Pudong New Area, Shanghai (must see)
Pudong New Area in Shanghai symbolizes China's modernization and economic growth, located east of the Huangpu River, contrasting with the historic Puxi district on the river's west bank. The transformation of Pudong from a predominantly agricultural region into a bustling metropolitan area began in earnest in 1992 with the merging of the original areas of Pudong County and Chuansha County.
Today, the Pudong New Area is not only a state-level new area extending to the East China Sea but also a symbol of China's rapid urbanization and economic prowess. The area is home to the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, a financial hub that boasts some of Shanghai's and the world's most iconic skyscrapers, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower. These architectural marvels, situated along Century Avenue, form the modern skyline of Shanghai, visible from Puxi's historic Bund. This juxtaposition underscores the city's unique blend of historical and contemporary influences.
Beyond its financial district, Pudong encompasses a variety of other critical zones and landmarks, including the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Port of Shanghai, the expansive Shanghai Expo and Century Park, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the Jiuduansha Wetland Nature Reserve, Nanhui New City, and the Shanghai Disney Resort. These areas collectively highlight Pudong's diverse economic base and its role as a center for trade, technology, and tourism.
The establishment of Pudong as a county in 1958, followed by its redevelopment into the Pudong New Area in the early 1990s, marked a pivotal turn in Shanghai's, and indeed China's, urban and economic development. The government's decision in 2009 to merge Nanhui District with Pudong underscored the area's ongoing expansion and its significance to the broader strategy of urbanization in China. By hosting major venues for the Shanghai Expo in 2010, Pudong further solidified its status as a global showcase of innovation and growth.
Today, the Pudong New Area is not only a state-level new area extending to the East China Sea but also a symbol of China's rapid urbanization and economic prowess. The area is home to the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, a financial hub that boasts some of Shanghai's and the world's most iconic skyscrapers, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower. These architectural marvels, situated along Century Avenue, form the modern skyline of Shanghai, visible from Puxi's historic Bund. This juxtaposition underscores the city's unique blend of historical and contemporary influences.
Beyond its financial district, Pudong encompasses a variety of other critical zones and landmarks, including the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Port of Shanghai, the expansive Shanghai Expo and Century Park, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the Jiuduansha Wetland Nature Reserve, Nanhui New City, and the Shanghai Disney Resort. These areas collectively highlight Pudong's diverse economic base and its role as a center for trade, technology, and tourism.
The establishment of Pudong as a county in 1958, followed by its redevelopment into the Pudong New Area in the early 1990s, marked a pivotal turn in Shanghai's, and indeed China's, urban and economic development. The government's decision in 2009 to merge Nanhui District with Pudong underscored the area's ongoing expansion and its significance to the broader strategy of urbanization in China. By hosting major venues for the Shanghai Expo in 2010, Pudong further solidified its status as a global showcase of innovation and growth.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Pudong New Area on Map
Sight Name: Pudong New Area
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Shanghai, China
Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Shanghai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
The Bund Sightseeing Tour
The Bund is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The term "bund" was borrowed into English from Hindi and originally referred to a dyke or embankment. The Chinese name for the Bund is unrelated in origin: it literally means "outer bank", and distinguishes this part of the riverfront from the "inner bank" adjacent to the Old Town... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour
The Old Town of Shanghai, historically the heart of the city, is a part of Shanghai's urban core. Shanghai's importance as a trade hub led to its elevation to county status in 1292. In 1554, during the Ming Dynasty, the area was surrounded by protective walls to safeguard against Japanese pirate raids and remained so until 1912, when the walls were dismantled.
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Leaving Shanghai without calling local shops and procuring something truly original to bring home as a souvenir would be a pity. Indeed, souvenir shopping in Shanghai is an exciting experience.
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour
Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the “face of modern China.” Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Uniquely Chinese Things to Buy in Shanghai
Prepare a Shanghai surprise for your loved ones back home! Bring them a piece of exciting China from one of the country's most iconic destinations. Luckily, the choice of things fit to do the job is enormous. All you need is a knowledgeable advice on where to go to get a fair price and decent...