Choosing a city to live in often means choosing a lifestyle and just 6 kilometers from the Hongqiao transportation hub lies Xujing town — located in Shanghai's Qingpu district — home to more than 16,000 expats from over 120 countries.
For many foreigners, Xujing offers not only convenience but also community. From long-term residents who arrived in the late 1990s to newcomers drawn by the China International Import Expo or CIIE — held annually at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in the town — their experiences highlight its appeal for living, working and studying.
German restaurateur Joern is an example. After first visiting in the 1990s, he chose to settle down there.
He says Shanghai's karaoke bars reveal a culture of empathy and service. Nowadays, his bistro blends Western classics with local dishes and it's become a really popular dining spot.
To further support its expats, Xujing is building the City News Service or CNS platform. It will integrate 13 government services including work permits and health checks — together with housing, education and cultural events — helping newcomers adapt more smoothly to life in Shanghai.
Xujing is also a hub for international trade. Afghan businessman Ali calls it his "lucky place" after meeting success at the CIIE. His carpet store now thrives opposite the exhibition center, offering Afghan specialties ranging from lapis lazuli to pomegranates.
For students like Ren Di from Algeria, who studies at the Shanghai National Accounting Institute, Xujing offers another dimension — access to China's financial hub.
She plans to take home lessons from Shanghai's modern finance and governance, showing how Xujing connects China with the wider world.
