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. But despite their proximity and shared prestige, they offer distinctly different living experiences.
Whether you’re a corporate executive, an expat family, or a professional seeking the ultimate Shanghai address, this guide will help you understand which compound best fits your lifestyle.
At a Glance: The Big Three Comparison
1. The Summit (汇贤居) – The ‘Green Oasis‘
The Summit (Hui Xian Ju) was co-developed by the renowned Cheung Kong (CK Asset) Holdings and Hutchison Whampoa. Completed in 2004, it remains one of the largest and most popular expat compounds in the FFC.
The Architecture & Layout
Unlike its single-tower counterparts, The Summit is a sprawling development consisting of 7 buildings ranging from 5 to 43 stories tall. It houses approximately 400 units, making it the largest of the three.
The Standout Feature: 50% Greenery Ratio
If you have children or a dog, this is your place. The compound boasts a staggering 50% greenery ratio , verified by Chinese real estate data. It features a large central garden with winding paths, a pond, and mature trees that have had 20 years to grow. It genuinely feels like a private park in the middle of the city.
Facilities & Management
The clubhouse is managed by Jiale Property Management. The management style is sometimes described as efficient but “by-the-book.“
- Key Amenities: Indoor swimming pool, fully equipped gym, tennis court, children‘s playground, sauna.
- Convenience: The compound has a small convenience store and a cafe/restaurant at the entrance.
Pricing & Value (2025-2026 Data)
- Average Property Value (March 2026): 128,000 RMB/sqm.
- Average Rent (March 2026): 245 RMB/sqm/month.
- Estimated 4-Bed Rent: ~60,000 – 85,000 RMB/month (compared to Kingsville/Chevalier at higher layers).
Who lives here?
The Summit is widely known as a “Family Compound.“ You‘ll see many children playing in the central garden. The resident mix is heavily skewed toward families working at nearby Consulates (US, UK, France) and senior executives at Fortune 500 companies. It feels like a self-contained suburb in the sky.
“It’s the only place in the FFC where my kid can actually run on grass without me worrying about traffic. The 50%绿化率 sold us.”
— Long-term resident of The Summit
2. Chevalier Place (亦园) – The ‘Boutique Classic‘
Chevalier Place is often described as “The Summit‘s sophisticated cousin.” Located directly across the street at 123 Wulumuqi Road, it was developed slightly earlier (c. 2000) and offers a completely different scale.
The Architecture & Layout
Chevalier Place is a single, 33-storey building. It only houses 113 luxury apartments, including 6 duplex units. This low density gives it an intimate, boutique “club” feel that high-net-worth individuals love.
Unlike the bustling gates of The Summit, Chevalier Place is famous for its doorman. Industry descriptions note that the guard knows each resident by sight, offering a level of high-touch security the larger compounds struggle to match. Children are greeted warmly, and visitors are vetted carefully.
The Standout Feature: The VIP Clubhouse
Despite being a single building, the facilities are top-tier. It includes a squash court, tennis court, snooker room, and an indoor swimming pool.
The living experience
While The Summit gives you a park, Chevalier Place gives you service. The high-ceilinged atrium lobby creates a truly grand arrival experience. The building offers optional add-ons like twice-weekly housekeeping (600 RMB/month).
Location nuance
Because it sits directly on Wulumuqi Road (a busy street), units facing west enjoy views of The Summit‘s greenery, while east-facing units look toward the bustling Huaihai Road district. It is slightly closer to the metro (Changshu Rd) than The Summit.
Who lives here?
This is the preferred residence for top-tier expat executives and Consul Generals. If you value privacy, discretion, and a staff that knows your name over a large playground, this is the choice. The resident list here tends to be more “C-Suite” and diplomat-heavy.
“I moved from The Summit to Chevalier Place. I miss the grass, but I love the silence and the fact that the staff stops my delivery guy before he even reaches the lobby.”
— Current Chevalier Place Tenant
3. Kingsville (金苑) – The ‘Urban Icon‘
Kingsville (Jin Yuan) sits at the absolute bullseye of the FFC—the intersection of Anfu Road and Wulumuqi Middle Road. This address puts its residents directly above the best cafes, bakeries (Pain Chaud is downstairs), and boutiques.
The Architecture & Layout
Kingsville is arguably the most architecturally distinctive. It is a high-rise (approx. 32-33 stories) and perhaps the smallest of the group, housing just under 100 units.
The Standout Feature: The Unobstructed Skyline
Kingsville has the best views, period. Because the surrounding FFC zoning limits height, high-floor Kingsville apartments enjoy sweeping, 180-degree views over the treetops of the Former French Concession. On a clear day, you can see the Huangpu River.
The Living experience & Trade-offs
- Don‘t expect a park. Kingsville‘s greenery ratio is virtually zero compared to The Summit. It is an urban building for urban living.
- The location is unbeatable. Stepping out the door means stepping onto Anfu Road. For social butterflies and foodies, this is heaven.
- Value Hold: Because of its age, Kingsville sold out decades ago and transactions are rare. Owners tend to hold for sentimental value. Rents have historically resisted economic dips due to the uniqueness of the location.
Who lives here?
Singles, young professional couples, and empty-nester executives. If you want to walk to RAC Coffee on a Sunday morning without crossing a street, or stumble home from a speakeasy, you want Kingsville.
“I‘m single. I don’t need a park; I need Anfu Road as my backyard. Kingsville is the only address in Shanghai where I don‘t need a car on weekends.“
— Kingsville Resident
Head-to-Head: Which One Is Right for You?
Which Has Better Greenery?
Winner: The Summit
With a verified 50%绿化率, The Summit offers a literal park. Chevalier Place has a courtyard, and Kingsville has none.
Which Has a Better Clubhouse?
Winner: Tie (The Summit vs. Chevalier Place)
- The Summit: Larger pools and more facilities suitable for a family.
- Chevalier Place: More exclusive, concierge, VIP feel.
- Kingsville: Relies on the neighborhood.
Which Is More Convenient?
Winner: Kingsville
It sits exactly on the corner of Anfu and Wulumuqi. However, all three are within walking distance of Metro Lines 1/7 (Changshu Rd) and within 1km of Jing‘an Temple.
Which Has the Best Community Vibe?
Winner: The Summit (for families), Chevalier Place (for professionals)
The Summit has the critical mass of families. Chevalier Place has a cozy, elite clubhouse vibe. Kingsville‘s community is the street outside.
Which Holds Value Best?
Winner: Chevalier Place / Kingsville
Kingsville holds value due to location scarcity. Chevalier holds value due to unit scarcity (only 113 units). The Summit has more unit turnover, which can mean better negotiating power for renters.
Location Comparison
Nearby Schools & International Accessibility
All three compounds are ideally situated for families enrolled in international schools or working at consulates.
| School/Office | Distance |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) | 5.6 km |
| British International School (BISS) | 21.6 km |
| Euro Campus | 15.4 km |
| Hongqiao Airport | 10.9 km |
| Pudong Airport | 48.3 km |
Key Proximity: These compounds are just minutes away from the US, UK, French, and German Consulates, making them the #1 choice for diplomatic staff.
Summary: The Three Personas
If you are looking at these three compounds, you are already looking at the top 1% of Shanghai real estate. Your choice comes down to lifestyle.
- Choose The Summit if you have a family (or a large dog). You want the 50% greenery, the running paths, and the feeling that you live in a park.
- Choose Chevalier Place if you want boutique luxury and white-glove service. If the doorman knowing your child‘s name is more important than a large lawn, pick Chevalier.
- Choose Kingsville if you live for the city. If the energy of Anfu Road, the convenience of having the world‘s best coffee downstairs, and unobstructed skyline views matter most, pick Kingsville.
Final Tip for Renters:
- Value play: The Summit often offers the best ¥/sqm value, especially for 3-4 beds.
- Exclusivity: Chevalier is hard to find but worth the wait.
- Flexibility: Kingsville is ideal for shorter-term, high-intensity urban living.
Which of the Big Three is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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