Why Does Shanghai Need Lingang?

Viewed from high above, a perfectly round lake can be spotted in the southeastern corner of Shanghai, separated from the sea by only a narrow strip of land—this is Lingang's landmark, Dishui Lake.

It is an artificial lake, with a surface area comparable to that of West Lake.

Please view horizontally for a panoramic look at the southeastern corner of Shanghai and the perfectly round

The area surrounding Dishui Lake is the central urban district of Lingang. With the construction of the lake, this became Shanghai's easternmost and newest urban zone.

However, due to its distance from the bustling city center, Lingang long remained under the radar until August 2019, when the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang Special Area was established.

Since then, Lingang has gradually entered the public consciousness, and its area has expanded significantly.

The Lingang landmark "Shanghai Dishui Lake InterContinental Hotel," located on Dishui Lake's South Island, was upgraded and rebranded in March this year from the former "Dishui Lake Crowne Plaza Hotel" following the establishment of the Lingang Special Area.

It’s worth noting that the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone was China's first such zone, and Lingang became another key area after Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone and Lujiazui Financial District, shouldering Shanghai's further opening-up.

Distribution map of the (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone

So, why has Lingang become the forefront of Shanghai's openness? And how did it take shape as it is today?

Located in Shanghai's southeastern corner, Lingang is virtually surrounded by water on three sides—the Yangtze River Estuary to the north, Hangzhou Bay to the south, and the East China Sea to the east.

Map of Lingang's location (Note: The division here follows urban planning functional zones, not town-level boundaries).

Thus, at Nanhuizui Park east of Dishui Lake, one can witness the sunrise over the East China Sea and the ebb and flow of tides.

Behind Dishui Lake, clusters of new buildings stand in orderly rows.

Dishui Lake Metro Station and other structures near the lake

But if we trace back to 2002, the scene here was entirely different.

At that time, Nanhuizui Park was still part of the sea, Dishui Lake did not exist, and mudflats dominated the landscape—remoteness and desolation were its defining features.

Map showing land changes in Lingang over the past 20 years

Even the land that had already formed was relatively young, taking shape only during the Tang Dynasty—a true testament to the passage of time.

Looking further back, this transformation is inseparable from the formation of the Yangtze River Delta.

The massive sediment carried by the Yangtze River accumulates at its estuary, gradually forming the Yangtze River Delta. Southern Jiangsu and Shanghai, including Chongming Island, emerged and expanded under these conditions.

Simplified illustration of sediment deposition in the Yangtze River Delta

Beyond nature's craftsmanship, the dramatic changes in Shanghai's Lingang rely more on human effort.

In the 1990s, the development and opening of Shanghai's Pudong surged, leading to a sharp increase in cargo throughput at Shanghai Port.

However, the Yangtze River waterway suffered from perennial siltation, requiring dredging. Shanghai's coastline, mostly muddy, lacked deep-water ports. Thus, Shanghai decided to collaborate with Zhejiang to build a deep-water port at Yangshan Island.

Shanghai's Yangshan Port terminal and distant small islands

In 2002, construction began on Yangshan Deep-Water Port, and the Donghai Bridge, linking the port to the mainland, was also initiated.

The same year, Lingang, as the hinterland of Yangshan Port, was slated for development.

Projects like Dishui Lake and the cross-sea sediment-promoting dike were launched first, rapidly creating vast new land over the next decade, laying the foundation for future growth.

Thus, in seaside Lingang, one can see endless container trucks descending from the Donghai Bridge, heading to Shanghai and beyond.

Container trucks shuttling back and forth on the Donghai Bridge near Yangshan Port

One can see tree-lined boulevards and ecological green spaces encircling Dishui Lake.

Lingang itself also holds significant ecological value.

Despite large-scale land reclamation, the eastern mudflats of Lingang remain a crucial stopover on the East Asian migratory bird route, preserving vital wetlands for bird habitats.

In recent years, more birdwatching enthusiasts have organized to protect this precious wetland and safeguard migratory birds.

Migratory birds—Kentish Plovers and Dunlins—resting in the Nanhui East Shoal Wetland

At this stage, Lingang had only achieved existence thanks to Yangshan Port, still far from today's Lingang New Area.

What transformative changes occurred in Lingang over just 20 years? How did it rise to become a frontier of Shanghai's openness in such a short time?

Initially, Shanghai planned Lingang merely as a satellite city to alleviate population pressure in the urban center and introduce modern equipment manufacturing.

Sany Heavy Industry's factory area filled with excavators, relocated to Shanghai Lingang Industrial Park in 2009

Although Lingang has long outgrown this initial setup in its subsequent development, the early days of Lingang faced numerous challenges in achieving smooth progress. Merely attracting residents was already a difficult hurdle to overcome.

The area around Dishui Lake, with the sail-shaped building at its center being the "China Maritime Museum in Shanghai," was founded in 2006 and officially opened in 2010. It is one of the earliest landmark structures completed in Lingang.

The straight-line distance from the vicinity of Lingang's center, Dishui Lake, to downtown Shanghai is approximately 55 kilometers. At the same distance westward from downtown Shanghai, one could reach Kunshan City in Suzhou.

Schematic comparison of the straight-line distance between Lingang and downtown Shanghai.

Thus, the issue of distance urgently needed to be addressed. Since the actual distance couldn't be altered, the only solution was to build a convenient road network.

Among these, the first to open was the S2 (originally numbered A2) highway connecting downtown Shanghai to the Donghai Bridge. Named the "Hulu Expressway" because its endpoint passes by Luchaogang near the Donghai Bridge, this road significantly shortened the journey from Lingang to the city center.

The intersection of Lianggang Avenue and the vertical Tongsheng Avenue.

Meanwhile, an urban expressway winding along the southeastern corner of Shanghai was rapidly constructed—this was Lianggang Avenue.

It is a vital road passing through Lingang's central urban area, linking the Yangshan International Deep-Water Port and Pudong International Airport, two major transportation hubs.

Additionally, the Shanghai Ring Expressway connected the outer regions of Shanghai, and roads within Lingang such as Lingang Avenue, Haigang Avenue, and Shengang Avenue further improved internal and external connectivity in the area.

Of course, when it comes to transportation linking Lingang and downtown Shanghai, Shanghai Metro Line 16 is also crucial.

However, its construction was relatively late, with full operation only commencing in 2014. Due to its extensive coverage, it has long been one of Shanghai's most crowded subway lines, with daily ridership exceeding 200,000 passengers.

Longyang Road Station on Shanghai Metro Line 16, where train cars have been expanded from three to six carriages in recent years. The Maglev train station is on the right.

With transportation issues improved, would people continuously flock in?

In the early days, most of those who stayed in Lingang were urban builders who came here. Following blueprints, they gradually constructed residential areas, commercial zones, and university campuses.

Lingang under construction, with a hydrogen-powered medium-capacity bus in trial operation below in 2022.

Subsequently, tens of thousands of university students relocated en masse.

After 2008, with the completion of Lingang campuses for universities like Shanghai Maritime University and Shanghai Ocean University, large numbers of students moved in. They enjoyed larger and newer campuses while also facing the ongoing construction of Lingang.

The Lingang campus of Shanghai Maritime University, with its main building being the university gymnasium. A viaduct is under construction below.

Students graduated in batches, but Lingang's construction never ceased. Buildings seemed to rise rhythmically, from groundbreaking to completion, gradually occupying the dusty land.

Gradually improved facilities are increasingly attracting both people and industries.

Leveraging Yangshan Port, Lingang has established a logistics park; relying on universities, it built a sci-tech innovation park by Dishui Lake; with policy support, it developed an equipment manufacturing zone.

The Yangshan Special Comprehensive Bonded Zone near the Hulu Expressway and its surrounding areas

Beyond industrial zones, the area also boasts abundant recreational facilities, drawing large numbers of tourists annually.

At the China Maritime Museum, visitors can listen to stories of China's maritime history and explore the inner structures of seafaring vessels.

In the parks around Dishui Lake, people can stroll and immerse themselves in nature.

Dishui Lake Park and the InterContinental Shanghai Dishui Lake in front

At Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, visitors can observe the diversity of Earth's species from a spectator's perspective, perhaps prompting deeper reflections on the future.

In the world's largest planetarium, the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, people can marvel at the wonders of the universe and the insignificance of humanity.

In August 2019, the Lingang New Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone was established, instantly propelling Lingang from Shanghai to national and even global prominence.

Since then, openness has become Lingang's defining theme. Favorable policies on business access, taxation, and talent settlement have paved the way for free trade.

The Shanghai Lingang Chuangjing Technology Center, one of the landmark buildings in the International Innovation Collaboration Zone of Lingang New Area

But to build a qualified new free trade zone, Lingang first needed to expand its area to meet the growing demand for industrial settlement.

Thus, with the original Lingang area as the core, the new zone incorporated parts of Huinan Town in Pudong, as well as sections of Fengxian and Minhang Districts, forming a free trade zone spanning about 870 square kilometers—nearly one-seventh of Shanghai's total land area.

A schematic of Lingang New Area's urban composition, including areas south of Pudong Airport and towns covering Xiaoyangshan Island

Among the first companies to settle in Lingang were ACM Research, a world-leading semiconductor equipment firm, and CNOOC Rongfeng Energy, specializing in deep-sea wind power development.

The Innovation Magic Cube, recently completed in Lingang New Area, is located at the heart of its International Collaborative Innovation Zone.

Today, Lingang New Area has been operational for three years. As open policies advance, major investment projects are signed or launched here annually.

These projects span high-tech fields like integrated circuits, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and high-end equipment manufacturing.

By 2022, the total number of signed cutting-edge technology projects had reached 300, with investments exceeding 400 billion yuan.

Number of Signed Projects in Lingang New Area

For example, in 2019, the main structure of the Tesla Gigafactory was completed in less than a year and began pilot production in November. This was once called the "Lingang Speed."

Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai Lingang

In 2020, the new-generation artificial intelligence computing and empowerment platform project by SenseTime, an AI platform company, was launched in Lingang.

SenseTime Artificial Intelligence Computing Center

In 2021, the Lingang Industrialization Base project of AMEC (Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc.) commenced.

Phase I of AMEC Lingang Industrialization Base in Shanghai

This year, SMIC's Lingang 12-inch wafer foundry production line project settled in the Shuyuan Community of Lingang New Area; CATL (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology Integrated Electric Chassis R&D Project started construction in Lingang; and Medtronic, the first Fortune 500 biopharmaceutical foreign company, signed to settle in Lingang.

The arrival of these industry leaders has laid a solid foundation for building Lingang's characteristic industrial parks, such as Oriental Core Port and Life Blue Bay.

Lingang New Area's openness and policy advantages further attract industrial clustering. Thus, for Shanghai and the entire nation, the establishment of Lingang New Area is undoubtedly a worthwhile experiment.

Qingtong Park Factory, Phase V of Lingang Intelligent Manufacturing Park, beside Liangang Avenue

Meanwhile, the establishment of the new area also benefits Yangshan Deep-Water Port on the other side of Donghai Bridge. It is one of Shanghai Port's three major port areas, a key asset for Shanghai's role as an international shipping hub, and one of Lingang New Area's three pilot zones.

In 2020, Yangshan Port alone handled 46% of Shanghai Port's container throughput, which has ranked first globally since 2010.

Shanghai Yangshan Deep-Water Port, Phase IV Automated Terminal

Leveraging this, the new area upgraded the original Yangshan Bonded Port to Yangshan Special Comprehensive Bonded Zone, deepening Shanghai's international shipping hub.

Thanks to special tax policies, Yangshan Port also became China's first and the world's third port capable of providing bonded liquefied natural gas (LNG) "ship-to-ship" refueling for international vessels, while also being Shanghai's largest LNG receiving station.

Yangshan LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Receiving Station

Industrial clustering demands higher transportation standards for Lingang, requiring denser, smoother, and more diverse connections across this vast free trade zone.

Thus, based on existing routes, Shanghai has planned multiple transportation lines, including the Liangang Express Line, the second phase of Hutong Railway, and G228 Coastal National Highway.

These will further reduce travel time between Lingang New Area and Shanghai's urban areas while strengthening connectivity with the Yangtze River Delta region.

Schematic diagram of transportation routes under construction in Lingang New Area

When we shift our gaze once again to the Lingang central urban area around Dishui Lake, this is a region full of expectations under the halo of the Lingang New Area.

Each area around Dishui Lake carries its corresponding function.

On Dishui Lake’s West Island, the future tallest building in Lingang, the "Bank of China Tower," is under construction. It represents Lingang’s future key industry—offshore financial services, specifically the liberalization of cross-border capital flows, which is being realized step by step.

Extending into Dishui Lake, the West Island hosts the ongoing construction of the Bank of China Tower.

To the southwest of Dishui Lake, the International Innovation Collaboration Zone, which the Lingang New Area has dedicated efforts to build, is playing an increasingly prominent role.

Recently, the fifth "World Laureates Forum," attended by several Nobel laureates, members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Engineering, and other renowned scientists, was grandly held in Shanghai, with Lingang serving as the venue for the forum’s sub-sessions.

Notably, the permanent venue for the World Laureates Forum, built in the International Innovation Collaboration Zone of Lingang New Area, was completed and held its inauguration ceremony on November 4.

The permanent venue of the World Laureates Forum in Lingang New Area, photographed in October 2022.

Leveraging this, Lingang New Area will also establish a "Top Scientists Community" here, including joint R&D centers and the Möbius Science Park.

Here, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) contributes its expertise to building the urban units of the "Top Scientists Community." Across the street from the forum venue, it developed the approximately 700,000-square-meter (including the joint R&D center) international residential area "World Laureates Community · Jiuhai Yuntian," creating a new generation of high-quality housing in Lingang and providing high-standard living amenities for the next generation of scientific and technological elites residing here.

Looking back at the 20-year construction journey, Lingang has grown from nothing, continuously developing and opening up, ultimately achieving a tremendous transformation.

This transformation is still ongoing, with increasingly rapid transportation, buildings under construction, and an influx of people all illustrating these changes.

Lingang will steadfastly become the forefront of Shanghai’s opening-up and another development hub for the city.

- CREATIVE TEAM -

Proofreaders | Xiang Buxiang, Qingliu, Chen Zhihao

Cover Photographer | Tang Zhenming

[1] Zou Yilin, Zhang Xiugui. Historical Physical Geography of China. Monograph Series on China's Physical Geography[M]. Science Press, 2013, 10.

[2] Pei Enle, et al. Dynamic Changes in Migratory Waterbird Communities in Shanghai’s Coastal Wetlands[J]. Journal of Fudan University (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 46(6).

[3] Zhang Xiaodong, et al. Sustained Progradation of the Largest Uninhabited Sand Island in the Yangtze Estuary Under Sharp Decline in Riverine Sediment Supply[J]. Science China: Earth Sciences, 2021, 51(11).

[4] Zhao Qingying, Yang Shilun, Liu Shouqi. Formation and Evolution of the Yangtze River Delta[J]. Shanghai Geology, 2002.

[5] Yang Xifeng, et al. Seven Years of Refinement: Planning and Management Practice of Lingang New City (2002-2009)[J]. Shanghai Urban Planning, 2009, 87(4).

1. The images, text, data, and other related materials involved in this advertisement, as well as introductions to the project's surrounding environment, transportation, and other supporting facilities, are intended to provide relevant information. Changes may occur due to government planning, regulations, or reasons beyond the developer's control.

2. The mentioned 700,000-square-meter project area includes the construction area of the joint R&D center.

3. The term "World Top Scientists Community" is sourced from http://www.pudong.gov.cn/.

4. The location map is only a schematic diagram of roads. Specific roads and planning are subject to government-released documents.

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