Shanghai is split in two by the Huangpu River (??? Huángpu Jiang). On the west bank is Puxi (?? Puxi), the older city center, while the newer sky-rise development on the east side is called Pudong (?? Pudong).

Inner districts of Puxi

 The Bund (?? Wàitan)
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 (???; Chángníngqu)
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 (???; Hóngkouqu)
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 (???; Huángpuqu)
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 (???; Jìnganqu)
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 (??; 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. 
 Putuo (???; Putuóqu)
 
 Yangpu (???; Yángpuqu)
Where Fudan University and Tongji University are located. Also contains the excellent and spacious Gongqing Forest Park. For shoppers, Wujiaochang (???) is situated here. 
 Zhabei (???; Zhábeiqu)
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 and outer districts

Chongming (???; Chóngmíngxiàn) 
 
Pudong (?? or ????; Pu?dong? or Pu?dong?xin?qu?)
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 (???)
A traditional water town and popular getaway 
Southern Suburbs (Jinshan, Fengxian, Southern Songjiang, Eastern Minhang)