While there are technical borders to the area formerly
governed by the French in Shanghai, the "French
Concession" of today is an amorphous neighborhood that
is a favorite of the city's foreign residents. While
it is mostly within the Xuhui district, residents will
sometimes include parts of Jing'an and Luwan in their
mental maps of the Former French Concession. The area
seems frozen in time, characterized by quiet,
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tree-lined avenues, French-style villas, interesting
boutiques, lively bars and quaint cafes that are not
typical of China. All of these mix and mingle with
local life as Chinese markets and lanehouse
communities are peppered throughout. Denizens of the
Former French Concession can spectate a mahjong game
on the street or get their bike checked at a tiny bike
repair store on the way to their refurbished apartment
tucked away among Chinese family homes.
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