Located on the East China Sea, Shanghai – which literally translates to ‘upon the sea’ – extends from the Yangtze River in the north to Hangzhou Bay in the south.
Shanghai is one of the largest ports in the world and serves as a crucial commercial and industrial hub for China. The city’s climate is subtropical, meaning you’ll experience all four seasons. The coldest months are January and February. July and August are the hottest, with temperatures occasionally reaching close to 40°C.
When living in Shanghai, it's important to be mindful of the air quality. It's possible to monitor this in real-time using the government website or specialised app.
Shanghai, with almost 30 million residents, is the most populous city in China and one of the largest in the world. The city is home to tens of thousands of registered expats and attracts millions of tourists every year.
While Mandarin is the official and primary working language, most locals speak the Wu dialect, also known as Shanghainese, which differs significantly from Mandarin. The language barrier can pose challenges, especially outside the city centre and tourist areas. However, as more young people learn English, navigating the city without Chinese is easier than ever.
Shanghai is also home to many different communities and social groups, ranging from expat mothers to biking and photography enthusiasts. Whatever your interests, Shanghai will offer a community for you.
Finding housing when moving to Shanghai requires careful consideration due to the size and diversity of the city.
Your choice of location will have a big impact on your day-to-day life, so it's essential to explore different neighbourhoods before committing. We recommend testing your potential commute to work, to gauge convenience. You should also seek advice from expat housing specialists, as well as colleagues and friends, about the pros and cons of different areas. Our Admissions Team can offer guidance, too.
Choosing the right accommodation when relocating to Shanghai is vital. For instance, an iconic lane house in the former French Concession offers proximity to activities but may suffer from noise. On the other hand, a spacious suburban villa offers tranquillity but a longer commute.
Our location in Kangqiao
NAIS Pudong is located in Kangqiao Town, in the heart of Shanghai's burgeoning Pudong New District. This area is home to a vibrant mix of international and local communities, with a family-feel and relaxed atmosphere, away from than the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It’s also close to Pudong International Airport and the thriving Zhangjiang High-Tech Park.
The metro
Shanghai boasts the world's second longest metro system, which connects the city’s 16 districts to downtown. The metro is modern, clean and convenient, with trains arriving every two to three minutes during peak hours.
Located in Kangqiao Town, NAIS Pudong is handily situated between Xiuyan Road (Line 11) and Kangqiao (Line 18) subway stations, and very close to Luoshan Road (Line 16).
Taxis
Shanghai has a well-established taxi network that includes both state-run and private services. State taxis operate throughout the city, distinguishable by the colours of their cars. There are also popular taxi apps, such as DiDi, which operate in the same way as Uber.
Bikes and e-scooters
E-scooters are popular for short trips, although navigating Shanghai’s traffic can be challenging! Shared bikes are ubiquitous, with apps like Meituan and Alipay offering bikes on almost every street corner, even in quieter parts of the city.
Housing
The cost of accommodation in Shanghai varies, depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. You can expect to pay a premium if you want to live in popular areas like Jing’an or Xintiandi. By contrast, you’ll find more affordable options in residential areas like Hongkou or Yangpu.
For comparison, the average monthly rent for a three-bed apartment in the city centre is 18,500 RMB. Outside the city centre, a similar apartment would cost around 9,000 RMB per month.
Healthcare
The cost of healthcare varies dramatically. In emergencies, fees at a private hospital in China would add up quite similarly to those in a Western country. As a result, it’s essential to make sure you have comprehensive medical insurance in place before you move to Shanghai.
Transport
The cost of transport in Shanghai is extremely reasonable. The city’s extensive metro network is popular and affordable, while the city’s iconic yellow taxis are readily available and largely inexpensive. Bike-sharing services are also a cost-effective way to get around.
Food and drink
The cost of eating out in Shanghai varies widely, with options ranging from high-end, luxury dining at one of the city’s 40+ Michelin starred restaurants to delicious, low-cost eating experiences at local street food stalls.
When it comes to groceries, you can find almost anything in foreign supermarkets. Imported produce is, of course, pricier, and some of the best bargains in Shanghai can be found in the city’s local markets.
Shanghai offers endless entertainment options for expat families, catering to all interests and age groups.
Some highlights include:
Restaurants
The city’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse. In Shanghai, you can enjoy a gourmet meal at a five-star hotel, savour steaming bowls of handmade noodles at a local eatery, or indulge in fresh seafood buffets overlooking the river.
Shanghai also has an incredibly vibrant street food culture. Throughout the city, small-scale food stalls offer a variety of local delicacies. Key destinations include Fangbang Road, famous for its street food market, as well as South Bund Fabric Market, Qibao Old Street, and Yunnan South Road.
Shopping
Shopping in Shanghai means discovering hidden gems and enjoying the city's vibrant consumer culture. From the luxury retailers of Bicester Village and the malls of Nanjing Road to the buzzing Tianzifang Art District, shopping in Shanghai is always an adventure!
How long have you been in Shanghai, and what made you consider moving to the city initially?
This is my third year in Shanghai and I moved here for work reasons. I also wanted to live in a city with more opportunities to experience big city life, and what better place than one of the largest in the world!
Where have you lived before you came to Shanghai?
I have lived in several countries including Vietnam, Turkey and Wales. I also lived in Suzhou for three years before moving to Shanghai.
How did you find preparing to move here?
Moving from one city to another city in China is relatively easy with regards to packing up and changing accommodation, however, I found it a long process dealing with the bureaucratic side of things; ensuring that all the correct paperwork is collected, submitted and processed in the correct order and on the correct date is challending. I relied on the support and help of the wonderful HR team within my organization to get all this completed.
How have you found the city so far?
Although Shanghai is not the capital city of China, it feels like it. It’s huge, with many areas that are very distinct from each other. I sometimes think that even after 10 years it would be impossible to fully explore Shanghai. I like being able to go to the theatre, to musical events, explore historic walkways, walk alongside the river for miles and usually find something “new” every time I go out.
What’s been your biggest challenge in Shanghai?
The traffic – but that’s what makes it feel like a major city. You just have to remember to factor in traffic time if you want to cross the city.
Is there anything you found surprising/unexpected about the city?
The non-conformity of the people. Shanghai has a wonderful history, making it different to almost every other city in China in terms of its quirkiness and the way the Shanghainese express themselves in their own way.
What would be your top three tips for anyone thinking of moving to Shanghai/China?
Finally, any hints/tips on great places or hidden gems in the city to visit for food/drinks/entertainment so far?
Use the APP 24/7 for what’s happening in Shanghai – I’ve found it to be very useful. Also, I like walking along the Pudong side of the river and have not yet managed all 43km of it, but walking this promenade takes you through many slices of Shanghainese life, whichever section you walk.
What made you consider moving to Shanghai initially?
I visited Shanghai 15 years ago and I've been so curious to come back ever since. I've worked in a few Nord Anglia schools in different locations, and when the opportunity came up to move to NAIS Pudong and try life in Shanghai, my wife and I jumped at the opportunity.
Where were you living before you came to Shanghai?
I've lived in the USA, the UK, the Netherlands and Russia. Now, I'm excited about this new chapter in China and exploring all that this incredible country has to offer.
So how have you found Shanghai so far?
Shanghai is an incredible city, full of things to do and see. We've loved exploring the many museums and galleries almost as much as the restaurant scene. There is so much going on here, you can really find something for everyone every day of the week. We've also value how safe we feel here. Whether walking at night, parking your bicycle outside the school, or just bringing your laptop to the coffee shop, you always feel that sense of personal safety, which is very important to my wife and I.
What’s been your biggest challenge here?
While the famous Chinese apps do make life easier in many ways, the novelty of always looking at a small rectangle of glass to conduct all areas of your life wears off. Finding restaurants where you can order from a menu and interact with staff has been really refreshing. I might be old fashioned, but I prefer to interact with the real world rather than my phone!
And what have you found surprising about the city?
I knew that Shanghai would be a futuristic city, but I didn't expect it to be so clean. Roads, pavements, and public spaces are all spotless. It's so green as well; parks are so beautiful and the landscaping is done very thoughtfully and beautifully. Taking a short walk around the pristine streets and parks is a pleasure when surrounded by breathtaking trees, plants, flowers and nature.
What would be your top three tips for anyone thinking of moving to Shanghai/China?
Any tips on great places or hidden gems in the city to visit for food/drinks/entertainment so far?
I've not been in the city long, so I have much to learn. However, I've been assured that the best pizza in the city is at Bottega near to Xiangyang Park.
How long have you been in Shanghai, and what made you consider moving to the city initially?
I have loved my four years in Shanghai. Firstly, as a mother of two young teenagers I was drawn to the independence my children would gain living in Shanghai compared to the chauffer-driven life they had in Jakarta. Shanghai has not disappointed, and it has been one of the best decisions we made as a family. Secondly, I switched from a Nord Anglia school in Jakarta, and so I knew from the internal network that NAIS Pudong was a great school to be at for both great students and supportive staff. It was a no brainer!!
Where have you lived before you came to Shanghai?
We moved from the UK to Jakarta, Indonesia which was a 1hr 20 mins flight to Bali…what’s not to love!
How did you find preparing to move here?
Considering we moved in the peak of COVID when we weren’t sure if our paperwork would be ready in time as all embassies were shut and very few flights available, I would say we had a fairly
How have you found the city so far?
Shanghai is an incredibly city that offers something for everyone. I honestly am amazed how forward-thinking and easy life is here. You never need to head to a cash point as everything is on your phone - certainly a bonus – and one of many. However, the biggest plus point for us is that it is a brilliantly safe city and we are very comfortable with our children travelling around independently. The infrastructure, options for travel, food, shows, culture, and transport system adds to making it a very desirable home for us.
What’s been your biggest challenge in Shanghai?
Learning Mandarin, though after learning it at school my son believes it is a very linear and logical language. I just cannot seem to hear and understand the different tones. Though easy for some, it has
Is there anything you found surprising/unexpected about the city?
Yes, Taobao, the one-stop-shop for anything and everything!! I also think that Shangahi is a very well-developed city in most aspects; blends of old and new architecture, diverse culinary options, fantastic and cheap transport facilities, delightful train travel experiences, and the list goes on…
What would be your top three tips for anyone thinking of moving to Shanghai/China?
1. Be ready for extreme heat in the summer and freezing winters.
2. Choose a community to live that suits your lifestyle as it makes a big difference on your everyday quality of life.
3. Learn some everyday phrases and words in Mandarin. Respect and embrace the culture.
Finally, any hints/tips on great places or hidden gems in the city to visit for food/drinks/entertainment so far?
There are endless options for all occasions. Here are just a few of my recommendations:
How long have you been in Shanghai, and what made you consider moving to the city initially?
I’ve been here for nearly 20 years! I wanted to experience my then-girlfriend’s (now wife’s) culture and something completely different to working in the UK.
Where have you lived before you came to Shanghai?
I was based in London and the Southwest of England prior to coming to the country, so it was a new adventure me.
How did you find preparing to move here?
At that time, as much as it was probably more complex than it would be now with updated tech/APPs etc, it was easy because I was young and ready for the adventure!
How have you found the city so far?
It has everything you could want and it’s great for a young family with plenty to do and see. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough!
What’s been your biggest challenge in Shanghai?
Trying to replicate the peace and quiet a countryside person is used too can be difficult, but that’s to be expected in a city of 25 million people.
Is there anything you found surprising/unexpected about the city?
I was very surprised how many people can use and understand English around the city. People see the foreign face and are immediately trying to remember the English they must have learned at school to use with you. Especially when I first came here in the early 2000s, meeting foreigners was not so common at that point, even for the Shanghainese.
What would be your top three tips for anyone thinking of moving to Shanghai/China?
1. Pack some of your favourite treats (foreign food is available but expensive).
2. Take advantage of the great transport links to explore other parts of Asia and China while you are here.
3. Be careful on the roads. There are traffic rules but not everyone follows them!
Finally, any hints/tips on great places or hidden gems in the city to visit for food/drinks/entertainment so far?
I love to cycle and there are some great places heading south out of the city to explore with quiet roads and lots of interesting parks or even a trip to the coastline if you go far enough.
How long have you been in Shanghai, and what made you consider moving to the city initially?
This is my fourth week. I came here to take up my role as a teacher at NAIS Pudong.
Where have you lived before you came to Shanghai?
I was teaching in Europe, Switzerland and England, so this is my first time to settle outside of Europe and I’m very excited to be here.
How did you find preparing to move here?
It was challenging to ship items overseas because of all the administration, preparation and customs processes etc, but it motivated me to secure storage space back home for easy access.
How have you found the city so far?
It’s been very similar to other Asian cities that I’ve visited but it already feels much more hi-tech and definitely very safe, which already makes me feel comfortable to be here. The people are so friendly and eager to help whenever I’ve needed support so far.
What’s been your biggest challenge in Shanghai?
I have struggled a little to find a reliable food delivery service as a lot of the digital applications are only available in Chinese. [Editor’s Note: The ‘Sherpa’s APP is available in English language, and food delivery services within the Alipay application using their automated translation button will be useful here]. I yearn for some of my local dishes but I’m excited as there are still so many places to discover.
Is there anything you found surprising/unexpected about the city?
It’s still early days of being in Shanghai, but I’m looking forward to seeing what comes my way. Hopefully they’re all positive surprises…
What would be your top three tips for anyone thinking of moving to Shanghai/China?
1. Be mindful of your packing as you prepare to ship items to China as you can easily purchase most items here. It may be cheaper to buy new on arrival, than paying the shipping cost.
2. Consider switching to an iPhone, as China favours Apple over Google. Additionally, Apple Maps has been very helpful for me to get around.
3. Remember to bring plenty of passport photos and all necessary documents – the administrative process, like all new countries, requires copies of everything.
Finally, any hints/tips on great places or hidden gems in the city to visit for food/drinks/entertainment so far?
I’m definitely still exploring in these early days since arrival in Shangai, but according to TimeOut, this city is known for its excellent bath houses. I'm excited to visit Gokurakuyu. I'm also planning to check out the M50 Art District soon.
Download our full 'Moving to Shanghai' guide
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