Once a small fishing village, Shanghai grew under the control of various Chinese dynasties, including the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing. Each dynasty left its mark on the city through the construction of temples, gardens, and fortified walls. During the Qing dynasty, Shanghai grew as a trading centre, attracting merchants from around the world.
In the 19th century, Shanghai became an important treaty port, following the First Opium War. The city was divided into concessions, independently administered by the Americans, British, French, and other overseas empires. This colonial period brought significant changes to Shanghai’s culture, economy, and architecture, which are evident in the design of iconic buildings like the Bund and the Peace Hotel.
In the mid-20th century, Shanghai experienced a period of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. The city became a centre for manufacturing, finance, and technology, driving economic growth and attracting migrants from all over China.
In recent decades, Shanghai has continued to modernise, with the development of skyscrapers, high-speed rail networks, and cultural institutions. Today, the city is an economic powerhouse, which is home to a mix of global businesses, state-of-the-art buildings, and quaint neighbourhoods with authentic tea shops and markets.
Shanghai – which literally translates to ‘upon the sea’ – is situated on the East China Sea, extending from the Yangtze River in the north to Hangzhou Bay in the south. The city is one of the largest ports in the world and serves as a crucial commercial and industrial hub for China.
The municipality of Shanghai covers an area of 6,340 square kilometres, which includes the city itself, surrounding suburbs, and an agricultural hinterland. With over 30 million residents, Shanghai is the most populous city in China and one of the largest in the world. The city is home to tens of thousands of registered expats and attracts millions of tourists every year.
Relocating to Shanghai, you’ll experience a subtropical climate, which delivers four distinct seasons. The coldest months are January and February. July and August are the hottest, with temperatures occasionally reaching close to 40°C.
Shanghai is a place where Eastern and Western cultural traditions intertwine. Here, you can experience both age-old Chinese traditions and large-scale international events. You can enjoy the local 'stinky tofu' snack and a gourmet meal at a Michelin star restaurant. And you can watch both a traditional Shanghai opera and the sunrise over the world’s tallest skyscrapers.
Shanghai stands out for its acceptance of Western trends, styles, and traditions, also known as ‘haipai’ (ocean/overseas culture). The city is home to many global corporations, which brings a diversity of nations and people to the metropolis.
There’s lots to think about when it comes to finding housing in Shanghai. The city’s size and diversity mean that picking the right area is incredibly important.
Your choice of location will have a big impact on your day-to-day life, so it's essential to explore different neighbourhoods before committing. We recommend seeking advice from expat housing specialists, as well as colleagues and other parents. They can go over the pros and cons of different areas. The BISS Puxi Admissions Team can offer guidance, too.
Choosing the right type of accommodation when relocating to Shanghai is also vital. For instance, an iconic lane house in the former French Concession will provide you with easy access to activities and amenities but may suffer from noise. On the other hand, a spacious suburban villa will offer peace and quiet but may be further away from central areas.
Our location in Huacao – one of the best places to live in Shanghai!
BISS Puxi is located in Huacao, which is within the Greater Hongqiao area at the northern tip of the Minhang District.
This family-friendly, residential area to the west of downtown Shanghai is home to a vibrant mix of international expats and local communities. It offers high-quality accommodation and lots of Western amenities, with many families choosing to live in one of eight gated compounds that are within easy walking distance of our school.
Our full PDF guide to relocating to Shanghai covers the residential compounds in detail.
Shanghai is a city of endless activity and entertainment options, offering experiences for all interests and age groups.
Some highlights include:
The arts
Shanghai is a hub for the arts. The city hosts the latest performances, concerts, and shows, and is home to the Shanghai Grand Theatre, where some of the biggest cultural events are held.
Restaurants
The city’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse. Living in Shanghai, you can go for a gourmet meal at a five-star hotel, enjoy steaming bowls of handmade noodles at a local eatery, or indulge in fresh seafood buffets overlooking the river.
Shanghai also has deep-rooted street food culture. Throughout the city, food stalls offer a variety of delicacies. These are a great way to introduce your child to local cuisine. Key destinations include Fangbang Road, famous for its street food market, as well as South Bund Fabric Market, Qibao Old Street, and Yunnan South Road.
Shopping
Shopping in Shanghai means discovering hidden gems and enjoying the city's vibrant consumer culture. From the luxury retailers of Bicester Village and the malls of Nanjing Road to the buzzing Tianzifang Art District, shopping in Shanghai is always an adventure!
The metro
Shanghai’s metro system, which is the second longest in the world, connects the city’s 16 districts. The metro is modern, convenient, and safe, with trains every two to three minutes during peak hours.
The Shanghai Maglev Train
The Shanghai Maglev Train, also known as the Shanghai Transrapid, is the world’s first commercial high-speed Maglev Train. The train is renowned for its advanced magnetic levitation technology and provides a quick connection from downtown to Pudong International Airport. It's also an exhilarating way to travel, which children love!
Taxis
Shanghai has a well-established taxi network that includes both state-run and private services. State taxis operate throughout the city, distinguishable by the colours of their cars. There are also popular taxi apps, such as DiDi, which operate in the same way as Uber.
Bikes and e-scooters
E-scooters are popular for short trips, although navigating Shanghai’s traffic can be challenging! Shared bikes are everywhere, with apps like Meituan and Alipay offering bikes on almost every street corner, even in quieter parts of the city.
Transport in and around BISS Puxi
Huacao is just 15 minutes west of the Hongqiao Transportation Hub, which connects the west of the city through road, bus, train and air links. Our location is particularly convenient for those working in Longbai, Qingpu, Songjiang, Jiading, Hongqiao, Gubei, Minhang and Suzhou (Jiangsu), due to its proximity to the highways.
Housing
The cost of living accommodation in Shanghai varies greatly, influenced by factors such as location, the size of a property, and proximity to amenities. For example, you can expect to pay a premium if you want to live in popular areas like Jing’an or Xintiandi. By contrast, you’ll find more affordable options in residential areas like Hongkou or Yangpu.
For comparison, the average monthly rent for a three-bed apartment in the city centre is 18,500 RMB. Outside the city centre, a similar apartment would cost around 9,000 RMB per month.
Transport
The cost of transport in Shanghai is extremely reasonable. The city’s extensive metro network is popular and affordable, while the city’s iconic yellow taxis are readily available and largely inexpensive. Bike-sharing services are also a cost-effective way to get around.
Healthcare
The cost of healthcare varies dramatically. In emergencies, fees at a private hospital in China would add up quite similarly to those in a Western country. As a result, it’s important to make sure you have comprehensive medical insurance in place before you relocate to Shanghai.
Food and drink
The cost of eating out in Shanghai varies widely, with options ranging from high-end, luxury dining at one of the city’s 40+ Michelin starred restaurants to delicious, low-cost eating experiences at local street food stalls.
When it comes to groceries, you can find almost anything in foreign supermarkets. Imported produce is, of course, pricier, and some of the best bargains in Shanghai can be found in the city’s local markets.
We know that moving to Shanghai with your family requires lots of planning. There are many things to consider, and we've provided a few basic tips to help you get started.
Yes, Shanghai is an extremely safe city for families. Violent crime is extremely rare, and the city's community feel and strong police presence gives residents a real sense of security.
Public spaces and amenities are clean and well-maintained, including parks, playgrounds, and public transport. Healthcare facilities, particularly private hospitals, dentists, and clinics, are also excellent.
Shanghai’s air quality has improved dramatically in recent years, which is thanks to government initiatives and cleaner energy usage. It’s wise to monitor daily air-quality indexes, however, especially in winter or spring when pollution can be higher, and take precautions on days when levels are higher.
In school, we have a state-of-the-art air filtration system that operates in all our classrooms and communal spaces.
Want to find out more about relocating to Shanghai with children – or the enrolment process at BISS? Our dedicated Admissions Team is here to help.
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