Shanghai Areas:
Shanghai is divided into two main areas, Pudong and Puxi, which lie east and west of the City's mother river - the Huang Pu River. Pu Dong (the east area of the river) is relatively new while Pu Xi (the west area of the river ) is the older original city where many local people still live. Altogether there are 18 districts in Shanghai.
Here are the list of several main districts where most Shanghai expats live:
Xuhui
As one of the most prestigious living areas, is situated at the southwest of shanghai. The old French Concession in this district assembles almost 90% charming historic properties of the city. At Xujiahui junction, several large department malls form a thriving commercial area. The Shanghai Catholic Cathedral, Longhua Temple and Shanghai Stadium are some of the main features of this area.
Luwan
As one of the shopping areas of the city, Huahai Road runs through this district. Huaihai Road is renowned for its flourish from the Xiangyang Road street market, where you'll find cheaply priced clothes and bags, to Isetan, Pacific and Parkson department stores. Also along Huai Hai Rd in the LuWan district is Xin Tian Di which has become THE entertainment center where many western restaurants and bars converge with various features for locals and tourists alike.
Jing An
The Jing An district has the highest concentration of entertainment, high-level residential and commercial properties in the city. You can find The Portman-Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Hilton and JC Mandarin Hotels and many international brand shopping malls and grade A offices, like CITIC Square, Plaza 66 and Westgate Mall here in this disrict. The Shanghai Exhibition Center, Jing An temple and Jade Buddha temple, are all famous historic buildings that have survivied to witness witness the amazing development of this district.
Huangpu
Huangpu district is located at the center of the city. In this area, Shanghai Grand Theatre, People's Square, Shanghai Museum and the Bund are the well-known sites for most tourists and expatriates. As one of the tourist and commercial center, expatriate residential are less chose than other three districts.
ChangNing
Situated in western Shanghai, the Chang Ning District has been developing into a very nice place to live and work. New development areas composed of Gubei and Hongqiao, known as some of Shanghai's nicest residential area make this area a new favorite for expats
Gubei New Area
Started as a new residential development less than 10 years ago, this area is surrounded by top and mid-grade apartment complexes, and is one of the earliest expatriates communities in Shanghai. This area contains many businesses catering to those who are willing to go out and enjoy life with restaurants and retail centers throughout this area. The popular Gubei Carrefour supermarket is located here. From this area it takes about 15-20 minutes to reach Shanghai Center and only 5-10 minutes to Hongqiao Airport by car.
HongQiao
The Hongqiao Area occupies the part of Changning district in the Shanghai map, but it becomes the emblem of this district. Plenty of luxurious villa compounds in this area attract thousands of expatriates' families. This area is known for its earliest field of high-grade office and apartment complexes in Shanghai. Today it is renowned for its luxurious villa compounds with gardens, pools, tennis courts and gyms. As the main thoroughfare, Hongqiao Road welcomes the new comers travel through from the airport to downtown every day.
Pudong New Area
The fastest growing area in Shanghai has got to be the Pudong New Area. Opened for development back in the early 1990's, Pudong is now home to China's tallest Skyscrapper and home to millions of new residents. Pudong is located on the east bank of the Huangpu River that runs through the urban part of Shanghai. A number of bridges, tunnels, ferries and Metro line are link up the two sides of river. New International airport lies here and International air carriers increasingly use Pudong rather than Hong Qiao airport as well as many domestic carriers. Pudong New Area has become a center of new and high technology and advanced manufacturing. It is emerging as a new growth pole in Shanghai. Pudong can be broken down into Lujiazui, Jinqiao and zhangjiang area.
JinQiao
Also known as Jin Qiao Export Processing zone with government's tax incentives, Jin Qiao attracted many big companies such as NEC, GM, Philips and so on. From Green villa to Greenhills, Jinqiao offers first-class villa compounds to many expatriate families. Its own Carrefour and OBI is very convenient to the residents living in this area.