Who Am I & Why This Guide?
Hey there! I'm Cathy (沪小丽), a licensed English-speaking tour guide who has been helping expats settle into Shanghai for over 8 years. I've seen the confusion on newcomers' faces, the frustration of not knowing where to buy certain things, and the joy when they finally crack the Shanghai code. This guide is everything I've learned, condensed into one place.
Whether you're a freshly arrived expat, a seasoned foreign resident, or someone planning to relocate to Shanghai, this guide will help you navigate the city like a true local.
Where to Live: Neighborhoods Decoded
Jing'an 静安 — The All-Rounder
Jing'an is the expat sweet spot. Great international schools nearby, tons of Western and fusion restaurants, and excellent public transport connections. The area around Jing'an Temple is buzzing with energy, while the northern part (Jing'an District) offers quieter residential compounds. Rent here isn't cheap, but the convenience is unmatched.
Former French Concession 法租界 — Charm Overload
If you're after that tree-lined, café-on-every-corner Shanghai dream, this is it. Streets like Wukang Road and Hunan Road are postcard-perfect. The downsides? Older apartment buildings (check the plumbing!), and it's pricier than most areas. But the vibe? Absolutely worth it.
Lujiazui/Pudong 陆家嘴/浦东 — Business First
If you work in finance or at one of the multinational HQs in Lujiazui, living nearby makes sense. Modern compounds, amazing river views, and newer infrastructure. The trade-off? It feels less "old Shanghai" and more "global finance hub." Good for families who want space and newer facilities.
Xintiandi 新天地 — Boutique Living
The epitome of Shanghai chic. Converted shikumen lane houses, high-end everything, and walking distance to the best nightlife. Perfect for young professionals and couples without kids. Not ideal for families on a budget.
Daily Life Hacks
Grocery Shopping
- Metro/RT-Mart: For everyday Chinese groceries. Great for fresh produce, meat, and basic pantry items. Pro tip: download 盒马 (Hema) for fresh grocery delivery
- City Shop / Ole: Import supermarkets with Western products. Frequented by expats
- Epermarket / Kate & Kimi: Online grocery delivery with English interfaces — a lifesaver
Healthcare
- International Hospitals: Jiahui International, United Family, ParkwayHealth — all have English-speaking staff and accept international insurance
- Public Hospitals: Huashan Hospital and Ruijin Hospital have VIP/international wings
- Pharmacies: Watson's and local pharmacies are everywhere. For Western medications, bring a supply or check with international clinics
Transportation
- Metro: 19 lines covering nearly everywhere. Get a 交通卡 (transport card) or use Alipay's transport function
- Didi (滴滴): China's Uber. The English version in Alipay works well enough
- Bike sharing: HelloBike (哈啰) and Meituan Bike are everywhere. You'll need a Chinese payment app to unlock them
- Taxis: Abundant but many drivers don't speak English. Have your destination written in Chinese
Payment Apps
Alipay and WeChat Pay are basically mandatory. As of 2026, both now support linking foreign credit cards — a huge improvement. Set these up on day one. Cash is rarely used, and some places literally won't accept it.
Social Life & Networking
Where Expats Hang Out
- The Bund & Riverside: Sunday brunch culture at places like M on the Bund
- French Concession cafés: Moka Bros, Al's Baking Company
- Networking events: AmCham Shanghai, BritCham, Internations all host regular mixers
- Fitness & Sports: F45, Pure Yoga, and the Hash House Harriers running group
Making Local Friends
This is the question I get most often. My advice: learn a few Chinese phrases, join a local hobby group (calligraphy, cooking, tai chi), and don't be afraid to use your broken Chinese. Shanghainese people appreciate the effort, even if your tones are all over the place.
Final Tips from Cathy
Shanghai is fast, intense, and incredibly rewarding. The first few weeks can feel overwhelming, but give yourself time. Explore one neighborhood per weekend. Try one new Chinese dish per week. Say "你好" to your neighbors. Before you know it, you'll be the one showing newcomers around.
Need a bilingual guide to help you navigate Shanghai? That's what I do! Add me on WeChat: cathy166666. I'd love to show you my Shanghai.
*This guide was written by 沪小丽 (Cathy), an English-speaking Shanghai tour guide with 8 years of experience helping expats and international visitors discover the real Shanghai.*
