When the Qing dynasty was defeated in the Opium War, the Chinese empire was compelled to open many of its cities to the outside world. Shanghai was on top of this list. As a result, many countries including Britain, the U.S. and France, demanded concessions in these cities where they could have total autonomy.

In Shanghai, the French Concession is the most famous among these districts. The Concession once covered an area extending from the Bund to Xiangyang Road. Today, the area known in the city as the French Concession has become remarkably fashionable and charming. Long home to the city's radicals and the base of the Chinese Communist Party, the district is still very outward looking and cosmopolitan in nature and style. There are some great shops and boutiques around here as well as two of the city's best art galleries.

Huaihai Road has always been the most famous road in the district and is named after a famous French general, Xaifei. The streets around Huaihai Road contain a wealth of glorious houses, villas and alleys waiting to be discovered. It is nice to just explore the streets, take shade under the parasol trees, discover the old residences around here and take a break in some of the city's most trendy restaurants and bars which have opened up in this district. There are also some great cake and sweet shops for those with (like the French) a taste for the finer things in life! And, when you want to sit down to relax and absorb the whole thing, Fuxing Park, is a lovely little area to take a break and watch the locals practicing Tai Chi or flying kites.