| ------ living in Shanghai |
Relocating to Shanghai and not sure where to live? Many expatriates
face this problem. Perhaps the biggest concern is the location of
the international schools for their children and where their place
of work will be. Due to the fact the schools are located either in
Changging (Hongqiao) or Pudong and are about a 30 to 45 minutes drive
to downtown, where most offices of MNCs are. The only German and French
schools are located in Hongqiao. Shanghai is broken down in the following
main districts and each has it＊s own unique charm. The two main areas
are separated by the big Huang Pu River, which breaks the city into
East and West. The West is known as Puxi and the East side is known
as Pudong. The following breaks down the city into districts starting
from West to East..
WEST SHANGHAI
HongQiao 每 Within a
large district, which is commonly called Hongqiao. Changning is composed
of Hongqiao and Gubei. This area is known for its villas and big compounds.
The Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Zoo and most international schools
are located here. Lots of Western supermarkets are here from the Friendship
Store to OBI as this area caters heavily to foreigners. Inner Changing
offers a compound called Central Residences, a beautiful compound
amidst the bustling city. Other popular apartments are the Courtyards
and the economical Imperial Grand, but doesn＊t offer clubhouse facilities.
Gubei 每 The popular
Gubeir Carrefour is located here and it is surrounded by top and mid-grade
apartment complexes. All forms of transportation are near here and
using Hongqiao Road, it would take 10 minutes to reach Shanghai Centre.
Several villas are located here and offer spacious living, but the
villas here are older than the ones in Pudong. House Qiao Guest House
Villas and the Windsor Court properties are exceptionally popular
with larger families.
SOUTHWEST SHANGHAI
Minghang - Near the
outskirts of Shanghai in the southwest, Minghang has large villa compounds.
As it is further away, the prices are fairly cheaper than villas closer
to downtown. The feel of Minghang is like a semi-rural area with lots
of space and green surroundings. King's Garden offers nice villas
and townhouses, whereas Apple Court was recently constructed. If you
do not mind the distance, the villas here are exceptionally priced.
Xuhui 每 Also known as
Xujiahui, home to large several department malls. It is very density
populated and has lots of traffic. Jiao Tong University is located
here as well as the French Concession, various Consulate offices,
which uses the large compounds and villas as their office and living
space. Also here is the Shanghai Stadium, Long Hua Temple and Hengshan
Lu, a popular bar strip. Many upper class apartments are here and
the trend is many people are moving here due to it's reputation as
a busy commercial and residential center. The fairly new compound
of Oriental Manhattan offers reasonable pricing. The popular Ambassy
Court always has a high occupancy rate as well as Justin Court, perfect
for the single or couple expats DOWNTOWN
AND AMBASSY AREA
These three districts offer high-end shops, restaurants and living
accommodations. These three districts are from West to East and
lead straight to the Bund.
Luwan 每 Huahai Road
runs along this district and it is famous for its shopping. The
famous Xiang Yang Gift Market is located here, where it is packed
with cheap and fake clothing and gifts. Leading up to the Market
is the Japanese-owned Isetan mall as well as Parksons and Pacific
Department Store. The ever popular Xin Tian Di night spot is always
busy. Silver Court is popular as well as Sommerset Grand and Patina
Court with its beautiful clubhouse.
Jing An - The most
populated and popular area of downtown Shanghai. The Shanghai Center,
Hard Rock Cafe', Tony Romas and Long Bar are here. In Jing An, you'll
find the Ritz Carlton, inside the Shanghai Centre, Hilton and JC
Mandarin Hotels. Along Nanjing Xi Road consists of international
brand shopping malls like CITIC Square, Plaza 66 and Westgate Mall.
This is the area to be seen in as the upper class tend to hang out
here. Some of the more popular expat buildings here are Jing An
Plaza for the single or couple, Royal Pavilion and Grand Plaza.
Prices in this area will tend to be slightly higher than other districts.
Huangpu 每 Home to
the famous Pedestrian Shopping Street, packed with people and lights
at night. The area offers the nostalgic Peace Hotel, People's Park
and People's Square, surrounded by the impressive modern architecture
of the Bund, the Grand Theater and the Shanghai Museum. As this
is considered a tourist and commercial area, expatriate accommodations
are limited but available such as the new King＊s Park, Tian Ci Apartment
and the new Marriott Executive Apartments.
PU DONG
Pudong can be broken down into Lujiazui and Jin Qiao. Far East is
the Pudong International Airport and also home to the largest compounds
and villas in Shanghai. Many golf courses are situated here. Unless
your place of work is in Pudong, not too many expats choose to live
in Pudong due to the traffic and the crossing of the Huang Pu River
to get to work every day. However, using the metro is not too bad
to commute to work.
Lujiazui 每 The Lujiazui
Business District is home to the two most popular buildings in Shanghai:
Jin Mao Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Mostly located here
are grade A office buildings, however, there is the Ascott Pudong
nearby. Popular buildings with a 10 minute drive to the Business
District is Yanlord Gardens, which boasts a very big compound and
ShiMao Riviera, offering an amazing view of the Bund. Right on the
edge of Pudong, by the East China Sea, is the huge Shanghai Links,
Western-style houses built around a golf course designed by Jack
Nicklaus.
JinQiao 每 Also known
as the JinQiao Export Processing Zone, a big area which the government
offers companies tax incentives to station their offices there.
High end villas from Royal Garden to Greenhills to Green Court offer
first-class living and are home to many expatriate families. Very
convenient to go to the Airport from JinQiao. Jinqiao has its own
Carrefour and OBI, which is a 5 minute walk from Royal Garden and
Green Court
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