Shanghai is split in two by the Huangpu River (黄浦江 Huángpǔ Jiāng). The most basic division of the area is Puxi (浦西 Pǔxī) West of the river, versus Pudong (浦东 Pǔdōng), East of the river. Both terms can be used in a general sense for everything on their side of the river, including various suburbs. However, they are more often used in a much narrower sense where Puxi is the older (since the 19th century) city center and Pudong the mass of new (since the 1980s) high-rise development across the river.
The Bund (外滩 Wàitān) The colonial riverside of old Shanghai, has dozens of historical buildings lining the Huangpu River, which once housed numerous foreign banks and trading houses. The riverfront walkway has recently undergone a major reconstruction and reopened to the public in March 2010.
Changning (长宁区; Chángníngqū) Hongqiao International Airport sits here in addition to the Shanghai Zoo. Changning is a very large, residential district but in recent years has seen more commercial and entertainment hubs develop, especially the area around Zhongshan Park.
French Concession (Luwan, Xuhui) Leafy district once known as the Paris of the East, includes the refurbished shikumen houses of Xintiandi and Shanghai Stadium, one of Shanghai's most rich and vibrant neighborhoods. The Xujiahui shopping district is home to five large shopping malls.
Hongkou (虹口区; Hóngkǒuqū) Home of Lu Xun Park as well as a football stadium, once home to Shanghai's substantial Jewish population in the first half of the 20th century.
Huangpu excluding the Old City (黄浦区; Huángpǔqū) The traditional center of Shanghai, home to People's Square, People's Park, the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, City Hall, and the city's largest metro station, underneath a large underground shopping mall. Adjacent to People's Square is the East Nanjing Road pedestrian mall.
Jing'an District (静安区; Jìngānqū) Home to Jing'an Temple, this area has been continuously inhabited since the 3rd century AD. The commercial district of West Nanjing Road extends from the center of Jing'an to People's Square.
Old City (南市; Nanshi) Home of Yu Garden, the City God Temple and Huxingting Tea House, this is the historic Chinese area of the city, where much of the old wooden architecture of ancient Shanghai is still preserved.
Yangpu (杨浦区; Yángpǔqū) Where Fudan University and Tongji University are located. Also contains the excellent and spacious Gongqing Forest Park. For shoppers, Wujiaochang (五角场) is situated here.
Zhabei (闸北区; Zháběiqū) Zhabei is an older district of Shanghai and the location of the Shanghai Railway Station. There is a large park, Daning-Lingshi, north of the station, as well as the Shanghai Circus.
Pudong (浦东 or 浦东新区; Pǔdōng or Pǔdōngxīnqū) The skyscraper-laden financial and commercial district on the east bank of the river with museums and shopping throughout, and a traveler's likely first district to experience considering Pudong International Airport rests in the district.
Western Suburbs (Baoshan, Jiading, Qingpu, Northern Songjiang, Western Minhang)
Zhujiajiao (朱家角) A traditional water town and popular getaway
