The French Concession area of Shangai, China, is a popular place to go shopping. With streets full of independent designer boutiques, restaurants and cafes, both tourists and native Chinese love shopping here. Its tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture and Bohemian atmosphere make the French Concession area one of the most interesting parts of Shanghai and a must-see for anyone who loves to shop. While on a visit to these famous European-style boulevards, don't miss these best French Concession shops.
Garden Books - You might want to start off your shopping in the French Concession area with a stop at Garden Books, Shanghai's best English-language bookstore. Here you'll find guidebooks on Shanghai, Beijing and the rest of China, including books with sections on French Concession area shopping, as well as fiction, non-fiction, western magazines, stationary and a whole lot more. You can also grab a coffee here to fortify you before you start to spend lots of money. Garden Books is at 325 Changle Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu, French Concession Area, Shanghai.
Torana Carpets - One of the most beautiful rug shops, not only in the French Concession area but in Shanghai as a whole, is Torana Carpets. Owned by a British Oxford University Science graduate and a Tibetan expert on carpets (what a great combination, eh?), Torana Carpets sells handmade rugs that are woven in their own workshops in Lhasa, Tibet. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind handmade piece, you can't go wrong at Torana Carpets. Torana Carpets, 164 An Fu Lu, French Concession Area, Shanghai.
Le Passage Fuxing - A small shopping complex, full of boutiques, cafes and galleries, Le Passage Fuxing is a must-visit for anybody's first time in the French Concession Area. It's a restored two-storey Art Deco building that houses a gorgeous linens shop, Ginger - a superb Asian tapas cafe with free Wi-Fi, a Japanese separates store, a bed linens shop and much more. Le Passage Fuxing can be found at 299 Fuxing West Road, French Concession Area, Shanghai.
SQ Decor - If you're looking for decorative pieces to take back home, SQ Decor has some lovely accessories. Brightly colored tea sets, glassware, housewares, photograph albums and pillows. SQ Decor Fuxing Xi (West) Road, #29, French Concession Area, Shanghai.
Shanghai Trio - A superb shop for bags, table linens, bed linens, soft furnishings, scarves, shawls and some clothing, Shanghai Trio is owned by a French woman who shops all over China, picking up unique, handmade items that are stunning in their beauty. You'll find traditional Chinese patterns, vibrant colors and just a lovely place to get your fill of eye candy before you buy. Shanghai Trio is at Fuxing Xi (West) Road, Lane #37, House #6, French Concession Area, Shanghai.
