The Jiading District is best-known today as the center of Shanghai's car culture. It is the site of Shanghai International Circuit Formula One race-track, and home to many automotive-related industries. The Shanghai district's German-styled Anting New Town – nicknamed 'Auto City' – is the base for the Shanghai Automative Industries Corporation (SAI), the country's premier passenger car manufacturer. The Shanghai Auto Museum 上海汽车博物馆 is also located in Anting (on Boyuan Road).

Jiading's more traditional side is represented by Nanxiang Town 南翔老街, whose Guyi Graden 古猗园 pays homage to the Jiangnan culture of the Ming Dynasty period. Shanghai's signature 'Xiaolongbao' dumpling originated in Nanxiang, and vendors throughout the city frequently refer to the town in this regard.