Welcome to Pudong (浦东) — Shanghai’s engine of modernity and home to one of the world’s most photographed skylines. Spanning 1,210 square kilometers east of the Huangpu River, Pudong is bigger than Hong Kong and houses over 5.6 million people. At Jason Shanghai Homes, we’ve helped hundreds of expat families find their ideal home in Pudong over the past 20 years. Here’s everything you need to know.
A Brief History of Pudong
Before 1990, Pudong was mostly farmland and low-rise housing. The Chinese government designated it as a Special Economic Zone, and within three decades, it transformed into a global financial hub. The Lujiazui skyline — featuring the Shanghai Tower (632m), Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower — became the symbol of modern China.
Today, Pudong is Shanghai’s economic powerhouse, housing the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the headquarters of multinational corporations, and the Pudong International Airport. But beyond the towers, Pudong offers some of Shanghai’s most livable expat communities.
Neighborhood Breakdown: Where Expats Live in Pudong
Lujiazui (陆家嘴)
The financial heart of Shanghai and the most prestigious address in Pudong. Luxury high-rises with panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the Bund. Properties here command premium prices — expect ¥25,000–50,000/month for a 3-bedroom. Many compounds have direct river views and five-star hotel-style amenities.
Best for: Finance professionals, executives who want a short commute and iconic views.
Biyun International Community (碧云国际社区)
Shanghai’s original expat enclave. Tree-lined streets, Western-style villas, and compounds designed specifically for international families. Home to Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, the European School, and Green City sports complex. Wide sidewalks, low density, and a genuine community feel make Biyun feel more like a suburban neighborhood than a Chinese megacity.
What to expect: 3-bedroom apartments ¥18,000–35,000/month. Townhouses and villas ¥30,000–60,000/month.
Best for: Families with school-age children, anyone wanting a green, quiet expat community.
Jinqiao (金桥)
Just north of Biyun, Jinqiao offers similar family-friendly living at slightly lower price points. Modern compounds like Jin Qiao Modern Garden feature spacious floor plans, high green coverage, and good Metro access via Line 6. The area has several international kindergartens and is popular with families working in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone.
What to expect: 2-3 bedroom apartments ¥12,000–22,000/month.
Best for: Families on a mid-range budget who want space and green surroundings.
Lianyang (联洋)
A well-established residential area centered around Thumb Plaza, a Western-style outdoor shopping center with restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets. Lianyang is known for excellent compound management and a large expat community. The Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) is nearby, and Century Park is within walking distance.
What to expect: 2-3 bedroom apartments ¥15,000–28,000/month.
Best for: Expats who want community, convenience, and proximity to Century Park.
International Schools in Pudong
- Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong — British curriculum, ages 2–18. Located in Biyun/Jinqiao. One of Shanghai’s most prestigious international schools.
- Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) — American curriculum, IB Diploma. Pudong campus near Lianyang.
- Concordia International School Shanghai — American curriculum, AP program. Located in Jinqiao.
- European School Shanghai — Multilingual European curriculum. Located in Biyun.
- Wellington College International Shanghai — British curriculum, located in the Former Expo area near the river.
Parks and Green Spaces
- Century Park (世纪公园) — Shanghai’s largest park at 140 hectares. Lakes, cycling paths, boating, and open lawns. The “Central Park” of Pudong.
- Biyun Sports Park — Football pitches, tennis courts, and running tracks in the heart of Biyun.
- Lujiazui Central Green — A surprising patch of green amid the skyscrapers, popular for lunchtime walks.
- Binjiang Avenue — The Pudong riverside promenade stretching from Lujiazui southward, with stunning Bund views.
Dining and Shopping
Pudong’s dining scene has grown dramatically. Super Brand Mall and IFC Mall in Lujiazui offer high-end international dining. Kerry Parkside near Century Park features excellent restaurants and a food court. For everyday shopping, Thumb Plaza in Lianyang, Carrefour Jinqiao, and Jinqiao International Commercial Plaza provide supermarkets with imported goods and family-friendly restaurants.
Transportation
Pudong is well-served by Metro Lines 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 14, 16, and 18. Key stations: Lujiazui (Line 2), Century Avenue (Lines 2/4/6/9), Dongchang Road (Line 2), Science and Technology Museum (Line 2). The Pudong International Airport (PVG) is reachable via Maglev (8 minutes from Longyang Road) or Metro Line 2. Driving to Puxi takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic via the Yan’an, Nanpu, or Lupu tunnels.
Rental Prices at a Glance (2026)
- 1-bedroom: ¥8,000–18,000/month
- 2-bedroom: ¥12,000–28,000/month
- 3-bedroom: ¥18,000–50,000/month
- Townhouse/Villa: ¥30,000–80,000/month
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Featured Properties in Pudong
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