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By James Chang
Aquaspace Apartments
In many people’s mind, Pudong may be a vacuum of life when it comes to Shanghai. However, living long term in the area has really given new light and new perspectives to the once agricultural area of old Shanghai. Ever since Shanghai was first formed, Pudong was always underdeveloped with very little historical significance to life in Shanghai, and with that mentality, most people today still avoid this modern and rather active side of the Huangpu River.
Starting in the 1990s, Pudong was designated as a Special Economic Zone in China and has ever since taken center stage and has undergone rapid economic development turning Pudong into China’s central financial and commercial hub. Not only does Pudong serve as the main symbol of China’s economic success, it has also emerged as what Wall Street is to the United States -- where business happens, and where the money really matters. In addition to changing the financial landscape of China, it has also contributed significantly to Shanghai’s skyline, being featured in the majority of tourism photos and often the sensation as a tourist must-see location viewed from the historic Puxi Bund.
Pudong can be broken down into two major sections, the Lujiazui area and the rest of Pudong, which is many times bigger than the more active Puxi area. The vast swath of Pudong is still undeveloped, which is why it has a reputation of being rural and unexciting. However, the Lujiazui area is well established and hosts such famous malls as the IFC and the Super Brand Mall. Within these shopping behemoths can be found every major international luxury brand, one of the few Apple stores in China, and restaurant after restaurant of high-end dining catering to the affluent Lujiazui crowd. Moreover, it also is one of the hottest spots for high-end hospitality hosting two Hyatt hotels, a Ritz-Carlton, a Shangri-la and a newly opened Four Seasons hotel. If one isn’t fond of the abundant shopping opportunities developing in Shanghai, one can simply gaze with awe at the sky nearly filled with massive skyscrapers such as the Jinmao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the soon to be Shanghai Tower. Naturally, all of these towering buildings come with a bar lounge perched at the top giving its occupants an unobstructed view of Shanghai in all its glory (such as Flair Bar, Century 100 and Cloud 9).
On the flip side, there is also a very different atmosphere on the Pudong side. Being much less populated and a lot more spacious, the avenues (such as Century Avenue) are vast and the parks are wide-spread. This gives more of a Western feel to it, very suitable for many expatriates coming to Shanghai. One gem in the jungle would be Binjiang Avenue, being the equivalent of the Bund but a lot less trekked, it gives an unrivaled view of Shanghai’s Bund at night while being still serene for a peaceful promenade. This is definitely a recommended tourist destination if one wants to avoid the hustle and bustle of Lujiazui.
Aquaspace Serviced Apartments is unique in a sense as it combines the best of both Pudong and Puxi. We accommodate not only the corporate expats that work in the Lujiazui CBD, but we are also favored by families who desire extra space, and want an economical option. Located just steps from the Lujiazui area, one can easily access the malls and glamour of Pudong, while the tunnel and the nearby metro system provide easy access to vibrant Puxi.
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