regular people. Much of the area is shaded by large, charming plane trees. Many travel writers enthusiastically claim they feel transported to France, even to Paris itself, but that's only partly true. The houses resemble German architecture more than French. However, you can wander around for hours without feeling like you're in a bustling Asian metropolis. The area is neither Shanghai nor Europe, but entirely unique. If you're aiming to explore the FFC, consider Julu Road, Yongjia Road, Sinan Road, Fuxing Park, and Tianzifang.

The French Concession was a foreign concession in Shanghai between 1849 to 1946, and it was progressively expanded between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area covered by the former French Concession in the 20th century was the premier residential and retail districts of Shanghai, and was also the centre of Catholicism in Shanghai. Despite rampant re-development over the last few decades, the area retains a distinct character, and is one of many popular tourist destinations. During our walk-about there, we saw many historical but nice buildings and houses that could be dated back centuries ago and of course the more recent ones, linked to the three Song sisters and family, with the famous ones married to the revoluntionary leader, Dr Sun Yat Sen and Chiang Kai-Shek, who later lost the civil war and fled to Taiwan. During those days, they were the prominent figures there and owned many properties in the city. While these houses and buildings have been retained and renovated, many of them have given way to the modern development as they are now education and enrichment centers, cafes, fashion boutiques, art galleries. Some have been transformed to hotels or highend restaurants too. The road scenes are nice and serene. Right by the best way to explore is by foot, via the small roads and lanes to get up and close to the buildings and feel their cultural presence and context!