The grid of streets of the former French Concession, laid out in the 1840s and expanded through the early 20th century, follows a different orientation from the International Settlement streets to the north — slightly diagonal, reflecting the original alignment to a creek route. Walking the former concession east-west along Huaihai Road, Fuxing Road, or Jianguo Road and north-south along Ruijin Road, Sinan Road, or Maoming Road gives the most comprehensive experience of the pre-war residential and commercial district.
The French Concession covers approximately 10 square kilometres; a focused half-day walk from Xintiandi in the east to Wukang Road in the west covers the essential architectural sequence. The street trees — predominantly London plane trees planted by the French Municipal Council in the early 20th century — are the most visible heritage element of the concession planning.