Shanghai expats. When in Puxi.

An opportunity arose for our family to move from Dubai to Shanghai and we had a year to process that information. It was certainly a very big decision and we obviously couldn't say 'no' to the adventurous path that was opening for us. We took a risk that turned out to be a good one. It is 2020 and we are still in Shanghai.
It definitely takes some time to adjust and learn how to be an expat in Shanghai but once you do, you will probably feel proud of yourself for managing to find ways in this very different and distant culture.
99% of the people we've met are very happy with their lifestyle in Shanghai and have stayed longer than expected.
Personally, I was worried we have made a massive mistake at the beginning when we moved here but, we gave it a chance and kept an open mind.
Shanghai has grown and improved in so many ways since we've moved here; it has become digitally accessible, the air quality has improved, more western brands have reached this part of the world making Shanghai a true international hub for a safe and exciting lifestyle.
It is clean although it counts around 24 million people, you can get around without speaking Mandarin but you will need a loooot of patience and common sense to go with it, great transportation network, locals are becoming more and more culturally aware and what I like the most is the fine mix of the West and the East as well as the feeling of being safe.
Great place for families, businessmen and all the artsy people.
I find Shanghai to be a very inspirational city to live in.

Puxi is the heart of Shanghai as it was the only area that existed before Pudong was built. Local Shanghainese people prefer Puxi over Pudong although both sides have so much to offer.

French Concession and Tianzifang
Tianzifang is very small and you can visit it in one day. Take the metro line number 9 and exit on Dapuqiao station.
French Concession on the other side, is very large and you need to take a taxi and head over to a certain street for brunch or dinner and explore the area around it.
We like to go to places like Colca, La Creperie, Boxing Cat Brewery, Azul Tapas Lounge, D.O.C., The Bull and Claw, Hooked on Julu Road, Cantina Agave and more.
FC is great on a sunny day so you can sit outside and enjoy the vibes in this area of the city.

Walking from FC to Xintiandi is very doable and we have done it many times, use a map and try to reach Huaihai Road. It's a busy but cool area that is both charming and modern.
Go shopping on East or West Nanjing Road.

The Bund is always a good idea, especially night time, as Shanghai at night is like a different city from all the lights that illuminate the metropolis. Wherever you go, you can't go wrong but we usually visit The Fellas, Bar Rouge, Captains, Lost Heaven, Waldorf Astoria, the rooftop bar in Indigo Hotel, VUE Bar, BFC area during the day.