A wonderful journey will begin at the tree-lined Fuxing Park. In this garden, once known as the French Park, stands the famous statue of Marx and Engels. People gather here to sing, dance, play chess, exercise, or simply sit on the roadside benches, basking in the warmth of the sunlight.

The area surrounding Fuxing Park can be said to encapsulate half of modern Chinese history. This neighborhood was once home to prominent figures such as Sun Yat-sen, Zhou Enlai, and Chen Duxiu. Along Nanchang Road, we can admire the modern lane houses built in the last century on one side, while visiting the former residences of these famous individuals on the other. You can also sit by an old house, sip a cup of coffee, and quietly take in this artistic enclave.

Hopping on a bicycle, we ride along Fuxing Road, one of the most significant streets in the former French Concession, heading west. Passing through residential areas and a variety of classical European-style buildings, we arrive at the western part of the French Concession. There, we weave through an array of unique small shops and head to the famous Urumqi Middle Road Market, where we can get to know the vegetables beloved by Shanghai locals.

Passing through the consulate area, we head toward the most famous Shikumen architectural district in the former French Concession. These old-style lane houses, designed by the French and built by the Chinese in the early 20th century, are a quintessential blend of Eastern and Western influences. At one time, millions of Shanghai residents lived in such lane houses for extended periods. Every red brick and tile there tells the story of Shanghai’s past hundred years. Strolling through these distinctive Shanghai lanes offers a unique and charming experience.