Anja Dalby/Shanghai Daily news

Shanghai by any measurement is a giant of a city.
The urbanized area of Shanghai Municipality covers more than 6,200 square kilometers and more than 17 million people call the city home.
It is essential that anyone moving to China and finding a new home in Shanghai understands the principles of the city's urban layout. The environment and infrastructure of the individual parts of town differ dramatically, so selecting the right district is an important decision.

Puxi Districts

*Luwan
Luwan District is a shopaholic's paradise, with big malls and international stores flanking hectic Huaihai Road, which runs into Huangpu District in the east and to Xuhui District in the west.
Luwan is located south of People's Square and comprises part of the beautiful turn-of-the-century former French concession. The area boasts a high concentration of office space as well as entertainment and fine dining in international bars and restaurants.
Luwan's major drawback, however, is that the traffic can be horrific, especially during rush hours when traffic jams are more the rule than the exception. Although it is located near to the elevated highway, Luwan's infrastructure is poorly developed and efficient commuting relies largely on the subway. Luwan is also perpetually noisy, so if you crave peace and green surroundings, you may want to consider other areas of Shanghai.

*Jing'an
Jing'an District is famous for its 750-year-old Jing'an Temple, one of the few historical temples in Shanghai.
Jing'an is the city's main business district and many of Shanghai's largest office towers are located along Nanjing Road, its main drag. The district is also home to an astounding number of high-end malls, the swankiest four- and five-star hotels and a large bar and entertainment strip on Tongren Road which can get very busy on the weekends.
When it comes to housing, however, choice is rather limited. There are few new residential properties, and most of the older former colonial buildings are either used as offices or not renovated to a standard suitable for a foreigner's requirements. Nevertheless, if you find property, living in Jing'an is easy and comfortable due to its central location and good connections to the rest of Shanghai.

*Xuhui
Xuhui District is the most popular residential area of Shanghai and along with Luwan is referred to by many as "downtown." Xuhui covers most of what was the former French concession. The district is home to more than one third of the city's entire expat population, which has settled either in one of the many new compounds or in one of the beautiful former colonial houses from the 1920s and 1930s.
Xuhui has the lowest population density of the downtown districts and offers a charming environment. The characteristic tree-lined streets and picturesque art deco architecture make it a much sought-after location in Shanghai.
It has traditionally been considered a luxurious high-end residential area, and unfortunately rental prices have been going through the roof over the past five years. A tenant will only get about half of the space as he would for the same price in Pudong or Hongqiao. The area is also known for its good public security, which is why most consulates are located here.
For anyone with the budget, Xuhui offers the most convenient and comfortable life in Shanghai.

*Huangpu
Huangpu is home to some of Shanghai's most famous tourist attractions, such as the Bund, Yuyuan Garden and People's Square. The district is also one of the city's most authentically Chinese neighborhoods, with plenty of food markets, small street kitchens, and low-rise original lane houses - and, of course, lots of noise.
Huangpu gives visitors an idea of what the rest of the country's urban landscapes look like in their transition from traditional to modern.
Unfortunately the area does not have a lot to offer in terms of international accommodation. Also the authentic surroundings in Huangpu are not necessarily convenient and it can be quite a hassle to get around without a bicycle.
Nevertheless, if the lack of upscale shops, restaurants and infrastructure don't bother you, Huangpu offers some very affordable accommodation.

*Zhabei/Everbright City
Everbright City may seem dull and gray in daylight but it certainly lights up like a carnival at night, which is supposedly how it got its name. Located close to Shanghai Railway Station with train connections to just about anywhere in China, it is known as a basic district and does not have a lot to offer in terms of Western accommodation, shopping and entertainment.
Many foreign students on tight housing budgets prefer this area as cheap apartments are easy to find, and the train station and subway system make it easy to get around.

*Hongqiao
Hongqiao was one of the first areas in Shanghai where foreigners were allowed to rent. As such, the area, part of Changning District, is today the most developed in international housing and infrastructure.
Hongqiao offers many Western-style residences and is an excellent choice for families, as most of the international schools are located nearby. Accommodation is significantly cheaper than downtown. If your priorities are focused on quiet living, recreational facilities and green surroundings, Hongqiao has a lot to offer.

*Gubei
Gubei is considered the most exclusive residential area within Hongqiao and is located closer to the city than the rest of the district.
Gubei's charming villa compounds that focus on facilities and security make it a top choice for families. China's first and biggest Carrefour serves as the center of Gubei and is for many across the city, the mecca of household item shopping.
The area is ideal if your work requires you to go downtown and your kids are attending school in Hongqiao. Gubei is a typical suburb without much distinctive character - yet - but it conveniently caters to the everyday needs of a busy family.

Districts in Pudong

*Pudong
Pudong is located east of the Huangpu River and is known for its newly developed business district. Because many international companies have opened offices in Pudong, the demand for residential property suitable for expats has grown accordingly.
Living in Pudong does not offer the same charm as living in Puxi across the river but if you prefer quiet, green surroundings, accommodation in Pudong goes for about half the price of its equivalent downtown.
Recreational facilities such as golf courses, parks and museums are plentiful, as are malls and supermarkets. Living on the "other" side of the river, however, means you're far from most of the city's bars, clubs and restaurants.
We usually recommend Pudong to families who work in the area. Singles and younger couples might find life in Pudong a tick too slow compared to Puxi.

*Lujiazui
Lujiazui is Pudong's main business district, famous for its magnificent skyscrapers, including the Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl Broadcasting and TV Tower.
Several very well-managed residential compounds have recently emerged in Lujiazui, and the area is recommended if you choose to live in Pudong.

The writer is a partner of Ark International, Shanghai.
Contact 6445-2651 or visit www.Ark-Shanghai.com for information about their services.