District Information

 Changning District 

Also called Hongqiao district, a large area situated in western Shanghai, with Hongqiao Road as the main thoroughfare from the airport to downtown. In the area are plenty of villa compounds with gardens, pools, tennis courts and gyms. This is the area most newcomers travel through from the Honqiao domestic airport.  Changning is also where a number of international schools, markets and stores with western goods are located. Sights in the area include the Shanghai Zoo and the Xi Jiao Guest House and Sassoon Park Gardens. The Westin Tai Ping Yang and Yangtze River Hotels as well as the Friendship Store and Shanghai Mart are found in this area.

 Gubei New Area 

Inside Changning district, Guimei New Area is a thriving mini-metropolis with medium and high rise apartment towers, renowned western restaurants and the large Carrefour supermarket. Gubei is close to all forms of public transportation. In amongst the tall high rises you can find fountains, sculptures and playgrounds. There are many mid-level developments in the area suitable for people with international standards. Health club memberships are available at the Gubei Health Club for those living at developments without adequate sports facilities.

 Xuhui District 

In the north of this area lies Shanghai's famous boulevard, Hengshan Road, with over thirty restaurants of diverse cuisine tempting passers-by as they stroll down the tree-lined street. This area is the old French Concession and Consular area with many charming vintage villas tucked behind high walls. This is also the location of 41 Hengshan Road, one of Shanghai's most elegant residences. At the south of the Xujiahui junction, a thriving commercial area of department stores where you'll find a number of reasonably priced high rise apartment developments. The Shanghai Catholic Cathedral, Longhua Temple and Shanghai Olympic Stadium are some of the main features of this area. You can also find the Huating Hotel and Regal East Asia Hotels right by the stadium.

 Jing An District 

Jing An is by far the most populated area of downtown Shanghai. Its easy access to transportation, snaps and western conveniences make it a popular place for expatriates to live. The Shanghai Center dominates the central area with its entertainment and eating places such as the Hard Rock Cafe', Tony Roams and the celebrated Long Bar. Stores like Watson's and The Market cater to western needs. In Jing An, you'll find the Ritz Carlton, Hilton and JC Mandarin Hotels. Opposite the Shanghai Center stands the grand Shanghai Exhibition Center and not far away are the charming Jing An and Jade Buddha temples.

 Huangpu District

The majestic and stately building of the Bund stand grandly along the western edge of the Huangpu River. A busy shipping channel and once the "lifeline" of Shanghai, Huangpu District is an old traditional area with Nanjing Road, the "shopper's street", running down its center. Before the building of modern department stores around Shanghai, this was the only place to be on a Sunday and tens of thousands of people would cram the streets and floors of places like the No.1 Shanghai Department Store and the Hua Lian Department Store. The area also boasts the Peace Hotel, People's Park and People's Square, surrounded by the impressive modern architecture of the Shanghai Municipal Office, the Grand Theater and the Shanghai Museum. However, with its main focus on commercial activity and large projects, expatriate accommodations are limited.

 Luwan District

The main road of this area is Huaihal Road, renowned for both its boutiques and department stores, including Isetan, Pacific Department Stare, Parkson and Pre-temps. The road is also an impressive sight at night with an archway of flickering lights. Off Huaihai road, there lies the Xiang Yang Nan Lu street market where you'll find cheaply priced clothes and bags. On Julu Road there is a string of small "all night" expatriate bars featuring "The Manhattan", one of the oldest in Shanghai. The area has plenty of apartments to choose from and a few villa compounds within a variety of budget levels.

 Minghang District

Set on the outskirts of Shanghai in the southwest, Minghang has a number Of large villa compounds that are well finished and reasonably priced. With the completion of the subway and easy access via the expressway, this district has grown significantly in the past few years. You will find a blend of old and new China with easy access to downtown Shanghai. The area still has a semi-rural feel, with wide open green areas and farmlands nearby.

 Pudong District

Pudong is a fast growing area on the east side of The Huangpu River. Access to the area includes a number of bridges, tunnels, ferries and the new Number 2 Shanghai Metro line. The Pudong area has seen massive growth in the past five years with stylish and impressive Buildings including the high-tech Jin Mao building which holds the Grand Hyatt Hotel. With its lobby on the 55^th floor, the Grand Hyatt is the highest hotel in the world. In the Lu Jia Zui Financial Zone you'll find many banking and financial institutions, and on the outskirts are a large number of factories. Infrastructure is improving with the new Pudong International Airport and relaxing wide-open spaces with excellent villa compounds and  apartments.