Character-filled duplex in the heart of the Former French Concession

Nestled inside a tranquil lilong off Middle Huaihai Road, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex marries period charm with everyday comfort. On the lower level, a warm living-dining area flows into a gas-equipped kitchen, ideal for home cooks who value responsive heat and a proper range. Upstairs, two restful bedrooms sit quietly above street level, while the bathroom with a bathtub invites an unhurried soak after a busy day in the city.

Large windows pull in soft, filtered light from the lane’s leafy canopy, highlighting wood floors and the gentle patina that makes lane houses so loved by expats. Modern air conditioning and heating keep the home comfortable year-round, and WiFi is ready for remote work or streaming. A petite outdoor space adds a private nook for morning coffee, herbs, or an evening glass of wine.

From this address on South Shaanxi Road, you are moments from boutique shopping, artisan bakeries, and café culture, with Middle Huaihai’s conveniences just around the corner. It’s a setting that feels distinctly local yet effortlessly international: a place where you can step out for a croissant, pick up fresh flowers, and still be back home before your kettle boils.

Life inside a classic lilong on South Shaanxi Road

Set within a traditional lilong on Lane 39, South Shaanxi Road, this home enjoys a quietly communal atmosphere that modern towers rarely replicate. Low-rise facades, climbing greenery, and a narrow pedestrian lane create an intimate streetscape where neighbors greet one another and children play under the plane trees. The lane’s scale ensures fewer cars and calmer noise levels, so you can sleep with your windows open when weather allows.

Practicalities are thoughtfully simple: scooter parking and delivery drop-offs are typically at the lane entrance, with parcels brought in by handcart or courier. You’ll find clearly marked waste-sorting points, a Shanghai standard, and easy access for maintenance services such as annual gas safety checks. Evenings are unhurried here; you’ll hear the gentle clink of mahjong tiles and the murmur of conversations drifting from doorways.

While the property preserves the authentic lane-house character, key systems have been updated for comfort, including air conditioning, heating, and gas. The result is a lived-in, heritage environment that complements modern routines. You are steps from Middle Huaihai Road’s energy, yet the moment you turn into the lane you are in a world of quieter rhythms and familiar faces. For many expats, this blend of heritage ambience and convenience is precisely what defines the Former French Concession lifestyle.

Middle Huaihai Road: cosmopolitan living with leafy charm

Middle Huaihai Road is one of Shanghai’s most elegant boulevards, shaded by plane trees and lined with a mix of international boutiques, independent designers, and refined cafés. A short walk brings you to the iapm Mall for upscale shopping and international groceries, while side streets like Changle and Fuxing are dotted with specialty bakeries, wine bars, and craft coffee roasters. On weekends, stroll to Xiangyang Park for tai chi at dawn or people-watching under the trees.

Commuting is effortless: South Shaanxi Road Station connects Lines 1, 10, and 12, placing Jing’an, Xintiandi, People’s Square, and Hongqiao transport links within quick reach. Prefer to cycle? The neighborhood’s gridded streets and generous shade make it one of the city’s most pleasant areas for biking between errands and evening plans.

This pocket of the Former French Concession caters to both local and international tastes. You’ll find Shanghainese eateries serving seasonal dishes alongside modern bistros and casual ramen spots. Gyms, yoga studios, pilates lofts, galleries, and design shops pepper the area, keeping weekdays efficient and weekends inspiring. It’s a neighborhood made for walking, tasting, and discovering, where everyday errands feel like a leisurely city break.

Why this lane house works beautifully for expat life

Unbeatable location. Steps from Middle Huaihai Road, you’re surrounded by cafés, boutiques, and daily essentials, with Lines 1/10/12 at South Shaanxi Road for easy cross-city commutes.

Authentic character. A true lilong home with warm timber touches and leafy outlooks offers the intangible charm many seek in the Former French Concession.

Comfort-ready. Air conditioning, heating, WiFi, and gas cooking ensure the essentials are in place from day one, whether you work from home or entertain on weekends.

Thoughtful layout. The duplex plan separates living downstairs from restful bedrooms upstairs, enhancing privacy and quiet.

Everyday ease. A bathtub for evening unwinds and a compact outdoor space for herbs, a bistro set, or a small barbecue make city living feel generous.

Quiet lane, vibrant city. Enjoy the calm of a pedestrian-friendly lane while being moments from iapm Mall, Xiangyang Park, and a tapestry of dining, fitness, and cultural options.