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Who lives in Lujiazui
Lujiazui sits on the east bank of the Huangpu River in Pudong, directly opposite the historic Bund, and is the most recognisable financial district in China, defined by the supertall towers that make up the Shanghai skyline. It is primarily a commercial centre, a dense cluster of office towers, hotels, shopping malls and high-rise residential blocks, with the riverfront promenade and Century Avenue running through it. The residents are heavily international and professional, with many working in the finance, banking and corporate roles that fill the surrounding towers, and the area suits parents who want to live close to work in a modern, convenient setting. Families here tend to favour apartment living with views and amenities over space, and value the connectivity and the centre-of-the-city feel. Those who want larger homes, gardens and to be nearest the international schools usually look to the villa compounds of Jinqiao and the wider eastern Pudong districts instead, while keeping Lujiazui within reach for work and weekends. To see how the area fits into the wider city, start with our international schools in Shanghai directory.
Schools near Lujiazui
Lujiazui is a financial district rather than a school hub, but it sits within Pudong, which holds several of Shanghai's strongest international schools, so families based here choose from across the district. To the east, in the established expat area of Jinqiao, are Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, which opened in 2003 and runs an English curriculum leading into the IB Diploma for students from the early years to eighteen, and Concordia International School Shanghai, an American curriculum school that is among the city's most sought after and maintains waiting lists in several year groups. Nord Anglia International School Shanghai also operates a Pudong campus offering the British curriculum alongside IB programming. These schools sit a drive from Lujiazui, so families weigh the commute against the convenience of living in the centre. Because demand is high, line up more than one option and apply early.
One point to check first: many of Shanghai's full international schools are restricted to students holding a foreign passport, in line with Chinese regulations, so confirm eligibility with each school before applying. For the full list with curricula, stages and admissions detail, use the Shanghai schools directory, and to plan the budget see our guide to primary international school fees in Shanghai. If you are not sure which curriculum or school suits your child, the school finder quiz will shortlist options based on your priorities.
Commute and admissions
Shanghai's international schools admit by application rather than by residential catchment, so living in Lujiazui does not give priority at any particular school, and families choose a school first and then plan the journey. For getting around the city, Lujiazui is well served by Metro Line 2, which runs under the district and links it to both Pudong and Puxi, and the area is walkable around the riverfront, malls and office complexes, so daily life in the centre does not require a car. The school run is the main consideration. Because the leading international schools sit further east in Pudong, in areas such as Jinqiao, many families rely on school buses, which most schools operate across the district, or drive, since the journey from Lujiazui can take time at peak hours. Weigh the daily commute carefully if you are set on living in the centre, confirm each school's bus routes from Lujiazui, and plan journeys around the morning peak before settling on an address.
Housing and cost of living
Housing in Lujiazui is almost entirely high-rise, from prime riverside apartments with views across the Huangpu to the Bund to serviced residences and modern blocks near the office towers. It is one of the most expensive parts of Shanghai for rent, with the prime buildings commanding top prices given the central financial location, so this is a premium choice and adding international school fees makes it a costly way to base a family. The Jinqiao area and the wider eastern Pudong districts offer more space and more family-oriented housing, including the villa compounds favoured by families with younger children, within reach of the same schools, so many families compare central apartment living against suburban space before deciding. Before committing, model the full picture of rent, schooling and transport with our relocation cost calculator, and read the wider Shanghai relocation guide for visas, healthcare and setting up. Treat any specific rent figure you see as indicative, because the market moves, so verify current asking rents before you budget.
Budget your move to Lujiazui
Model riverside apartment rent, school fees and transport together before you commit to the area.
Open the relocation cost calculatorFamily life
Daily life in Lujiazui is built around the river and the city. The Binjiang Avenue riverfront promenade gives families a long stretch for walking, running and cycling with the Bund skyline across the water, and the district's malls, including the large Super Brand Mall and the IFC complex, cover shopping, supermarkets, dining and cinemas under cover. Family attractions are close at hand, from the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium to the observation decks of the towers and the nearby Century Park, one of the city's largest green spaces, a short Metro ride away in Pudong. Healthcare access is strong, with international clinics and hospitals serving the expat community across Pudong. The defining quality of the area is convenience and energy rather than space and quiet, so it suits families who want the centre of the city around them and are comfortable with high-rise living. For parents working in Pudong who want a short commute and the river at their feet, Lujiazui is a convenient base, with the schools and the suburbs of eastern Pudong a planned journey away.
Living in Lujiazui: FAQ
Lujiazui itself is a dense financial district rather than a school hub, but it sits within Pudong, which holds several of Shanghai's leading international schools. Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong and Concordia International School Shanghai are established options in the Jinqiao area to the east, and Nord Anglia International School Shanghai also has a Pudong campus. Families based in Lujiazui typically commute to these schools by car, school bus or Metro Line 2. See the Shanghai schools directory for curricula, stages and admissions detail.
Not at every school. Many of Shanghai's full international schools are restricted to students who hold a foreign passport, in line with Chinese regulations, while bilingual and private schools have different rules. This is an important early check for families relocating to Lujiazui, so confirm eligibility with each school before applying. The Shanghai directory sets out the curricula and admissions detail.
Lujiazui suits families who want to live in the heart of Shanghai's financial district, with riverside views, modern high-rise apartments and the city centre on the doorstep. It is convenient for parents working in Pudong's business towers. Families who want larger homes, gardens and to be closest to the international schools often choose the Jinqiao villa compounds further east in Pudong instead.
Not for the city itself. Lujiazui is served by Metro Line 2 and is walkable around the riverfront and malls, so daily life in the district does not require a car. For the school run, however, many families use school buses or a car, since the main international schools sit further east in Pudong, in areas such as Jinqiao, rather than in Lujiazui itself.
Lujiazui is one of the most expensive parts of Shanghai for rent, with prime riverside and high-rise apartments commanding top prices given the central financial location. Adding international school fees makes it a premium family choice. The Jinqiao and wider Pudong areas offer more space and family-oriented housing within reach of the same schools. Model the full picture with the relocation cost calculator before you commit.