Shaoxing Road to Taikang Road - A French Concession Walking Tour in Shanghai

You’ll know you’re at the right spot when you see the Chinese gate (see photo), but lane 210 is clearly marked. The area and warehouses that line this lane have been the territory for local and foreign artisans for many years. In the past year or two, more alleys connected to lane 210 have opened up – their occupants moving out to make way for cafes and shops.

Now the area is a maze of lanes opening up onto other alleys. It’s fun to take some time just to browse the shops and explore the area. Many of the shops are housed in unique-to-Shanghai shikumin brick architecture with gate portals above the entrances, so be sure to take notice of the outside as well as the inside.