LIKE many other cities in China, Shanghai is divided into two parts by a river. Pudong (East of the Huangpu River) and Puxi (West of the Huangpu River), often mistakenly imagined almost to be different cities by tourists - and at times even by local people.

"Puxi is the traditional Shanghai, trying to establish itself as a Chinese-style modern city, while Pudong identifies itself with a future Shanghai," said Zhong Fulan, president of the Shanghai Folklore and Culture Society.

Although new bridges and tunnels now connect the city's two parts, the gap between the Huangpu's banks shows no sign of narrowing.

According to one old saying: It is better to have a bed in Puxi than a house in Pudong. Pudong was nothing but farmland 15 years ago, while Puxi boasts skyscrapers, shopping malls and the exotic architecture of the Bund.

Pudong would have been the last choice for a place to live for any Shanghainese at a time when the only access to Pudong from Puxi was the ferry.

Booming communities

"The old saying has become truly obsolete today," said Zhong. "Nowadays, people are rushing to buy apartments and houses in Pudong where there is more fresh air, wide avenues and less pollution."

Shanghai's best selling apartments are mainly located in Pudong, where mushrooming luxury residential areas house an increasing proportion of the city's affluent residents.

"Pudong is one of the most attractive places in China. People both from home and abroad come here to realize their Shanghai dreams, which certainly stimulates our business," said Zhou Jiming, an estate agent in Pudong.

"Pudong has become the first choice for both working and residential space, especially among expats."

Zhou said his business has tripled over the past few years due to the rocketing demand.

A glance at any map of Pudong shows vast areas of green parkland, modern stadiums and golf courses.

What cannot be seen on the map are the world's third highest skyscraper and the site for what will be its highest, the Finance Centre tower in Pudong's Lujiazui. Construction cranes still thickly clutter the skyline of Pudong.

While the residential areas in Puxi provide more convenience in transportation and shopping, those in Pudong are becoming increasingly popular among people who prefer a quieter, nature-oriented and less-polluted environment.

"My family moved from Puxi to Pudong several years ago. The fresh air, green land and light traffic here attracted us and makes life easy and comfortable," said Yang Ying, a native Shanghainese.

The upscale residential areas in Pudong have risen to dwarf Puxi's Gubei and Hongqiao areas, Shanghai's traditional expat-heavy luxury residential areas, which are becoming crowded and noisy.

Pudong has build more than 30 international residential areas so far and strives to be the first choice for both expats and affluent locals in places such as Yanlord Garden, Green City and the Lianyang Community.

Expat residents account for about 30 per cent of the residents in most of these international communities. For example, Yanlord Garden in Lujiazui boasts about 760 families from 50 countries and regions, with expats accounting for up to 40 per cent of the residents in the community.

"As more foreign companies locate their offices and factories in Pudong, the expat population of the New Area will rise," said an official from the Pudong district government.

According to statistics from Pudong district government, 10,000 foreign ventures were registered in 2004, from more than 98 countries and regions.
"Pudong is going to build five standard international communities by 2008," said Wang Xiaoling, an official from the Pudong Social Development Bureau. "Pudong has the ability to create a sound working and living environment for expat residents."

Puxi partisans

While a modern Pudong embraces expats and migrants, Puxi remains a popular residential and working area.

Buses can take you anywhere in Puxi. A car is necessary for people living in Pudong, unless they are lucky enough to live near the metro, because supermarkets and hospitals are widely scattered and buses are rare.
In Puxi, convenience chain-stores, hospitals and schools are located near residential areas. People do not have to worry about refrigerator being over-stuffed because there are vegetable markets and stores nearby.

Among the people interviewed, most of the elderly citizens preferred the idea of life in Puxi.

"I have many friends here," said Zhao Fangxian, 63, a retired teacher. "In the morning, I walk to the nearby park to join them to play taijiquan. We gather again in the afternoon for tea or to play mahjong."

"Puxi is a populous area which creates close and friendly relationships in its communities," said Yu Hai, an expert from Fudan University. "The residents have more opportunities to communicate with each other than those in Pudong."

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Which part of the city really represents Shanghai? That is still a question, but experts admit that Puxi retains its Shanghai-style cultural heritage.

Zhao's thoughts are shared by most senior citizens.

"Puxi is the place where Shanghai-style culture was nurtured. The culture is significant for its cross-cultural characteristics," said Zhong Fulan.

The buildings in Puxi record this well, with Doric columns found on the facades of many houses built in the last century.

But experts worry the recent planning of Puxi has not helped it show off its cultural abundance, as busy shopping malls and skyscrapers wipe out traditional houses and heavy traffic and noise drowns tranquil street life.

"In contrast, Pudong is rising as a mixture of cultures," said Yu Hai. "Pudong embraces new migrants from different cultural backgrounds, from different countries and regions, making it a tolerant and friendly place for a new culture to arise."