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Walk through Shanghai's French Concessions with us | Shanghai, China
Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: History & Architecture
January 8, 2023 China lifted all of its restrictions which meant that life is returning to normal! To celebrate, we got outside and went on a self-guided audio walking tour through the French Concessions of Shanghai.
The French Concessions is an area in Shanghai were you can find old European...
January 8, 2023 China lifted all of its restrictions which meant that life is returning to normal! To celebrate, we got outside and went on a self-guided audio walking tour through the French Concessions of Shanghai. The French Concessions is an area in Shanghai were you can find old European mansions and unique architecture. Our audio tour shared a lot of facts about the history and the buildings you can see while walking around. Once the borders open, we'll continue our adventures exploring the rest of the world. Until then, let's explore China together.
James and Keli, a couple from Kansas, now based in China, take you on a captivating journey through Shanghai's French Concession. Their self-guided audio walking tour unveils the area's rich history and stunning European architecture. Discover hidden gems and fascinating facts as they explore this unique part of Shanghai, a testament to the city's vibrant past and present. A must-watch for anyone planning a trip to Shanghai!
January 8, 2023 China lifted all of its restrictions which meant that life is returning to normal! To celebrate, we got outside and went on a self-guided audio walking tour through the French Concessions of Shanghai. The French Concessions is an area in Shanghai were you can find old European mansions and unique architecture. Our audio tour shared a lot of facts about the history and the buildings you can see while walking around. Once the borders open, we'll continue our adventures exploring the rest of the world. Until then, let's explore China together.
This video follows James and Keli on a self-guided audio walking tour through Shanghai's French Concession, a journey that blends historical discovery with personal experience. Their exploration begins at Jiaotong University, leading them through the area's captivating architecture. The tour highlights the stunning mansions built in the 1920s, many showcasing British or Spanish styles with intricate details.
James and Keli's experience is enhanced by the audio guide's GPS tracking, which seamlessly integrates storytelling with their physical journey. They share insights into the history of the buildings and the lives of those who inhabited them. The tour reveals the surprising stories behind seemingly ordinary corners, like the oddly angled building resulting from land price increases in the early 20th century.
The exploration extends beyond the architectural marvels. The couple shares a moment of normalcy, stopping for pasta during their walk, highlighting the return to daily life after the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. They discuss the challenges of accessing some compounds due to ongoing restrictions, contrasting the open exploration of the French Concession with the closed gates of private residences.
The tour unveils fascinating stories, such as the history of Willow Garden with its 31 western-style mansions and the story of Wu Yuan Road, formerly known as Route Ferguson, named after its American founder. They discover details about the lives of famous residents, including John Le Ping, a renowned cartoonist, whose work is displayed on the walls of his former residence.
James and Keli's journey culminates at a Mediterranean-style villa, once home to famous filmmakers, now a private property with a coffee shop outside. They also learn about the repurposing of larger villas into smaller apartments, accommodating multiple families. The tour ends with reflections on the French Concession's history, from its heyday to its darker moments during the World War II and the Cultural Revolution, leaving James and Keli with a deeper appreciation for Shanghai's rich past. The video concludes with practical information about the audio tour, including its cost and availability via a WeChat mini program.
Throughout the video, James and Keli's personal touch makes the historical information engaging and relatable. Their enthusiasm is contagious, making the viewer feel as if they are experiencing the French Concession alongside them. The video's success lies in its blend of historical facts, personal anecdotes, and stunning visuals, creating a memorable and informative experience for the audience.
James and Keli's Shanghai adventure: A self-guided audio walking tour through the French Concession, exploring stunning 1920s mansions, hidden villas, and the history behind iconic buildings. Discover unexpected stories and local insights as they navigate charming streets and uncover the unique character of this historic neighborhood. A must-watch for anyone planning a trip to Shanghai!
James and Keli explore Shanghai's French Concession on a walking tour, uncovering hidden architectural gems and fascinating history. A captivating journey!
Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: History, Architecture & Hidden Gems
0:35 Embark on a self-guided audio walking tour through the French Concession of Shanghai, starting at Jiaotong University and exploring Ferguson Lake. This offers a flexible and immersive way to experience the area at your own pace.
2:40 Utilize audio guides with GPS tracking for a seamless experience. This allows you to effortlessly navigate the area while learning about the surrounding architecture.
4:22 Break up your tour into multiple parts. If you get hungry or tired, you can pause and resume later, making the experience more manageable and enjoyable.
5:41 Look for plaques on buildings. These often indicate that a famous person once lived there, adding a historical layer to your exploration.
6:52 Be aware that many buildings are behind high walls and gates, limiting your view. This is a common feature in the area, so manage your expectations accordingly.
7:50 Explore local cafes and restaurants. These often provide a unique perspective on the neighborhood and are a great place to rest and enjoy the atmosphere.
8:30 Check the opening hours of buildings and compounds before visiting. Some may have limited access due to ongoing restrictions or private ownership.
10:54 The French Concession is free to walk around and explore independently. Alternatively, consider a guided walking tour via WeChat for a structured experience.
0:35 Embark on a self-guided audio walking tour through the French Concession of Shanghai, starting at Jiaotong University and exploring Ferguson Lake. This offers a flexible and immersive way to experience the area at your own pace.
2:40 Utilize audio guides with GPS tracking for a seamless experience. This allows you to effortlessly navigate the area while learning about the surrounding architecture.
4:22 Break up your tour into multiple parts. If you get hungry or tired, you can pause and resume later, making the experience more manageable and enjoyable.
5:41 Look for plaques on buildings. These often indicate that a famous person once lived there, adding a historical layer to your exploration.
6:52 Be aware that many buildings are behind high walls and gates, limiting your view. This is a common feature in the area, so manage your expectations accordingly.
7:50 Explore local cafes and restaurants. These often provide a unique perspective on the neighborhood and are a great place to rest and enjoy the atmosphere.
8:30 Check the opening hours of buildings and compounds before visiting. Some may have limited access due to ongoing restrictions or private ownership.
10:54 The French Concession is free to walk around and explore independently. Alternatively, consider a guided walking tour via WeChat for a structured experience.
0:00 Introduction in Shanghai
0:51 Thai An Road mansions
1:41 Spanish style Villas
2:22 Exploring Willow Garden
3:11 Oddly angled building
4:12 Lunch break and tour continuation
5:27 Walking through Wu Yuan Road
6:17 Famous gates and cartoonist
7:33 Shanghai film group villa
8:54 Wukong Road and Mr. Ferguson
9:46 Cafes and restaurants at 376
11:01 Iconic building's dark history
12:37 QR code for audio tour
shanghaifrench concessionschinashanghai chinawalking tourshanghai walking tourfrench concession architecturehistorical walking tourchina travelshanghai history1920s architecturehidden gemscultural revolutionaudio walking tourgps guided tourWhat's the best way to explore Shanghai's French Concession?
A self-guided audio walking tour is a great option! It's flexible and lets you explore at your own pace, plus you learn tons of history.
What kind of architecture will I see in the French Concession?
You'll see beautiful mansions from the 1920s, many in British or Spanish styles. There are unique details on the gates and buildings, it's really pretty!
Are there any hidden gems or unexpected discoveries in the French Concession?
Definitely! We found oddly angled buildings and learned about famous people who lived there. There's so much history hidden in plain sight!
What's the cost of the audio walking tour?
It's 51 RMB per tour. You can find it on WeChat.
What's the overall experience of the French Concession?
It's a mix of stunning architecture, fascinating history, and charming streets. It's a really iconic part of Shanghai, and everyone should visit!
