I'm hoping that someone has a friend with an apartment to rent in QiBao, because I need one to use as an office. I've checked the area, and found that there are many new apartments near the university, and that an unfurnished/slighlty-furnished one goes for about 1300rmb a month.

So here's the full story of what I'm seeking, to save those 'tell me more' emails:

- Needs to be clean and modern (preferably new)
- Main room at least 9 metres by 3 metres, or this can be two rooms if there's a big door between them (apartment could be a big single room studio)
- Any level above first floor if there is a lift, or no higher than 4th floor if there is no lift
- Secure, clean, dry and with solid doors, lockable windows for good security
- Simple decoration can be as little as a couple of desks/tables, few chairs, shelves, fridge, drinking water dispenser, and of course a floor covering
- Air-conditioned (hot/cold)
- 2 years' lease at fixed price, 1 month's deposit/bond
- 6 months' rent paid upon signing lease, but option at the 5 month point to leave at 6 months or pay the next 6 months (same deal every 6 months)
- Foreigner has been in Shanghai 4 years (lives in Puxi), and has every intention of leasing this office for the full 2 years.

If you are renting such an apartment, or know someone who is, please do get in touch with me. QiBao local agents are also welcome, but you must speak English well (and don't contact me if you have no apartment to show me...lol!)

just give you some advice: apartment you are looking for must be more expensive than 1300rmb a month.
You'd better ask your Chinese colleague for help to negotiating with local agents. You can write down what you need and show it to Chinese, most Chinese can understand your meaning.

You probably need to get out and go to the area you want to live and walk around ( with a chinese speaking friend if you do not have the language ) and visit these little real estate offices and talk to them about what you are looking for. For 1300 a month. something you describe would be gone in a day. You don't find that kind of deal except by being out looking for it actively. And almost certainly, no expat would ever be quoted 1300 for what you describe. You are going to have to get lucky, be in the right place at the right time, and have some local support ( which are NOT local agents.. they will be the ones showing you the 5K a month apartments.. its not worth their time to rent a 1300 a month apartment. .they don't make any money).