The most prosperous district in Shanghai is Huangpu District, and it is generally recognized that Huangpu District ranks first. Three of the four major commercial streets in Shanghai are in Huangpu District. Huangpu District governs 10 streets including Nanjing East Road, The Bund, Ruijin 2nd Road, Huaihai Middle Road, Yuyuan Garden, Dapu Bridge, Laoximen, Xiaodongmen, Wuliqiao and Bansongyuan Road.

The name of Huangpu District comes from its proximity to the mother river Huangpu River. When Shanghai was divided into districts in 1945, the first district established was Huangpu District. The city center of Shanghai is in Huangpu District, the seat of the city government is also in Huangpu District, and the People's Square, the most central place in Shanghai, is also in Huangpu District. Huangpu District is home to thousands of merchants and prosperous markets, making it a nationally renowned commercial shopping center.