Oriental Manhattan

Compound
If location is a priority, then Oriental Manhattan is a good option. It’s situated in Xujiahui, the heart of Xuhui District. It’s within walking distance of the Xujiahui shopping district, parks, and public transport. And it’s just around the corner from a number of Xujiahui’s historic heritage sites – the Xu Guangxi Memorial Hall, the Xujiahui Cathedral (i.e. St. Ignatius Cathedral), the Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei, and more.

The compound is divided into two main phases, though the developer originally built three phases. On one side, high-rise buildings house modern, balcony-equipped apartments. From some units, the view looks over the beautiful waterscaping and meandering walkways down below.

The second phase, on the other side of the street, is designed for pedestrians and community engagement, and cars are required to drive below-ground. While apartments in both phases are individually owned, the units in the second phase tend to have a more luxurious, up-scale feel. Outside, shallow ponds with brilliant blue hues and waterside seating provide for a nice retreat.

The clubhouse is shared by both phases, and facilities include an indoor swimming pool, gym, tennis court, game room, spa, and more. Some of the facilities have above average reputations – the pool has made a name for itself among local expatriates and the massage place is well-known for its traditional Chinese-style massages. Other features include 24-hour management and security and international satellite TV.

Neighborhood
Oriental Manhattan is located in the commercial, fast-paced district of Xuhui. Alongside Huangpu District and Jing’an District, Xuhui District is one of the city’s major affluent urban districts. Known for its history as an academic and religious center, gorgeous tree-lined streets in the Former French Concession area, and an endless array of shopping and dining options, Xuhui has remained as a long-time favorite of expatriates and locals alike.

Once owned by the Xu family, Xuhui’s Xujiahui (the heart of the district) area became engraved in time when one member, Xu Guangqi, rose to become the country’s most prominent Catholic convert and, in cooperation with his foreign counterparts, translated influential texts between Latin and Chinese. Over time, the area became known as a Catholic stronghold and a center of learning, as well as for its ties to the neighboring French Concession. Although much of the area was repurposed for industrial purposes in the mid-1900s, a 1990s development project has revived the area and transformed it into a major commercial area.

Today, Xuhui District is home to a number of key roads and sites, including: part of Huaihai Road, part of the Former French Concession area (shared with Huangpu), Shaanxi Road, Wukang Road, Fuxing Road, Shanghai Stadium (IKEA nearby), Panyu Road and Jiaotong University. It also borders Huangpu Creek, includes the South Shanghai Railway Station and the Inner Ring Elevated Road (an expressway), and provides for easy access to Huangpu, Pudong, Changing, and Minhang. As a central district, the area is well supported by the city’s expansive metro system, and some areas can be even be reached by bike or on foot.