Living in Shanghai: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Shanghai.
As China's most prosperous city, Shanghai seems resolved to never look back at the past. In fact, Shanghai is pioneering, unlike other historical Chinese cities.
Shanghai is described as a sprawling cosmopolitan megacity, reflecting a perfect blend of Eastern and Western trends. It has become a top destination for expatriation, attracting foreign professionals, investors and students in large numbers.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Shanghai with general information to discover the destination.
Discover Shanghai
Famous for its skyscraper skyline and its vibrant urban history, Shanghai is China's main ...
How to adjust to the culture and lifestyle in Shanghai
Shanghai is one of China's most modern, diverse and cosmopolitan cities. It's also a city ...
Social networking in Shanghai
Meeting people in Shanghai, whether locals or expats, will be substantially easier than in any ...
Work
Dive into the Shanghai labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Shanghai.
Finding work in Shanghai
Shanghai frequently tops the list of the most desirable destinations for expats in China — in ...
The Shanghai labour market
Shanghai is China's leading economic powerhouse, the center of its financial and commercial ...
Jobs in Shanghai
Discover professional opportunities in Shanghai and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Shanghai. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Shanghai
Shanghai is a modern international metropolis that offers plenty of accommodation options for ...
Buying property in Shanghai
Shanghai has continually appeared close to the top of the list of cities with the most expensive ...
Find your ideal home in Shanghai
Explore real estate listings in Shanghai to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Shanghai.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Shanghai.
Getting around Shanghai
Shanghai is a large city covering an area of 6,340 square kilometers and home to over 25 million people. And it comes as no surprise that getting ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Shanghai.
Things to do in Shanghai alone,with friends, with family or with your partner
If you are new to Shanghai and don't yet have anyone to share your free time with, the city ...
Things to do in Shanghai on weekdays and weekends
Shanghai is one of China's most exciting cities if you are looking to explore the local culture ...
Gastronomy in Shanghai
Shanghai has an exceptionally diverse food scene. In this city, you will have your choice of a ...
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Shanghai looks like? Here's a taste.
Articles from the magazine
How will Shanghai's expat exodus affect the local economy?
At the end of March 2022, Shanghai went under a stringent lockdown. Its 25 million citizens were then unaware of what they would endure for more than two months, even when the authorities announced that they had come to terms with the COVID pandemic. It was mostly the morale of the inhabitants that got affected. Among them were expats who were increasingly worried about their future in the cosmopolitan Chinese city. One year later, China is back on the international scene. Tourists are expected to flow in again. But will the expatriates come back to Shanghai? Many observers believe that the wound will be hard to heal.
Tomas in Shanghai: "I knew it was gonna be crazy and different here"
Tomas has been living in Shanghai since February 2012. He works as a PR officer for a Swedish sourcing firm during the week and teaches English on weekends. During his experience in China, he tries to get accustomed to its new environment...
Rob in Shanghai: "Come here with an open mind"
Born and raised in Australia, Rob moved to Hong Kong in 1974 before settling in Shanghai in 2002. He has been pursuing a variety of business interests, related to the teaching of English and has just co-written a book on living in China...
Ingrid in Shanghai: "People eat dinner so early here!"
Ingrid was born in Taiwan but grew up in California. Following a job offer, this US national moved to Shanghai a year and a half ago with her husband. Both enjoy traveling and discovering the country during their leisure time...
Food. Fashion. Ferrets.
My name is Beverly and my family is originally from Singapore. My husband and I were fortunate to both have been offered regional positions in Shanghai, and have lived here for 1.5 years now.
Shanghai: most promising city for investment in China
Shanghai once again stands out as the most attractive region for foreign investment in China, according to a report published by FDI Intelligence, a division of the Financial Times. Discover the highlights of this province if you wish to invest in China.
New visa strategy: Is Shanghai the next trendy start-up hub?
Shanghai's new visa strategy for entrepreneurs could be a real game-changer. In this article, Expat.com explores what could make the city a dynamic, innovative start-up hub.
Two expat students talk about life in Shanghai
Ahead of the Expat Show Shanghai to be held from September 20 to 22, we offer a series of expatriate profiles living in this Chinese city. Meet Annick-Ange Logmo and Laura Miens. They're both foreign students at the ESSCA School Shanghai but their experiences are different...
