Shanghai is China’s largest city — a province-level municipality covering 6,340.5 sq km with 24.85 million permanent residents (end 2025). It is a river-port metropolis where Art Deco, old lane houses and futuristic towers coexist, not merely the dense downtown most visitors picture.
The Basics
Shanghai sits on China’s east coast at the Yangtze’s mouth, split by the Huangpu River into older Puxi and newer Pudong. It has 16 districts, two airports (Pudong and Hongqiao), and a mobile-first daily life built around Alipay, WeChat and delivery apps. Beyond the dense, walkable centre lie suburbs, farmland and Chongming island.
Weather
Humid subtropical monsoon climate, four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and rainy (July–August highs ~32°C); winters are damp and grey. Spring and late September–October are the mildest, best months for being outdoors.
Metro
The quickest, cheapest way across the city. Stations, trains and maps are bilingual; the system connects Puxi, Pudong, both airports and outer suburbs. Pay via the Shanghai Metro Daduhui app, an Alipay/WeChat transport code, a Public Transport Card, or single-journey tickets. Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:30am, 5–7pm).
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Plentiful, metered and useful in rain, late at night, with luggage, or for outer districts. DiDi inside Alipay is easier than street hailing: enter the destination, see the fare, pay in-app. Save destinations in Chinese, check the licence plate, and at airports use the official rank or pickup area only.
Know the Map
Shanghai’s 16 Districts
Each district has its own rhythm and price point. Linked guides open where we’ve written them up in depth.
Huangpu
黄浦The historic heart: the Bund, Nanjing Road, People’s Square, Yu Garden, Xintiandi. Crowded, pricey and tourist-heavy.
Explore guideXuhui
徐汇Leafy and liveable: Former French Concession, Xujiahui, galleries, cafés, international schools, West Bund. Premium housing, popular with families and expats.
Explore guideChangning
长宁Relaxed west-Puxi: Xinhua Road villas, Gubei’s international community, Zhongshan Park, Hongqiao access. Popular with families and Japanese/Korean communities; less walkable out west.
Jing’an
静安Central shopping, dining, nightlife and offices around Jing’an Temple. Exceptionally convenient, popular with young professionals; rarely cheap.
Explore guidePutuo
普陀Practical north-west district: local neighbourhoods, canal-side redevelopment, better-value housing. Check Metro connections before renting—convenience varies.
Hongkou
虹口North-east inner city: literary history, old Jewish-Shanghai sites, Lu Xun Park, developing North Bund. Workaday and less polished than central Puxi.
Yangpu
杨浦University and innovation district: Fudan, Tongji, tech campuses. Student-heavy, strong food and value; far from the French Concession circuit.
Pudong New Area
浦东新区Vast east-bank district: Lujiazui finance, Shanghai Tower, Century Park, Disneyland, international schools, Pudong Airport. Huge—check the commute, don’t assume “central.”
Explore guideMinhang
闵行Large south-west district: Hongqiao links, international schools, universities, spacious compounds. Good for families needing space; many areas need a longer commute.
Baoshan
宝山Northern district shaped by port, steel and logistics. Appeals to local families and value-conscious commuters; not ideal for central nightlife.
Jiading
嘉定Old town, Auto City, F1 circuit, universities, suburban communities. Long commutes to central Shanghai.
Songjiang
松江Historic and green: old town, university town, Thames Town, Sheshan. More room, slower pace; distinctly suburban.
Qingpu
青浦Western water-town and lakeside district: Zhujiajiao, Dianshan Lake, near Hongqiao. Chosen for space; distances are deceptive—don’t underestimate travel time.
Jinshan
金山South-west coastal: Jinshan City Beach, Fengjing Water Town, petrochemical industry. Slow, local character; best for weekends, not daily commutes.
Fengxian
奉贤South-coast: parks, beaches, university campuses, newer housing. More space but distant; transport improving.
Chongming
崇明Green island escape: wetlands, farms, birdlife, cycling at the Yangtze’s mouth. Ideal for weekends; not practical for daily commutes.
The Useful Mental Map
Begin with Huangpu, Jing’an, Xuhui and Changning for central Puxi life. Consider Pudong for modern compounds, finance and schools. Yangpu is the student alternative; Minhang, Songjiang, Qingpu and Jiading suit when budget or schools pull you outward.
Pick your district by commute, Metro line and budget — not how the apartment photographs online.
Ready to dig deeper? Browse neighbourhoods, housing, schools and the full directory.