To study the implementation of the epidemic prevention by the authorities of the concession and late Qing dynasty through investigation of the prevention and treatment of pestilence in Shanghai from 1872 to 1911, this paper analyzes the issues concerning municipal administration, inspection and disinfection, food sanitation, vaccination, regulatory legislation and health promotion, etc. The experiences are summarized in the study. The lessons drawn from what the concession authority did to prevent pestilence imply that the implementation of health promotion should be carried out according to the variation of the time, location and population, and that traditional Chinese medicine should be involved in the prevention and treatment of pestilence.