Top of City sits on Weihai Road in the heart of Jing’an, between People’s Square and Nanjing West Road. It is one of the few compounds in central Shanghai built around a large man-made lake. The 8,000 sqm ecological lake and 26,000 sqm lakefront gardens give it a park-like feel that most downtown developments cannot match .
The compound was completed in 2005 by Shanghai Zhongkai Real Estate. It has won several awards, including the 2006 Zhan Tianyou Award for Excellent Residential Communities . For expats, the appeal is simple: you get a central location, a genuine green space with water, and a well-established community.
The name “Top of City” is fitting. You are in the middle of everything – Nanjing West Road shopping, Jing’an Temple, People’s Square – but the compound itself feels like a retreat from the city.
Quick Facts
Architecture & Layout
Top of City consists of 25 buildings, primarily 18-story or shorter low-rise high-rises . The design is unusual for a downtown compound. Instead of packing in as many towers as possible, the developer created an open layout around the central lake.
Unit sizes are generous by downtown standards. The developer’s philosophy was to create “true luxury” – three-bedroom units average 150 sqm, four-bedroom units average 190 sqm. There are also larger units, including duplexes with private pools.
The buildings have electronic security systems and IC card access controls . Some towers use a two-elevator-per-unit layout which gives residents near-private elevator access.
Greenery & Outdoor Space
The central lake is the defining feature of Top of City. At 8,000 sqm, it is large enough to feel like a real water feature, not just a pond . The surrounding lakefront gardens add another 26,000 sqm of green space .
Walking paths circle the lake, with benches and a boardwalk. The landscaping includes trees, shrubs, and flower beds. An outdoor playground is located near the water .
The compound has a 45-48% greenery ratio, which is high for central Shanghai .
Clubhouse & Amenities
The compound has a private clubhouse with facilities for residents. According to architectural firm B+H Architects, who worked on the project, the clubhouse includes :
- Indoor swimming pool
- Gym / fitness center
- Tennis court
- Yoga room
- Sauna and steam room
- Spa
- Café
- Children’s play area
The clubhouse is free for residents.
The compound also has a restaurant and convenience store on-site .
Expat Community & Resident Profile
Top of City has a well-established expat community. The compound is located within walking distance of the consulate area and is popular with:
- Corporate executives and their families
- Consulate staff
- Professionals working in Jing’an or Lujiazui
- Families with school-age children
The compound is described as one of “the most popular compounds in central downtown” . Residents have access to an English-speaking property management team .
Location & Surroundings
The location is central. The compound is bordered by Weihai Road to the north, Dagu Road to the south, and Shimen Road to the east. The Yan’an Elevated Road is nearby, giving quick access to the rest of the city .
Nearby amenities include:
- Shopping: HKRI Taikoo Hui, Plaza 66, Jing’an Kerry Centre
- Dining: Wujiang Road food street
- Green space: Yan’an Park (adjacent to the compound)
- Schools: Weihai Road No. 3 Primary School, Minli Middle School
Schools
Top of City is located within the catchment zone for two well-regarded public schools:
For international families, the compound’s central location makes commuting to most international schools manageable.
Practicalities & Management
Property Management: Poly Property Management (保利物业) .
Management Fee: 1.45 to 4.80 RMB/sqm/month, depending on the building . Some sources list 3.80 RMB/sqm/month as the standard . The lower rate likely applies to older or smaller units.
Parking: 500 spaces for 1,000 units . Parking is tight. Inquire separately about availability.
Security: Electronic security system, IC card access, video surveillance . 24/7 security.
Heating/Cooling: Many units have central AC and wall heating. Some also have underfloor heating. Specifications vary by unit. Ask when you view.
Practical Information:
- Utilities: Tenant responsibility
- Internet: Fiber available
- Pets: Case by case – inquire with landlord
- Furnished vs. unfurnished: Most rentals come furnished
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Central location – 5 min walk to Nanjing West Road Station
- 8000 sqm lake – genuinely unique for a downtown compound
- 45% greenery – high for central Shanghai
- Strong expat community – established and well-regarded
- Large unit sizes – 150 sqm average for 3-beds
- Good clubhouse – pool, gym, tennis, yoga, spa
- Proximity to HKRI Taikoo Hui – 400m walk
Cons
- Parking is tight – 500 spaces for 1,000 units
- Older buildings – completed 2005
- Mixed unit quality – some units have been renovated, others have not
Rental Market Snapshot (2026)
Recent listings show a range of prices:
| Unit Type | Size | Typical Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 2-bedroom | ~100-110 sqm | 20,000 – 25,000 RMB/month |
| 3-bedroom | 146-170 sqm | 25,000 – 35,000 RMB/month |
| 3-bedroom (high floor) | 149 sqm | 35,200 RMB/month |
Recent listings show:
- 149 sqm 3-bed at 35,200 RMB/month
- 146 sqm 3-bed at 32,000 RMB/month
- 166 sqm 3-bed at 26,000 RMB/month
The average rent in the compound is approximately 237 RMB/sqm/month.
Conclusion
Top of City is the right choice if you want a central location with genuine green space and water. The 8,000 sqm lake is the main draw – you cannot find anything like it in other Jing’an compounds.
Best for:
- Families who want a central location with a park-like setting
- Professionals working in Jing’an or People’s Square
- Tenants who value outdoor space and greenery
- Anyone who wants to be close to HKRI Taikoo Hui and Nanjing West Road
Not ideal for:
- Tenants with cars (parking is tight)
- Those who want the newest building (completed 2005)
- Anyone who needs a guaranteed spot in the compound’s school catchment
If you want the greenest compound in Jing’an with a lake view, Top of City is the place.
Contact us to view available units in Top of City.
Shanghai Rentals
WeChat: 13816427716
Email: info@shanghai-rentals.com
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