Downtown

The ‘downtown' Shanghai has been expanding all the time thanks to the incessant urban growth. Historically, the ‘downtown' referred the several district radiating from the Nanjing Road - People's Square – Huaihai Road area, which was the central stage for business and cultural life in the city. The downtown used to be home to major western settlements and Today, with the grand buildings of the old time being dwarfed by skyscrapers that have come into being since 1990s, the downtown area is now restoring the glory of an international cosmopolitan in the far east..

Old French Concession occupies the best part of Luwan, Xuhui districts and extends into the present Changning and Jingan districts. The Concession retains tree-lined streets, historic atmosphere, elegant European villas and apartments, cafes & boutiques. It is a mix of the early 20 th century and today, European and Chinese. It is now the heart of the lively modern Shanghaiese life with almost every necessary means of modern living within walking distance. Most of the old properties in the Concession are low-rise buildings and old houses, which can be divided into three groups: Garden House, Lane House and Old Style Apartment. Some of them played a role in the history. Nowadays fancy restaurants and modern & post-modern bars have popped up and densely dotted the historic area, serving exquisite cuisines from all over the world. Needless to say, it is the top choice living area for new comers to China

Xintiandi, literally the New Heaven and Earth, is a miracle of development and restoration of the old Shanghaiese architecture. Only a few minutes walk from the CBD, this neighborhood gives expatriates an experience of Western life style under the skin of the Shanghaiese architecture. Xintiandi is representative of fashion and luxury and it homes some of the top end luxury apartments in the city, which offer a stunning view of a man-made lake the heart of the area. The most well-known properties are Lakeville, Lakeville Regency, Lanson etc.,

People's Square Community is generally tagged the centre of the city. It is a critical transport hub connecting the bustling working population to everywhere in Shanghai . As it is a busy and noisy area, it is not a natural choice for expatriates. However, the apartments in the neighborhood of Nanjing Rd (W) and Shimen Rd, approx. 15- minutes walk from the People Square, still attracts those who seek a stylish and conveniently located home for exciting downtown life. Properties such as Four Seasons, Crystal Pavillon, Sea of CLounds and La Doll are among the favorites.

Yu Garden Community, the symbol of ancient Shanghai , offers a matchless opportunity of living amidst the survival of the native past of Shanghai . The modern developments outside, reinforced by all the 21 century supporting facilities, contrast sharply with the old city which is almost the most visited place in Shanghai. Though well located in the central part of the city, the area has too many ghettoes on its land to be proud. It is an district yet to be developed. Better options in the area are West Gate Garden , Huangpu Zhongxin City .

Zhongshan Park Community has been one of the most notable public green spaces in Shanghai . It has become a sub-town for shopping and luxury residence. Adjacent to a university featuring east-meets-west architecture, the neighborhood has everything around that expatriate residents can ask for. The well-established amenities and easy connection to the CBD attract professionals who enjoy the energy of the city. Those luxury apartments with pleasant view of the Zhongshan Park , for instance, Park View Apartment, Belgravia , are obviously more attractive than others.

Jingan Temple Community, popular among shoppers, is nearer the city centre than Zhongshan Park by a couple of metro stops. While it has some high end, high rise shopping plazas around, it is also a place for pop cafés and restaurants. The life outside the walled temple is full of modern comfort and pleasure. More luxury serviced apartments are around here than in some other areas, among which are Shanghai Centre Serviced Apartment, Kerry Centre Serviced Apartment etc.

Xujiahui Community has undergone fastest urban development in Shanghai in the recent years. It is super convenient for eating, shopping and transportation. The famous Jiaotong University is just around the corner. Apartments around this bustling modern hub are favored equally by vibrant local youngsters and expatriates. While majority of the apartments are medium-priced, luxury options are not hard to find. Oriental Manhattan, Grand Gateway Serviced Apartment are among the top choices in the neighborhood.