Tis OK Monalisalee. No need to worry. Mike is just one of the thousands of local agents whose only noticeable skill so far is the ability to SPAM on Shanghai Expat. So far he's contributed nothing. They come and go all the time.....YAWN.
exp wrote: will be a newbie joining shanghai later in june and need a place to stay. which area do you recommend for expats?
Sorry “exp”. I overlooked this and haven't replied. Here's my long list of thoughts on the districts. Other people will have different ideas and input so you will I am sure, get a really good overview by the time you arrive.
HUANG PU DISTRICT
As Huang Pu is more of a tourist, retail and commercial area then there are limited apartment buildings to choose from.
Benefits of area
Shanghai’s commercial and tourist area with plenty of shopping available. Lots of tourist attractions like the Grand Theatre, Museum, People’s Square, Yu Yuan Garden, Old Town and the Bund It holds Shanghai’s cultural street, Fuzhou road which has bookstores and stationary supplies and the fabric and tailor market. It is where subway lines 1, 2 & 8 connect so is good for transport
Disadvantages of area
Lots of people, noise and congested traffic, especially in peak hour traffic
Limited green areas
LUWAN DISTRICT
Luwan is located south of People's Square. Shanghai’s second most popular street is Huai Hai Rd,
One stretch of Huai Hai Rd holds a large business district and the other section is lined with international brand stores.
Luwan houses Xintiandi which is an historic, up market dining and entertainment area with excellent western restaurants and bars. Xintiandi Lake and Fuxing Park are two green oasis areas.
Benefits of area
Plenty of designer shops, boutiques and markets for shopping
Has Shanghai’s most beautiful and prominent nightlife areas for dining and recreation
Good and convenient transport area with two subways
Houses some of the beautiful old French Concession area
Disadvantages of area
The traffic along Huai Hai Rd crawls along and is at a stand still in rush hour
The infrastructure in Luwan is poorly developed with many narrow streets
Whilst there are a number of parks, they tend to be small and crowded
XU HUI DISTRICT
Xu Hui has a limited number of high rises and therefore the lowest population density of all downtown areas. It covers the largest inner area of Shanghai and has covers most of the historic former French Concession area. Many beautiful old classic villas and apartments are in this prestigious area and I the choice of residence for many government officials.
Benefits of area
Quieter and more green area as less high rises and population density
Beautiful historic villas and apartments
Many quiet treed lined streets
Good selection of bars and restaurants
Disadvantages of area
Limited shopping areas and public transport in French Concession area
Xujiahui intersection is a very noisy and crowded intersection and can be a nightmare in peak hour traffic.
Xujiahui area is a noisy and densely populated area
HONG QIAO & GUBEI DISTRICT
Located in the west, Hong Qiao is known as the suburbs and lacks the noisy and dense population of downtown areas. Most of Shanghai’s expatriate villa compounds with gardens, pools, tennis and gyms are located here along with office, apartment and shopping complexes.
Benefits of area
Shanghai zoo and gardens
Expatriate focused shops, restaurants, bars and services
Fresher air, more green and less noise
Close to international schools
Close to Hongqiao Airport
Disadvantages of area
Long travel distances
Limited public transportation network
Relative inconvenience to downtown and associated nightlife
PUDONG DISTRICT
The Pudong area is relatively new and well planned. Most buildings and streets are new with wide open spaces and greenery. There are five distinct areas:
LUJIA ZUI
Lujiazui Financial Area can be seen on the east side of the Huang Pu River and is Shanghai’s most impressive finance and commercial area. It has the offices of most foreign and domestic banks as well as the Shanghai Stock Trade Centre as well as the new World Financial Centre and Jinmao Tower.
JIN QIAO
Jinqiao Export Development Zone was developed to provide tax incentives for large multinational companies. There are plenty of villa compounds and high end apartments. Provides a large supermarket, restaurants, bars and sports grounds. A number of international schools.
CENTURY PARK
A large number of apartment blocks surround the park. The Lianyang area is popular with expats due to its access to Thumb Plaza’s stores and entertainment.
WAI GAO QIAO
Situated the furthest from downtown and is the largest Free Trade Zone area with 1/3 of all foreign enterprises located there. Limited housing is available.
JIANG ZHANG
This area is at the end of line 2 and was created for the development of high and new technology and has a few apartments and villas close by.
KANG QIAO
This is an Industrial Zone located at the south of Pudong. There are a number of villa compounds and supermarkets due to the few international schools located there.
Benefits of Pudong
Quieter and greener area as less high rises and population density
Plenty of green space, fresh air, and peaceful surrounds
More quiet and affordable than Puxi
Less high rises and population density
Less traffic and good access to subway system
Large supermarkets such as Carrefour and Metro
Disadvantages of Pudong
Travel distances are quite lengthy
Tunnel and bridge crossings can be a nightmare in peak hour traffic
Not so convenient to attend bars and restaurants and functions in Puxi
Limited shopping areas, selection of bars and restaurants.
THE END
Adrienne
