Expatriate Neighborhoods

Shanghai, which is different from the Municipality, is divided into two sides: Puxi and Pudong. The Huangpu River separates Shanghai into Puxi (“xi” meaning west) which is to the West of the river and Pudong (“dong” meaning east) which is to the East. Both Puxi and Pudong have their advantages and constitute different lifestyles choices, situated some 40 minutes (to 2+ hours depending on traffic) apart. Frequent traveler may also want to consider the proximity to the Pudong International Airport (international flights) or Hongqiao Airport in Puxi (mostly domestic flights).

Shanghai’s expatriate community is generally based around areas providing high quality housing: Downtown (Xuhui, Luwan, Huangpu and Jing’An districts), Gubei, Hongqiao, Minhang and Pudong (Jinqiao and Lujiazui areas).

Pudong has undergone a tremendous development over the past 15-20 years, making the transformation from rice paddies to one of Asia’s major financial centers. This has only been possible through a 25% annual growth in that area (10% for the whole of Shanghai).

The tallest building in China, the World Financial Center, is located in Pudong. This area dubbed by many to be the new “Wall Street” of Asia is also home to China’s stock exchange. The feeling here is more of a new city compared to Puxi or Hongqiao, and offers a wide range of housing options. Many families relocating to Shanghai prefer the Pudong area with its spaciousness feeling, wider avenues and less congested traffic.

Villas are typically found in Jinqiao, east of Century Park and in the Kangqiao area. As for apartments, there are plenty of options in Lujiazui by the Huangpu River, and surrounding Century Park. Jinqiao has also been established as a popular family-focused expatriate community with a selection of leisure and dinning options, closely situated to international schools (such as Dulwich College and Concordia International School).

Puxi Downtown is well suited for couples and singles, looking to experience the energy and excitement of living in a dynamic city. Though be aware the city center could be noisy and congested. Today there is a wide choice of apartments in downtown Shanghai, more than ever before, ranging in price according to location, size, etc. On the whole, a similar size and quality unit will come with a heftier price tag here than in Hongqiao or Pudong.

The well known neighborhoods in the former French and International Concessions provide the flair and interest that many people enjoy. The older style buildings and tree lined avenues have a definite romantic appeal for many people. It is here that restored villas and apartments dot the housing landscape.

A decade ago Xintiandi (meaning “New Heaven and Earth”) was merely a slum housing area, to be only transformed into a trendy area and a prime address for the discerning, boosting high-end bars, restaurants and boutiques, and considered by many as the heart of Shanghai. Xintiandi is also popular because of its convenient location and easy access to the business area and shopping along Huaihai Middle Road.

Minhang District is a popular expatriate area due to the number of international schools located here: the Shanghai American School, the British International School of Shanghai, the Singapore International School Shanghai and the German & French School. Also, as the majority of expatriate homes are villas and stand alone houses, it is an ideal choice for families looking for spacious homes, green gardens and peaceful surroundings. Depending on traffic, the commute to downtown Puxi takes approximately 35 to 50 minutes. Public transportation and expressways are under construction to provide even more convenience.

Hongqiao is Shanghai’s first permanent expatriate community which allowed for the service infrastructure to be well developed, making the area suited for families. However, properties here are older compared to other areas of downtown Shanghai and Pudong. Nevertheless, Hongqiao remains a popular area as Carrefour, shopping options, variety of dinning venues and schools are located nearby. Hongqiao is about a 15 to 25 minute drive from downtown Puxi.

Villas dominate the landscape in this area, though there is not as wide a range of apartments as in Downtown Puxi and parts of Pudong. In Hongqiao there are certain developments that cater to Asian expatriates, especially Japanese and Korean communities, and this area offers a range of services focused on their particular needs.