Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How did Pudong change from an industrial and slum area into a finance and trade district?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Shanghai
Skyline of Shanghai, China.
The transformation of Pudong from an industrial area and extensive slum into a global finance and trade hub was driven by massive, state-led urban development projects beginning in the late 20th century.12
Founded in 1870 as an industrial center, the district remained underdeveloped for decades. The turning point for the area occurred in 1993 with the official establishment of the Pudong New District. This administrative designation catalyzed a period of rapid modernization, characterized by the following developments:1
- Infrastructure Expansion: The city invested heavily in new roads, highways, and an expanded light-rail transit system to support the district's growth.2
- Financial Hub Creation: The area became home to the Lujiazui finance and trade zone, which now hosts modern business complexes and some of the tallest buildings in the world, such as the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Shanghai Tower.1
- International Exposure: The district served as a primary site for Expo Shanghai 2010, which further accelerated urban renewal and solidified Pudong's status as the center of China’s economic life.12