The Paragon: Guide to a Shanghai Luxury Icon in FFC

The Paragon sits at the intersection of South Maoming Road and Julu Road, where the Former French Concession meets the Huaihai Road commercial district. The location is among the most desirable in Shanghai. You are walking distance to Huaihai Road shopping, Jing’an Temple, and the cafes of Anfu Road and Changle Road. The area is tree-lined, quiet, and central.

The building is often listed in “Top 10 Luxury Developments in Shanghai” discussions. It was developed by CapitaLand, a Singaporean developer with a strong reputation for high-end projects. The exterior uses Brazilian granite, giving the building a distinctive “golden desert” appearance that changes with the sunlight. Inside, units range from 144 to 578 square meters, with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views over the Former French Concession tree canopy.

Quick Facts

ItemDetails
English NameThe Paragon
Chinese Name凯德茂名公馆 (Kǎi Dé Màomíng Gōngguǎn)
AddressLane 9, South Maoming Road (near Julu Road)
DistrictHuangpu / Former French Concession border
DeveloperCapitaLand (凯德置地)
Property ManagementXinchang Property Management (新昌物业)
BuiltPhased: 2011-2024
Total Units271
Floors11-26 stories
Unit Sizes144 sqm to 578 sqm
Greenery Ratio35%
Parking337 spaces (approx. 1:1.2 ratio)
Clubhouse3,500 sqm private clubhouse
Metro AccessHuaihai Middle Road Station (Line 13) – 382m
Pet PolicyCase by case

The Paragon appeals to tenants who want a modern luxury building with full amenities, a central location, and the prestige of a recognized name. It is not for everyone – the rent is high, the units are large, and the price reflects the address. But for those who can afford it, The Paragon delivers.

The Paragon, one of Shanghai's top luxury developments. 3,500 sqm clubhouse, 35% greenery, prime FFC/Huaihai Road location. Complete expat guide.

Architecture & Layout

The Paragon consists of five residential buildings arranged around landscaped gardens. The architecture blends traditional Shanghai elements with modern design. The exterior uses Brazilian granite, giving the building a distinctive “golden desert” appearance that changes with the sunlight.

Unit sizes range from 144 sqm (2-bedroom) to 578 sqm (penthouse). The most common layouts are:

Unit TypeSize RangeNotes
2-bedroom144-161 sqmRare in this building
3-bedroom213-260 sqmThe most common expat rental
4-bedroom263-390 sqmIncludes large penthouses

The building has 3.3 meter original ceiling heights. Finished units have about 2.8 meters of clearance. Floor-to-ceiling windows are standard, and many units have panoramic views over the Former French Concession tree canopy.

The building’s phased completion means unit conditions vary. Phase 1 (Buildings 1-3) was completed in 2013. Phase 2 (Building 7) was also 2013. Phase 3 (Building 5) was 2018-2020. The newest phase (Building 6) was completed in 2024. If you want the newest unit, focus on Building 5 or 6.

The Paragon, one of Shanghai's top luxury developments. 3,500 sqm clubhouse, 35% greenery, prime FFC/Huaihai Road location. Complete expat guide.

Greenery & Outdoor Space

The Paragon has a 35% greenery ratio. The gardens were designed by BCA, an international landscape architecture firm. The style is English garden – naturalistic, layered, with winding paths and seasonal plantings.

The landscaping is not the main feature of this building. The Paragon is an urban tower, not a garden compound. But the grounds are well-maintained and provide a pleasant buffer from the street.

Clubhouse & Amenities

The Paragon has a 3,500 sqm private clubhouse. Facilities include:

FacilityDetails
Indoor swimming poolHeated, year-round
Fitness center / gymFully equipped
Squash courtAvailable
Table tennisAvailable
Children‘s playroomIndoor
Coffee shop / caféOn-site
Function roomsAvailable for events

The clubhouse is for residents only. The management fee (approximately 18 RMB/sqm/month) covers access.

Expat Community & Resident Profile

The Paragon has a strong expat presence. The building is popular with:

  • Senior corporate executives
  • Consulate staff (the US, UK, French, and German consulates are all nearby)
  • Wealthy Chinese families
  • High-net-worth individuals

The building is not a “young expat party compound.” The crowd here is established, professional, and private.

The Paragon, one of Shanghai's top luxury developments. 3,500 sqm clubhouse, 35% greenery, prime FFC/Huaihai Road location. Complete expat guide.

Location & Surroundings

DestinationDistance / Time
Huaihai Middle Road Station (Line 13)382m
Shaanxi South Road Station (Lines 1, 10, 12)10-12 min walk
Huaihai Road / IAPM5-10 min walk
Jing’an Temple15 min walk
Anfu Road cafes10-12 min walk
People’s Square15 min walk

The location is central. The building is close to everything but not directly on a noisy main road. The area is safe, clean, and walkable.

Schools

The Paragon is located within the catchment zone for several well-regarded schools:

SchoolTypeDistance
Aiju Primary School (爱菊小学)PrivateNearby
World Primary School (世界小学)PublicNearby
Shanghai No. 54 Middle SchoolPublic1.5 km

For international families, the location is central enough that most international schools are within reasonable commuting distance.

Practicalities & Management

Property Management: Xinchang Property Management. The company is professional, and residents generally report good service.

Management Fee: Approximately 18 RMB/sqm/month. For a 200 sqm unit, that is about 3,600 RMB per month – significantly higher than most compounds. This is the cost of The Paragon‘s amenities and central location.

Parking: 337 spaces for 271 units – a ratio of about 1:1.2. Parking is available but not guaranteed. Ask about availability when you view.

Security: 24-hour security with doormen and key card access.

Practical Information:

  • Utilities: Tenant responsibility
  • Internet: Fiber available (China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom)
  • Pets: Case by case – inquire with landlord
  • Furnished vs. unfurnished: Most rentals come furnished; negotiate with owner

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Prime location – FFC / Huaihai Road / Jing’an all within walking distance
  • Recognized luxury brand – The Paragon name carries weight
  • High-quality construction – CapitaLand developer, Brazilian granite exterior
  • Full amenities – 3,500 sqm clubhouse with pool, gym, squash court
  • Large unit sizes – smallest unit is 144 sqm
  • Newer construction – newest phase completed 2024
  • Good parking ratio – 1:1.2, better than most central compounds
  • Security – Professional doorman system

Cons

  • Building age varies – Phase 1 units from 2013 are not “new”
  • Greenery ratio is modest – 35%, not a garden compound
  • No large expat community feel – quieter, more private
  • Premium pricing – you pay for the name and location
  • Limited availability – only 271 units total

Rental Market Snapshot (2026)

Recent listings show:

Unit TypeSizeTypical Rent
2-bedroom144-161 sqm43,000 – 50,000 RMB/month
3-bedroom213-260 sqm55,000 – 75,000 RMB/month
4-bedroom263-390 sqm80,000 – 130,000 RMB/month

A recent 219 sqm 3-bed was listed at 55,000 RMB/month. A 161 sqm 2-bed with floor heating was listed at 43,800 RMB/month. A 263 sqm 4-bed high-floor unit was listed at 98,000 RMB/month. A 454 sqm penthouse was listed at 68,000-80,000 RMB/month.

Compare to other luxury compounds:

CompoundTypical 3-bed rent (200-220 sqm)Key difference
The Paragon55,000 – 75,000 RMBCentral location, newer building
The Summit45,000 – 55,000 RMBFFC location, older building, 50% greenery
Chevalier Place45,000 – 65,000 RMBBoutique building, Anfu Road address

Conclusion

The Paragon is the right choice if you want a modern luxury building with full amenities, a central location, and the prestige of a recognized name.

Best for:

  • Senior executives and diplomatic families
  • Tenants who value a clubhouse with pool, gym, and squash court
  • Anyone who wants a large unit (200+ sqm) in a newer building
  • Those who prefer an urban tower over a garden compound

Not ideal for:

  • Tenants on a budget
  • Anyone who wants a large garden or park-like setting
  • Those who prefer smaller, more boutique buildings

If you want the green space and community feel of a larger compound, The Summit is a better choice. If you want a boutique building on Anfu Road, Chevalier Place is worth considering.

But if you want a central, high-end, full-service luxury building with a recognized brand name, The Paragon delivers.

Contact us to view available units in The Paragon.

Shanghai Rentals
WeChat: 13816427716
Email: info@shanghai-rentals.com

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