Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Shanghai

Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity. For single expats and digital nomads, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial to enjoying the city to its fullest. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for single people to live in Shanghai.

Jing'an

Jing'an is a bustling, cosmopolitan district known for its lively bars, restaurants, and shopping areas. Singles can explore the vibrant nightlife at popular spots like The Rooster and The Nest. Fitness enthusiasts can join gyms like Will's Gym or Pure Fitness. Art and culture lovers can take classes at the Jing'an Culture and Art Exchange or visit the Shanghai Natural History Museum. The scenic Jing'an Park offers a peaceful retreat amidst the city's hustle.

Location: Central Shanghai, northwest of the Huangpu River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around 10,000 RMB. Purchase prices vary, but expect to pay around 50,000 RMB per square meter for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Din Tai Fung for dumplings, Liquid Laundry for brunch, and The Commune Social for tapas.

Interesting History: Jing'an Temple, a historic Buddhist temple, is a must-visit. It's one of the oldest temples in Shanghai, located on West Nanjing Road.

Celeb sightings: Jing'an is known to be home to local celebrities and successful entrepreneurs.

Xuhui

Xuhui is a trendy district with a mix of historic and modern architecture. Singles can enjoy the vibrant café culture, with popular spots like Seesaw Coffee. The Shanghai Brewery is perfect for evening gatherings. Fitness clubs like CrossFit Iron Dragon are available for workouts. The Shanghai Stadium and the Shanghai Swimming Center offer recreational activities. Xuhui is also home to the Long Museum West Bund, a contemporary art museum.

Location: Southwest of Shanghai's city center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around 8,000 RMB. Purchase prices start from around 40,000 RMB per square meter for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: The Commune Social for tapas, Din Tai Fung for dumplings, and The Bull & Claw for seafood.

Interesting History: Xuhui is home to the historic Xujiahui Cathedral, a prominent Catholic church.

Celeb sightings: The area is popular among local artists and entrepreneurs.

Former French Concession

The Former French Concession (FFC) is known for its tree-lined avenues and European architecture. Singles can enjoy the vibrant café culture at places like Baker & Roaster. Evening hotspots include The Camel Sports Bar. Fitness enthusiasts can join gyms like Physical. The area is also home to the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre and the Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum. Fuxing Park offers a serene escape within the city.

Location: Central Shanghai, southwest of the Huangpu River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around 9,000 RMB. Purchase prices start from around 45,000 RMB per square meter for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: The Commune Social for tapas, Din Tai Fung for dumplings, and The Bull & Claw for seafood.

Interesting History: FFC is known for its historic architecture and former residences of famous figures like Sun Yat-sen.

Celeb sightings: The area is popular among local celebrities and expats.

Huangpu

Huangpu is the city's commercial and cultural hub. Singles can explore the nightlife at popular spots like The Bund and Yuyuan Gardens. Fitness clubs like Anytime Fitness are available for workouts. The area is home to the Shanghai Museum and the Power Station of Art. The Bund offers a scenic riverside walk with stunning views of the city's skyline.

Location: Central Shanghai, along the Huangpu River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around 12,000 RMB. Purchase prices start from around 60,000 RMB per square meter for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Jean-Georges for French cuisine, Hai Di Lao for hotpot, and The Peninsula for afternoon tea.

Interesting History: The Bund is a historic waterfront area featuring iconic buildings from the 1920s and 1930s.

Celeb sightings: The area is popular among local celebrities and successful businesspeople.

Pudong

Pudong is a modern district known for its skyscrapers and business centers. Singles can enjoy the vibrant nightlife at spots like The Flair Rooftop Bar. Fitness clubs like Anytime Fitness are available for workouts. The area is home to the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Century Park offers a green escape within the city.

Location: East of the Huangpu River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around 10,000 RMB. Purchase prices start from around 50,000 RMB per square meter for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Din Tai Fung for dumplings, The Commune Social for tapas, and The Bull & Claw for seafood.

Interesting History: Pudong is known for its rapid development from farmland to a modern financial hub.

Celeb sightings: The area is popular among local celebrities and successful businesspeople.

Changning

Changning is a residential district with a mix of modern and traditional architecture. Singles can enjoy the vibrant café culture at places like % Arabica. Evening hotspots include The Beaver Brewing Company. Fitness enthusiasts can join gyms like Anytime Fitness. The area is also home to the Shanghai Zoo and the Hongqiao Pearl Market.

Location: West of Shanghai's city center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around 7,000 RMB. Purchase prices start from around 35,000 RMB per square meter for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Din Tai Fung for dumplings, The Commune Social for tapas, and The Bull & Claw for seafood.

Interesting History: Changning is known for its historic temples and gardens, such as the Jing'an Temple.

Celeb sightings: The area is popular among local celebrities and expats.

Yangpu

Yangpu is a vibrant district known for its universities and tech parks. Singles can enjoy the vibrant nightlife at spots like The Brew. Fitness clubs like Anytime Fitness are available for workouts. The area is home to the Shanghai University of Sport and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. Wujiaochang offers a bustling commercial area with shopping and dining options.

Location: Northeast of Shanghai's city center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around 6,000 RMB. Purchase prices start from around 30,000 RMB per square meter for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Din Tai Fung for dumplings, The Commune Social for tapas, and The Bull & Claw for seafood.

Interesting History: Yangpu is known for its historic industrial sites and universities.

Celeb sightings: The area is popular among local celebrities and successful entrepreneurs.

Hongkou

Hongkou is a historic district with a rich cultural heritage. Singles can enjoy the vibrant café culture at places like % Arabica. Evening hotspots include The Camel Sports Bar. Fitness enthusiasts can join gyms like Anytime Fitness. The area is home to the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and the Duolun Road Cultural Street. Luxun Park offers a serene escape within the city.

Location: Northeast of Shanghai's city center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around 8,000 RMB. Purchase prices start from around 40,000 RMB per square meter for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where to Eat: Din Tai Fung for dumplings, The Commune Social for tapas, and The Bull & Claw for seafood.

Interesting History: Hongkou is known for its historic architecture and cultural sites, such as the Astor House Hotel.

Celeb sightings: The area is popular among local celebrities and expats.