Areas and suburbs in Shanghai

The best places to live in Shanghai

Shanghai is divided into two large areas: Puxi and Pudong. Puxi is the older area on the west of the Huangpu River, while Pudong is the newer area on the east. Public transport between Pudong and Puxi is excellent. There are a number of tunnels and bridges, as well as many subway lines connecting the areas.

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Pudong

Lujiazui

The Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone can be found on the east side of the Huangpu River and is Shanghai’s most impressive financial and commercial area. Lujiazui has the offices of most foreign and domestic banks, the Shanghai Stock Exchange as well as the new World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower. Besides impressive office buildings, this area houses a number of well-managed residential compounds for both apartments and villas, making Lujiazui the recommended area for those wanting to live in downtown Pudong.

Jinqiao

This is an organised area with a suburban feel. Jinqiao Export Processing Zone was developed to provide tax incentives for large multinational companies. There are plenty of villa compounds and a few high-end apartment complexes. The area is near a large Carrefour supermarket, restaurants and bars. International schools, sports grounds and a park are all located here. Conveniently, residents are close to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Jinqiao is an ideal area for families.

Kangqiao

This is an industrial zone located at the south of Pudong. There are a number of villa compounds and supermarkets owing to the presence of a few international schools. Compared to Jinqiao, the area is more spread out and not as well planned, with a slightly rural feel. Nevertheless, Kangqiao includes some newly built shopping malls and a large number of expat families enjoy living in the area. 

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Puxi

Changning District

This was one of the first expat areas in Shanghai and is still home to a large number of expats, especially families. It has several good local schools as well as access to international schools, good transport facilities and infrastructure. It is also close to the city centre and has plenty of green spaces, including the Shanghai Zoo and Zhongshan Park. Changning District is a popular choice for both office and residential life. Many of its foreign residents come from the USA, France, Germany, the UK and Japan.

Zhongshan Park

The vicinity of the famous park with the same name, Zhongshan Park has plenty to offer. Besides local housing, this district has several worthy residential complexes. The neighbourhood is generally quiet and less dense, but is not too far from downtown either. Subway lines offer a good and fast transit to other districts, and the travel time to international schools in nearby Hongqiao and Gubei is relatively short. This area attracts mainly singles and couples on lower- to medium-end budgets.

Hongqiao

A former industrial zone, Hongqiao is now a proper neighbourhood. Though it is out of the city centre, it remains popular with expat families for being close to several international schools, supermarkets and medical facilities, and has good housing infrastructure and a number of entertainment options for its foreign residents. Many of the high-end housing facilities are large villas with private gardens and good modern amenities. Most of the entertainment and nightlife happens in Hongqiao in places such as the pedestrian part of Hongmei Lu.

Minhang

Located in the southwest part of Shanghai, Minhang is a relatively new neighbourhood, crossed by the Huangpu River. Known for its quality educational institutions, the district is home to several international schools. This mostly farming and industrial area has pockets of residential areas that are popular with expats. There are medium- to high-end villas and apartments close to the schools. Residents also have all the conveniences a family could need – grocery stores, shops, restaurants, bars and golf courses. When it comes to public transport, Minghang is served by a number of different subway lines.

Jing'an District

Named after the famous temple and its own landmark, this little central district is one of Shanghai’s most popular neighbourhoods among expats, for both living and going out. It’s quite dense and offers a variety of low-, medium- and high-end housing and is a buzzing downtown business and commercial hub. It is conveniently located close to many of the city’s cultural attractions, as well as many shopping malls, international restaurants, and lots of trendy bars and clubs. Even though it is a dense neighbourhood, the public transport system runs smoothly. Mainly singles and couples live in this area, but it also attracts families.

Huangpu District

Known as the heart of the city, People’s Square is located here, which houses the Shanghai Grand Theatre and Shanghai Museum as its main attractions. China’s most famous shopping street, Nanjing Road, runs through the area.

Stunning Art Deco buildings built in the early 1930s line the Huangpu River, forming 'the Bund' (an embankment on the waterfront). This is an area that anyone who has ever seen a picture of Shanghai probably recognises. It is arguably Shanghai’s most spectacular attraction and number one tourist destination, and is stunning when lit up at night. As Huangpu is more of a tourist, retail and commercial area, there are limited apartment buildings to choose from.

Xuhui District

Xuhui has a limited number of high rises and one of the lowest population density of all downtown areas which, coupled with a high property demand, mean accommodation can be quite costly. It covers the largest inner area of Shanghai and most of the historic former French Concession area. Many beautiful old classic villas and apartments can be found in this prestigious area and it is the choice of residence for many government officials. 

There are a few distinct areas within Xuhui where expats hang out. Xujiahui has a large, crowded, five-way intersection with department stores and shopping malls. Housing tends to be in the form of medium-end local apartments where expats and locals mix.