Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 4:51 pm Post subject: Expat Housing in Shanghai
Expat Housing in Shanghai - General Information
It's Shanghai help with the map
The Huangpu River, cuts Shanghai into two parts. Pu Dong means "east" (of the river) and Pu Xi means "west" (of the river). Pu Xi usually refers to downtown which also means "Old Shanghai", where the old French Concession Area located. Several bridges and tunnels link Pu Dong with the downtown.
The Bund was the commercial heart of old Shanghai, it remains many beautiful classic buildings nearby the river as the landmark of Shanghai. Opposite the Bund is the Lu Jia Zui financial area, a newly developed central area of Pu Dong, the Oriental Peal TV Tower here is the new landmark of Shanghai.
Although the Bund and Lu Jia Zui are the places look as Shanghai on TV or any medias and the places tourists always go, they are not the real heart of Shanghai - Downtown is the heart actually.
Residential Area: There are three main expat residential areas in Shanghai.
Downtown (Pu Xi)
This is "real" Shanghai, old and new. Living here is no doubt a bit more exciting, but a little crowded too. Many great restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Many good expat apartments are located here. For those with discerning tastes, you may also find a beautiful old house to suit your needs. In general we can divide the city by neighborhood:
- French Concession Area, classic residential area of old Shanghai.
- Nanjing Xi Lu Area, with many office buildings, the heart of the city.
- Huaihai Lu Area, classic shopping places, also nice residential area.
- Xu Jia Hui, a new hub of activity with many shops and restaurants.
Hong Qiao Area
This area is located about 20 minutes west of the city center. It was mainly developed in 1990s and regarded as particular expat residential area, especially the Gubei, which is actually located in Hong Qiao area. Most of expat villas are located in this area, there's more fresh air here, more greenery, less noisy and also very convenient for daily life. Most of the international schools are in or nearby Hong Qiao. Usually families prefer to this area as their new home in Shanghai.
Pu Dong Area
This is on the east side of the Huangpu River and means the 'real suburbs' before, now this area is continually being developed. It is the focus of worldwide capitalization. Some large villas compounds are located in this area, and there are also several international schools. If you're concerned with green, more fresh air, and peaceful surroundings, this area is for you, although usually people who work in this area will live there.
Housing Styles
Expat Apartments
Most of the expat apartments are fully furnished, but you may pick and choose what you would like to keep or replace. Most of serviced luxury apartments offer housekeeping, fitness center and concierge service. Standard expat apartments offer basic expat style housing, fitness may be not provided.
Expat Villas
They are fully furnished but you may add or subtract furnishings to suit your taste. Most all have big garden compounds, all services, such as gardening and housekeeping are inclusive. Most provide sports facilities, clubhouse and shuttle bus to major expat shopping areas and international schools.
Old Houses
They are in downtown, detached houses with private garden or lane houses, and were built between 1920s and 1940s. They offer a lot of charm of old Shanghai, but they are very difficult to find and much sought after. They also require a great deal of maintenance if it's not renovated well, also make sure you have a cooperative landlord and a security home - they are mostly owned by Individual Landlord.
Pricing on leasing: Below is lease price range based on current rates. Housing Type Ordinary Good Excellent
Expat Apartments USD1,500 - 2,500 USD2,500 - 4,500 USD4,500 up
Expat Villas USD2,500 - 4,500 USD4,500 - 6,500 USD6,500 up
Old Houses USD3,000 - 5,000 USD5,000 - 7,000 USD7,000 up
General Information on your behalf when leasing your new home
Generally the landlord will repaint the walls, refinish the floors and generally prepare the apartment for your occupancy. Inspection of the electrical circuits and plumbing is also standard practice.
1-2 Television sets and stereo system are provided. Standard kitchen appliances include refrigerator, range, washing machine, dryer and microwave. Oven and dishwasher are usually available if you wish. The water is not recommended for drinking directly, a water machine is needed, but a few good villas have water filtration systems.
1-2 IDD telephone lines are offered, more lines or ISDN, ADSL can be requested and easily installed.
One year lease is most common. You could request the Diplomatic Clause included in Tenancy Agreement, this clause enables you to break the lease after a set period of time, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, i.e. you might be arranged to leave this city by your company in an advanced timing.
The lease terms are written in English and Chinese. Under Chinese law, the Chinese version is the official version of the lease and will be relied on the event of a dispute.
Big Landlord (Developer / Company) VS Small Landlord (Individual)
Most of expat housings are from Big Landlords, it means the whole buildings or compounds are for lease only. These kind of housings are well managed and you will have a wide choice on furnishings, because they have full of standard furnishings and you can choose the furnishing condition as your ideas - this might be a problem when dealing with a small landlord. It's wise to choose those Big Landlords for new comers who are not familiar with this city - everything will be easier.
Gender: Age: 23 Zodiac: Joined: 02 May 2007 Posts: 31
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Gender: Age: 23 Zodiac: Joined: 02 May 2007 Posts: 31
Home Country: china
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:00 pm Post subject: Interpreter in China
Hi there, I am Elisabeth. I am Working as a Business Coordinator / Interpreter. I've been working on different projects for leading International companies. From Chinese Companies / Government to Fobres Top 500 Companies ( Eaton US, Coca cola, Prudential) to the Commercial department at the British Government, Canadian Government, and US Government. Provides practical assistance to International companies establishing and expanding business in China, also provide business opportunities, expert trade advice and support the companies to internationalize and grow their business in China.
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Management briefings
Event Management
Market Research
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