Hongqiao (Gubei)

Hongqiao and Gubei form the most established expat residential corridor in Shanghai, home to the largest Japanese and Korean expat communities in mainland China. The area evolved from the original Hongqiao diplomatic zone in the 1980s and 1990s into a mature, self-contained international suburb with every amenity a family from Tokyo, Seoul, or New York might need. Gubei International Gold Street is a pedestrianized commercial zone lined with authentic Japanese restaurants, Korean BBQ joints, bakeries, and specialty importers. The area hosts multiple international schools serving different national curricula. Despite its reputation as a bubble, Gubei has a genuine and vibrant international community life.

Hongqiao/Gubei has several parks and green spaces. Hongqiao Park and the Longbai Residential Area provide green walking. The Hongqiao Tianshan sports complex serves the community. Several international fitness clubs and compound pools are standard features of the villa complexes. Villas with private gardens are common in the area. Qingpu lakes and golf courses are accessible by car within 30 minutes. Polo clubs and equestrian facilities operate in the greater Hongqiao area.

Hongqiao/Gubei is served by Metro Lines 2, 10, and 17. The Hongqiao Railway Station — the hub connecting to the high-speed rail network — is 15 minutes by Metro, making travel to Beijing (4.5 hours) or Hangzhou (1 hour) very easy. Hongqiao Airport is 15 minutes for domestic and regional flights. Didi is essential. A car or driver is common among senior executive families. The areas western location means Pudong is 45–60 minutes away by Didi.

Daily life in Hongqiao/Gubei is international and seamlessly convenient. Carrefour, City Shop, and multiple Japanese and Korean import grocers stock every international product imaginable. The Gubei pedestrian street provides dining and shopping without needing a car. Several international medical clinics are in the area. Japanese community hospitals serve the Japanese expat population. International schools of every national curriculum are within the zone. The overall feel is a fully self-contained international suburb with outstanding convenience.

Hongqiao/Gubei shares Shanghais climate but its western position closer to the agricultural plains of Jiangsu makes it slightly less humid than the coastal Pudong area. Winter is cold and damp (0–8°C). Summer is hot (30–37°C) with heavy monsoon rain in June and July. Air quality in Shanghai can be variable — the Hongqiao area sometimes benefits from westerly winds bringing cleaner air from the interior, though it can also be affected by regional pollution.