Huangpu
Huangpu, one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas, has a rich and long history that has led to it being considered the heart of Shanghai. Located on the western bank of the Huangpu River, its namesake, the district is often called “new Huangpu” – in reference to the fact the area, following a merger in 2000, consists of what was once three separate districts. Once the location of the “international settlement,” the area has developed, being made the home of the Shanghai municipal government, into the city’s main finance and administration district. In addition to the area being the prime business centre, Huangpu is also considered a top residential and shopping district. Home to both a plethora of famous historic landmarks such as: the Old City, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, the Old City God Temple and Fuxing Park; and more modern developments including, People’s Square, the infamous East Nanjing Road, the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Shanghai Museum – it is easy to pass the entire day exploring what the district has to offer. The eastern section of Nanjing road is of particular interest as it acts as the main tributary from the old to the new, and is the heartbeat of modern Shanghai. One will find many different groups of people populating Nanjing road from tourists, to locals, to expats. As Shanghai’s cultural and economic epicentre the transportation network in Huangpu District is particularly well developed. The Yan ’an elevated road and North-South elevated road are connected to the elevated Inner Ring road via a major highway intersection and provide easy access in-and-out of the area. The district is also served by seven metro lines operated by the Shanghai Metro: lines 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 13 meaning that the Huangpu District is especially well connected to the outer reaches of Shanghai. The district is also serviced by five different ferry routes that means one is never short of transport options when in Huangpu.