Small Intro to Shanghai
Moving to an international city like Shanghai is a very exciting thing for most expats as the city is one of the largest cities in Asia and is a worldwide, international hub for finance and business. It acts as the base for Chinese technology and development, contains a major international port and as a result, is a city that holds a lot of authority in global issues.
Shanghai has a total of 16 districts and the Huangpu river divides Shanghai in two. The east side is called Pudong and the west side is called Puxi. Most expatriates prefer to live in the downtown areas of Puxi due to the lively nightlife and hustle and bustle, but some still prefer Pudong for its large number of international schools and proximity to the business district.
In a city with 24 million people and over 200,000 foreigners it is not easy to find out what the suitable place is to live. In this article we will briefly describe the most popular expat districts and which aspects are good about each one.
Jing An
Jing An is a popular destination for expats and Chinese residents. It features modern high rise office buildings and mid- to high end residential compounds. The foreigners who choose to live in Jing An are often expats without families or expat families with young children who are not yet going to the international schools which are further from downtown.
Must see: Jing An Temple
Main streets: West Nanjing Road, West Beijing Road
Heart of the Neighborhood: Wuding Road and Yanping Road
Most popular Expat compounds;
One Park Avenue Top of city La Doll International
XUHUI
The residential properties in Xuhui are the blend of luxury high rise apartments and upscale complexes inhabited by business professionals and expats. There is an abundance of shopping malls, bars and restaurants- making it a perfect place for most expatriates looking for a buzzing social life. A key destination is a section of the Former French Concession and Xujiahui commercial area, which features quaint alleyways with boutique bars ideal for a stylish night out.
Must see: Former French Concession, Tianzifang
Main streets: Hengshan Road, Huaihai Middle Road, Wulumuqi Road
Heart of the Neighborhood: Changle Road and Donghu Road, Xujiahui
Most popular Expat compounds;
Ambassy Court Joffre Garden Chevalier
HUANGPU
Huangpu contains sights such as the The Bund, Xintiandi and People Square, it is one of the busiest area for tourists in Shanghai. However, some of the best restaurants and bars are located here, making it an attractive living destination as well. The combination of having a huge variety of dining destinations and the proximity to many metro stations means it is well suited to young professionals. Being the most central district, rent is high in Huangpu, but is not as high as more hip areas such as the French Concession.
Must see: The Bund, Xintiandi ,Yuyuan Garden
Main streets: Waitan (The Bund) Madang Road, People Square
Heart of the Neighborhood: Xintiandi , People Square , Laoximen/Lujiabang (Old Shanghai Street)
Most popular Expat compounds;
Casa Lakeville Lakeville Regency Sinan Mansion
CHANGNING
Changning offers many options for living which are all far more affordable also for expats who have chosen a more quiet part of Shanghai compared to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. It is a central part of Shanghai and has great transport links, the Hongqiao airport and Hongqiao railway station. Although Changning doesn’t have a huge number of western activities to offer, what makes it an excellent destination for foreign movers is a familiar sense of expat community in a safe and affordable district.
Must see: Shanghai Zoo, Korean Town, Zhongshan Park
Main streets: Zhongshan Park, Hongqiao Road Gubei Road
Heart of the Neighborhood: Gubei, Hongqiao,
Most popular Expat compounds;
Yanlord Garden Regent Park Green Villa
MINHANG
Minhang features typical western houses, such as detached houses with gardens, villas and townhouses to make westerners feel at home. A main attraction to this area is its proximity to the best international schools- including the acclaimed Shanghai American School. In terms of leisure, there is a variety of shopping malls with both Chinese and international retailers and boutique shops. Food and drink are widely available and are extensive in their range of western options.
Must see: Sport Arena (NBA and ATP), Qibao Old Street
Main streets: Caobao Road, Hongmei Road
Heart of the Neighborhood: Qibao, Pujang New Town
Most popular Expat compounds;
Leewah Villa Rancho Santa Fe Kingdom Park
PUDONG
Pudong is a very large district that contains rural, industrial and modern areas, such as the new financial district Lujiazui, which provides business professionals with the stereotypical ‘big city life’ with luxury apartments overlooking the Huangpu river intertwined with exclusive and fashionable bars and restaurants. In contrast, the Biyun neighborhood displays a very western, family home feel and is extremely common for western families to relocate to. In terms of leisure, the district is inundated with options, from aquariums to the infamous Century park, which is a great place to relax and take a stroll
Must see: Shanghai Tower, the world’s second largest tower, Disneyland and Ocean Aquarium
Main streets: Lujiazui , Kangqiao, Jinqiao, Zhangjiang Hi-tech, Century Park
Heart of the Neighborhood: Lujiazui, Biyun district
Most popular Expat compounds;
Shimao Riviera Garden Green Hills
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