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Shanghai French Concession: Exploring Expat Appeal

Why do foreigners love SHANGHAI?

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation: 24.9 million
Why do foreigners love SHANGHAI?
Nico10 min

China travel video

Why do foreigners love SHANGHAI?. This China travel video was filmed by Nico. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

In this week's video join me and Jack as we explore the former French Concession in Shanghai and try to answer the question 'Why do foreigners love Shanghai?'.

--- Nico
April 10, 2023, Spring in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Nico and Jack walk through Shanghai's former French Concession to work out why so many foreigners like the city. They look at its mix of old and new architecture, the busy food scene, the coffee shops and how welcoming the neighborhood feels to newcomers. Along the way they stop at shops, cafes and restaurants that help explain why so many expats choose to live here.

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Why do foreigners love SHANGHAI?

Why foreigners settle in the former French Concession

Nico and Jack set out to answer one question: why do so many foreigners love Shanghai? They focus on the former French Concession, the neighborhood most popular with foreign residents, and look at its atmosphere, architecture and everyday culture. Historic buildings sit right next to modern conveniences, the range of food is wide, and the locals come across as friendly and welcoming.

The area is pleasant to walk, with good shopping and plenty of green space. The two stop at a bookshop to show off the retail side of the neighborhood and try some local coffee, a nod to how big coffee culture is in Shanghai.

Food, Mandarin practice and the city's past

Food gets its own segment, from the well-known Lao Fan to the many international cuisines on offer in the neighborhood. There's also a short look at Shanghai's history, especially its colonial past and how it grew into a major financial center.

Nico tries ordering in Mandarin at a local restaurant, and the waitress answers in perfect English, which says a lot about how international the neighborhood is. In the video's closing minutes, the two go back over the reasons Shanghai keeps its pull on foreigners and mention a possible follow-up episode on the same topic.

The tone stays relaxed and conversational, so you see Shanghai the way Nico and Jack see it. It's built on their own impressions and real moments on the street, which makes it useful for anyone thinking about spending time in Shanghai.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: Which Shanghai neighborhood is most popular with foreign residents?
A: The former French Concession is by far the most popular neighborhood with foreigners who live in Shanghai.
Q: What are some of the reasons foreigners love Shanghai?
A: They point to the city's distinct atmosphere and architecture, the great shopping, the green spaces, the good food and the friendly, welcoming locals. The coffee culture is a big draw as well.
Q: What's the best street food to try in Shanghai?
A: Jiangxiang Bing, also known as the OG Chinese pizza, is the real star of Shanghai street food: a salty, tasty, tangy snack.
Q: What surprised Nico most in Shanghai?
A: Nico was surprised that a waitress at a restaurant in the French Concession answered him in perfect English, which was a little discouraging for his Mandarin practice.

Previous travel video:

Shanghai French Concession: Exploring Expat Appeal

In this week's video join me and Jack as we explore the former French Concession in Shanghai and try to answer the question 'Why do foreigners love Shanghai?'. Leave us a comment letting us know why you love Shanghai too!

Shanghai Exploration: French Concession & Foreigner Appeal

Nico and Jack explore Shanghai's French Concession, uncovering the reasons behind its popularity with expats. Their journey offers a glimpse into the unique charm and allure of this vibrant city, highlighting the cultural blend and captivating atmosphere that make Shanghai a beloved destination for foreigners.

Attractions in this video: French Concession, Bund