The history of the concession

The former French concession dates from the French colonial era in the 19th century, at the time the concession began at the edge of the old town up to HAIG (HUASHAN) avenue, it included shops, cafes and the residents were mainly Russians and Chinese, so why is it called French Concession? that’s because it was run by the French.

The concession had its own electricity network, its own judicial system and even its own police, moreover one of its senior officers HUANG JINRONG was also one of the leaders of the green gang which controlled  the opium traffic between 1892 and 1925.

Now the concession is basically on HUAIHAI Street, with boutiques, candy stores, hairdressers, cafes and bars.

The European architecture of the concession stands in contrast to the rest of the city of Shanghai, when you walk around the concession you have the impression of being in Europe.