If you’ve spent any time searching for luxury housing in Shanghai‘s Former French Concession, you’ve undoubtedly encountered the “Big Three” compounds on or near Anfu Road: The Summit (汇贤居), Chevalier Place (亦园), and Kingsville (金苑). These three properties sit within a stone‘s throw of each other and have dominated the high-end expat rental market for nearly two decades....

Moving to Shanghai with children is exciting — but finding the right school is usually the first big decision families face, and it can feel overwhelming. With over 50 accredited international schools across the city, covering every major curriculum from British and American to IB, French, German, and Singaporean, the options are genuinely impressive. But not every school is right for every family, and...

If you‘ve spent any time researching apartments in Jing’an, you‘ve undoubtedly come across two names: One Park Avenue (静安枫景苑) and Eight Park Avenue (静安豪景苑). These twin developments, built by the same Singaporean developer just a street apart, have become legendary in Shanghai’s expat rental market. But what‘s the real difference between them? Which one is...

There is a specific corner in Shanghai that has become something of a pilgrimage site. At the intersection of Huaihai Middle Road and Wukang Road, a wedge-shaped building shaped like a ship's bow slices through the traffic. Tourists crowd the opposite sidewalk, phones held high, all trying to capture the same perfect shot. This is the Wukang Building. And it is the gateway to one of the most...

Imagine landing at Shanghai's Pudong or Hongqiao Airport after a long flight. You're tired, jet-lagged, and slightly overwhelmed. But as you walk toward the arrivals hall, someone hands you a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It's free. It's warm. And it's your first taste of something that defines modern Shanghai. Welcome to Shanghai – the undisputed coffee capital of the world. This isn't just...

When you think of Shanghai, images of towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and glittering nightlife might come to mind. But beneath that urban exterior lies a city that absolutely adores children. From world-class theme parks and interactive museums to artsy workshops and sports classes, Shanghai is a treasure trove of family-friendly fun. If you are a parent planning to relocate to Shanghai with...

When the sun sets over the Huangpu River and Shanghai's skyscrapers begin to glitter, the city transforms. The streets buzz with a different kind of energy – one of clinking glasses, thumping basslines, hidden speakeasies, and rooftop views that will take your breath away. Shanghai’s nightlife is legendary. It’s diverse, world-class, and constantly evolving. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur,...

If Old Xuhui whispers history through its plane trees and lane houses, Jing'an speaks the language of modern, connected, family-friendly living. It is a district that manages to be both energetic and peaceful, both international and deeply local. For expats moving to Shanghai, Jing'an has become one of the most sought-after neighborhoods – and for good reason. From luxury compounds with resort-style...

There is a particular kind of magic that happens when you turn off a busy Shanghai thoroughfare and duck into a quiet lane house neighborhood. The noise of the city softens. The plane trees grow thicker overhead. And suddenly, you are walking through history. Lane houses – or lilong (里弄) in Chinese – are the architectural soul of Old Shanghai. For decades, they have been the backdrop...

So you are moving to Shanghai. Congratulations! You have probably spent weeks researching neighborhoods, browsing listings, and imagining your new life beneath the plane trees of Old Xuhui or in a modern compound in Jing'an. But then comes the practical question: How do I actually rent a home here? The process is different from many other countries. Do not worry — it is straightforward once you...