French Concession Shanghai

This view from one of Shanghai's numerous skyscrapers shows the French Concession in Shanghai.

The French Concession was established in 1849 when the Governor of Shanghai conceded territory for a French settlement. It was expanded in 1900 and 1914, and between the World Wars became the premier residential area of the booming city of Shanghai.

Many British and Americans who worked in the International Settlement lived in the pleasant spacious houses of the French concession. There was also a substantial number of Russian emigres after the revolution.

The Vichy Government handed over the Concession to the Japanese puppet Government in Nanking in 1943.

It was neglected under the Communists and then has been subject to development in the economic boom of the 90s and this Century. More stringent development controls are now in place.