Living in
Shanghai

Shanghai is a melting pot of culture, diversity, and entertainment. Being at the forefront of China’s progress, life in Shanghai is fast paced and full of new experiences. From the never-ending, ultra-modern skyscrapers opposite The Bund, to the western colonial architecture found in former French Concession, Shanghai is brimming with culture and things to do and see.

Dining

Eating out in Shanghai is incredibly diverse and all palettes are catered for, from the fancy restaurants of The Bund, to the street stalls of the old town and everything in the middle. There’s something for everyone and if you want something from a western chain you can find a healthy sandwich from Starbucks and Costa on most corners throughout the city.

If you don’t fancy eating out, the infamous ‘Sherpas’ deliver to your door from around 100 Shanghai restaurants! If you prefer to cook your own food, the city offers a huge range of options for your weekly shop from the big supermarkets such as Costco, Carrefour, and Sam’s to small wet markets and western-run stores specialising in imported goods and freshly baked bread.

Art and Stage

For centuries, Shanghai has been the place where east meets west in China. For a taste of ancient Chinese culture, visit one of the many temples or tea houses in the city. Shanghai holds a unique place in the art and culture of China. At the heart of this is the Shanghai Grand Theatre, which encompasses three cutting-edge theatres and regularly hosts the world’s leading orchestras, dance troupes and theatre companies. Attractions like the Shanghai Art Museum and Art Centre offer a fascinating overview of its diverse cultural strands.

Travel and Transportation

Getting around Shanghai is surprisingly easy, with a fantastic Metro system, which is clean, efficient, easy to navigate and will take you from one end of the city to another for less than a pound. There are also a number of cheap taxi to hire and of course China has its own Uber service, Didi. Like any big city it can prove more difficulty on a rainy day and it is therefore very important to live in the right area with easy access to work and amenities.

Housing

There are hundreds of housing options for ex-pats, from lane houses and converted apartments in the Former French Concession to large purpose built apartment compounds throughout the city.

Weather

Shanghai weather is generally mild and moist, with four distinct seasons – a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn and an overcast cold winter.

The hottest time here coms in July and August, with more than 10 days of temperatures above 35 degrees. The coldest time is from the late December to early February. The spring from March to May and Autumn September to November is recommended as the best time for family and friends to a pay a visit.

We at Britannica, understand that one of the most important decisions of your move to a new city, country or continent is your child’s school. We look forward to working with you to ensure that settling your child into school is one of the easier aspects of moving to Shanghai.

Further reading on living in or moving to Shanghai, here are some key websites to help you understand more.