Hengshan Road

Hengshan Road

a street in the  former French Concession of Shanghai

Hengshan Road formerly Avenue Petain, is a street in the former French Concession of Shanghai, China. A major thoroughfare that connected the heart of the French Concession with the Catholic district of Xujiahui, the boulevard was for much of the 20th century the centre of Shanghai's premier residential district. Since the 1990s, many of the mansions along the road have been converted into bars, night clubs, and restaurants, and is one of Shanghai's more vibrant nightlife districts and popular particularly among expatriates..

This area had once been a farmland in the 19th century. As Shanghai developed, this area eventually became a popular area with many residential homes. The houses of the poorer Chinese laborers were eventually eradicated and this area was developed as a place for foreign diplomats. European styled apartment houses and homes were built and many of these buildings can still be found in the area today in stark contrast with the traditional Chinese architecture. Hengshan Road is two kilometers long and was built in the year 1922. However, in the earlier years the road was called Avenue Petain.

During the summer months, the area is packed with people who sit in the courtyards and gardens of the bars to enjoy a cool drink. The street is lined with bars, galleries, restaurants, hairdressing salons, hotels and tea houses. Visitors will find restaurants serving up cuisine from around the world.

· The Tibet Bar offers live Tibetan dance shows while Pasta Fresca da Salvatore serves authentic Italian food.

·TGIFriday’s is very popular with American tourists. There are also several Irish pubs serving up authentic fish and chips that are immensely popular with British patrons today. 

Hengshan Road has made a name for itself as one of the best areas in Shanghai to enjoy nightlife. It hosts some of the most popular night clubs in the city. A drive on this road on weekend nights will reveal packed roads with numerous partygoers.

Location: Hengshan Road, French Concession Area, Shanghai

Transportation：take Shanghai Merto Line 1 to Hengshan Road Station