Concession Evolution

After losing the Opium War in 1842, the then Chinese government was forced to sign the unequal "Nanjing Treaty" with British, by whom Shanghai was required to be one of the six ports open to trade. Since then, Shanghai became the hub of business for both Chinese and foreigners, with more and more westerners coming to claim their settlements.

Britain was the first to set up its concession in Shanghai in 1845, the United States and France followed suit in Hongkou District in 1848 and in the south of Yan'an Road E.in 1849 respectively, which were extended later. The concessions were finally recovered after the triumph of the War Resistance Against Japan in 1945.