Biyun, in the middle of the Pudong New Area, is the vibrant and cheerful pocket affectionately called the Green City.

It’s one of the most popular international communities in the city and many residents call a perfect neighborhood.

The international community in Jinqiao area covers 4 square kilometers and is brimming with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars that evoke a European lifestyle. There’s plenty of green space and a big central lawn. Park areas and gardens are filled with flowers.

Children play on swings while parents enjoy a cup of coffee at a nearby sidewalk cafe, after working out at the Green Sports and Leisure Center. In front of the center many vendors sell a range of items, including flowers, home wear, dolls, toys and colorful hair accessories.

Green City is a melting pot of cultures from around the world.

Schools and medical facilities are well established.

“Life is green” sums up the community lifestyle. Green City is not only an area of fashionable residences but also a pleasant neighborhood far (but not too distant) from the hectic city center.

At night romantic lights reflect on a tranquil pond and the community becomes more lively. Residents from around the world meet for sports or relax at little bars for beer and cocktails. Many languages are floating in the air in this charming meeting place of world cultures.

The area is appealing in all seasons.

Green City is the first international community in China to receive the internationally recognized certificate for excellent environmental quality (known as the ISO14001 quality certificate). Lisa Carroll, Australia

Lisa Carroll is a fifth-grade homeroom teacher at Concordia International School Shanghai.

She and her husband have lived in China for 20 years. Their daughters were born in China — they previously lived in Beijing — and are fluent in Chinese. Each year they visit Australia for two or three months on holiday.

Communicating when her daughters are not around is often a hand-signal affair and sometimes a bit frustrating, but she gets her message across.

Q: How long have you lived here?

We have lived in Jinqiao for over six years. We previously lived in Beijing.

Q: What’s the best thing in Green City?

It’s a great place to live. It’s a spacious “green” city with lots of amenities geared to expatriates — shops, restaurants, churches and parkland. We love our apartment and are happy to live in this area. We look out on two green spaces from our apartment. It’s a very peaceful environment. We enjoy sitting out on our porch with a drink and enjoying the outdoors, the peace and quiet. It’s great for recharging your energy after a full work day. 

Everything you need is close. There’s so much in any direction, within a city block. You can get everything you need without leaving what expatriates term the Jinqiao “bubble.” Bicycles are our primary means of getting around. Since everything we need is close by, using a bike suits us. It’s also a “green” method of transport and an easy way to get around.

Q: What’s your favorite place?

There is some parkland between Lantian Road and Yanggao Road. It’s all landscaped with paths, trees, bushes and a stream. It’s like an oasis in the city. We walk our dog there. It’s a peaceful area amid the city. It’s lovely in the early morning when it’s so calm and quiet. Then, in the evening, the restaurants and play areas close by are buzzing with activity.

Q: Describe Green City in three words.

Green. Quiet. Home.

Agnieszka Bielewicz, Poland

Dr Agnieszka Bielewicz is an internist working every day at a clinic in Green City, and the mother of three children, a boy and two girls.

She sees both Chinese and foreign patients and has little problem communicating since most people at the clinic speak English fairly well. Recently she has started to learn Chinese to feel more at home.

Q: How long have you lived here?

Two years, but I visited for two months in 2007 during the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Q: What’s the best thing in Green City?

There a few things I like, mostly the international atmosphere. I can meet a lot of cheerful and smiling people from many countries. I like the space in this “green” district. Living here is convenient for me.

Q: What’s your favorite place?

There are several places I especially like. One is the “street of restaurants” on Hongfeng Road and the beautiful walking space behind it. I have lunch or dinner at the Flying Fox or Big Bamboo quite often. I like going to the street with restaurants where I can meet friends, while my kids are safe, playing in the kids’ corner. Relaxation is in the air and people go there to loosen up, eat a good dinner, talk and drink good wine or beer.

Sometimes we go to Wagas, Latina, Blue Frog or Paulaner. I also cook at home with friends and afterward we play mahjong.

Since I’m a woman, I naturally like to loosen up at a spa. It’s very pleasant, refreshing and relaxing to spend the time in silence.

Q: What’s your impression of Green City?

A good address for living.

Katarina Von Eper, Slovak Republic

Katarina Von Eper is a photographer, short film director and part-time English teacher.

She and her family appreciate China as one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

Von Eper studied business in Europe and became a licensed engineer but in Shanghai she works as a photographer and short film director. She works with models and actors, creating their portfolios and attending models’ fashion shows. She is now working on a black-and-white art film project.

Every week she teaches English for a couple of hours at the Adult Private School. She tries to immerse herself in Chinese culture, learning Mandarin and tai chi, traveling around the country and enjoying the cuisine.

Q: How long have you lived here?

Since July 2012, around a year and a half.

Q: What’s the best thing in Green City?

The best thing is that there are a lot of expats. Most of us know each other. We have wonderful neighbors. And we spend a lot of time together. People here are great. The children feel like they are in their home country. Everything is very convenient. We can walk to the restaurant or to the store, everything is close.

Q: Why did you choose Green City?

Because Green City has everything we need for a wonderful family life. It’s like a foreign country. Most of the people can speak English. The roads are big and wide, there’s not a lot of traffic and we can ride our bicycles on the side of the road. It’s very safe and clean. There are many areas where children and play and have fun. Services are very good. You can find a place for a good hair cut, good massage and reasonable fitness, all in one area within walking distance from your home.

The homes are new, nice and clean. We are very happy. You can choose your lifestyle, exploring a new Chinese lifestyle or retaining a Western lifestyle. There are plenty of Western restaurants as well as Asian restaurants. People have a lot of choices.

Q: What’s your favorite place?

I like Kerry Parkside nearby. Every expat in Green City loves spending time in Kerry. It’s a great place to meet people, and also a great place to take children for lunch or dinner.