Best Neighborhoods in Shanghai for Young Professionals

Young People in Shanghai
Young People in Shanghai | ©d'n'c/Flickr
Rachel Deason

There’s no better place to be young than in Shanghai. This incredibly dynamic city is a great place to start your career and save money for the future, all while having the time of your life. Of course, some places in the city are better than others. Whether you’re looking for something convenient, cheap, or both, here are Shanghai’s best neighborhoods for millennials and young professionals.

Xuhui

Xuhui covers most of the Former French Concession area that is popular with expats, young people, and artsy types. A lot of the old lanehouse architecture has been preserved and converted into trendy lofts and studio apartments. The streets are narrower than in other areas, making them conducive to long walks and bike rides. In fact, living in Xuhui means you can walk almost everywhere you need to go as many of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and shops are all here. Two of the prime real estate areas in Xuhui are located around the Changshu Lu and South Shaanxi metro stops.
Xuhui, Shanghai, China

South Shaanxi

West Nanjing

Nanjing West Road, Jing’an, China, 200041

West Nanjing

Jing’an

Jing’an is the heart of the city, both geographically and socially. In fact, many of Shanghai’s young professionals work in Jing’an office buildings by day and party in Jing’an bars by night. There are still some apartments in this area that won’t break the bank. Check out the Yuyuan Lu/Jiangsu Lu area to find the best modestly priced highrise apartments.
Jing’an, Shanghai, China

Jing’an Temple

People’s Square

People’s Square is more than just a tourist trap. Between the massage parlors and camera toting travelers, you’ll find cheap housing and delicious local eats. This neighborhood caters especially to students and interns. Here, you’ll often find cosmopolitan 5-8 person apartments where you can meet roommates from all over the world. The vibe here is energetic, with residents often taking a short walk east to the Bund for clubbing.

Wusheng Rd, RenMin GuangChang, Huangpu Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200000

Nanjing Rd.

Suzhou Creek

Suzhou Creek is a little off the beaten track which means that its wonders have yet to be exploited. This artsy neighborhood is home to many a private gallery as well as Instagrammable art street Moganshan Lu. Waterfront property typically means a high price tag, but not in Suzhou Creek. Here you’ll find spacious apartments with million dollar views of the Lujiazui skyline, all for cheaper than you ever thought possible.
Wusong River, China

Suzhou Creek

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article