Living in the Former French Concession Shanghai: Expat Rental Guide 2026
For expats searching for where to live in central Shanghai, the Former French Concession remains one of the city’s most desirable residential areas.
Centered largely around Xuhui and parts of Huangpu and Jing’an, the area is known for mature trees, historic architecture, cafés, restaurants and some of Shanghai’s most walkable residential streets.
To explore Shanghai’s top 5 neighborhoods for expats, click here.
Former French Concession Neighborhood, Shanghai
1. Popular Areas
Popular residential pockets include Anfu Road, Wukang Road, Hengshan Road, Jiashan Road and the streets around Shanghai Library.
The quieter western sections generally feel more residential, while areas closer to Huaihai Road provide quicker access to shopping and nightlife.
A cafe in Shanghai’s Former French Concession area
2. Cafés, Dining & Lifestyle
The Former French Concession is one of Shanghai’s strongest neighborhoods for people who want to walk to coffee, lunch, dinner, fitness studios and everyday amenities.
Tree-lined streets, boutique gyms, bakeries, wine bars and restaurants make the neighborhood especially attractive to professionals and couples.
Xujiahui and Huaihai Road also provide major shopping centers and larger supermarkets nearby.
An apartment with a balcony in the Former French Concession, Shanghai
3. Former French Concession Rental Prices
For a long-term rental in the Former French Concession, expect approximately:
1 bedroom: RMB 8,000–15,000/month
2 bedrooms: RMB 15,000–25,000/month
3 bedrooms: RMB 22,000–40,000+ per month
Beautifully renovated lane houses and garden properties can exceed these ranges significantly.
Historic buildings in Xuhui, Shanghai
4. Types of Housing
The area offers some of Shanghai’s most distinctive housing.
Expect historic lane houses, Art Deco apartments, older walk-ups, renovated apartments and modern residential compounds.
Lane-house living can be beautiful, but renters should carefully inspect windows, heating, plumbing, insulation and building maintenance before signing.
Xuhui, Shanghai
5. International Schools
Families and teachers living in Xuhui have access to Shanghai High School International Division, whose main Xuhui campus serves international students from Grade 1 through Grade 12.
Many individuals also use school-bus routes toward international campuses in Hongqiao and Minhang.
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