Xuhui District is located to the southwest of central Shanghai. Xuhui District, together with Luwan District is what is commonly referred to as ‘downtown’ Shanghai. This district is considered the safest part of Shanghai and most embassies and consulates are located here. A large portion of the beautiful old French Concession area, one of the most prestigious sections of the city is in Xuhui District (the remainder of the French Concession area is in the bordering Luwan and Jing’An districts).

Xuhui District is one of the most prestigious and popular residential areas in all of Shanghai. I t has the lowest population density of all the downtown districts. It also has the highest concentration of cultural and scientific institutions. It currently has more than 100 research institutes and 10 full-time institutions of higher education such as Shanghai Normal University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which is known as one of the four elite universities of China (the other three are Xinhua, Beijing, and Fudan).

Xuhui has traditionally been an upper class residential area and recent development has born that out. It is one of the most prestigious living areas of the city with many luxurious villas and apartments being developed. The district is now home to more than one quarter of the city’s entire foreign (expatriate) population. The area is extremely charming with its many tree lined streets and interesting architecture and still has many beautiful old villas from the colonial days, most in rough shape but some currently being renovated as single family homes.

In the northern part of the district is Shanghai’s famous boulevard, Hengshan Road, with over thirty restaurants of diverse cuisine tempting passers-by as they stroll down the tree-lined street. This area is the old French Concession and Consular area with many charming vintage villas tucked behind high walls.

The convergence of 5 main roads (including Huai Hai Road) in Xujiahui represents the main center in the district . Here you will find a thriving commercial area of department stores where you’ll find a number of reasonably priced high rise apartment developments. The Shanghai Catholic Cathedral, Longhua Temple and Shanghai Olympic Stadium are some of the main features of this area. You can also find the Huating Hotel and Regal East Asia Hotels right by the stadium.