Songjiang New City

     On 5th January 2001, the Shanghai Municipal Government announced the first proposal (i.e. of topmost priority) that outlined the planning and construction of a mega international economic centre within a city-town system, with the key strategic concept of ¡°One City Nine Towns¡±, exhibiting the different exotic cultures of selected foreign countries. According to the proposal, Shanghai suburban districts will leverage on major economic projects and the construction of vital transportation infrastructure, and devote concentrated efforts on the development of the New City and the core town, thus giving form and shape to this modern city-town system.This will considerably reverse the current situation of an expanding city centre and scattered suburbs, leading to the formation of an industrialized, urbanized and modernized city-town cluster, as well as an urban economic rim.

     One such city built according to this concept is Songjiang New City. It occupies a total land area of 60 square kilometres and its development is divided into two phases. Presently, it has a population of 50,000. By 2005, Songjiang New City aims to become the new political, cultural, education and residential hub of Shanghai.

Songjiang New City ¨C A City of the Future

     The general blueprint of Songjiang New City comprises the city central district, central sub-district, transportation network and residential district. Facilities for commercial and financial activities, cultural conventions and exhibitions, tourism activities, office-use and transportation terminals etc are available within the high-density city central district. Songjiang Station, which is part of the Shanghai railway network, forms the core of Songjiang transportation hub. Such increased connectivity has helped Songjiang New City¡¯s development as a multi-functional regional district in recent years

The Planning of Songjiang New City

     The land allocated for residential purposes is segregated into several districts. Every residential district has a district centre. Within each centre and along core routes linking public facilities, sections of multi-functional pedestrian paths are built, creating an urban landscape of a cosmopolitan city. The density population and the type of housing within each residential district are uniquely different, thus creating a distinctive identity for the city as well as adding variety and gradation to the urban look.

     To create greater convenience for residents and sightseeing tourists, the planning of the transport network took into consideration several transportation modes, such as motor vehicles, public transport, pedestrian walkways/bicycle paths and water transport facilities etc, and ensured that the network is in line with the overall planning of Songjiang.

     The environmental landscape of Songjiang New City features two green belts and a large Central Park. They can be divided into public open spaces and water bodies, which jointly help develop the ¡°WaterLandscapeGarden¡± theme of Songjiang New City.

     The Tertiary Institution District sits at the northwest corner of Songjiang New City.It is a first in China, formed by the collaboration of various universities.Over a short span of time, it has matriculated 80,000 university students and employed 20,000 academic staff.This district not only creates a lively city campus atmosphere, but more importantly,It has also helped to nurture a strong team of talents, hence contributing to China¡¯s economic development.

Construction of SongjiangUniversity City

     Situated in the north of Songjiang New City¡¯s Exemplary Zone is Songjiang University City, where modern architectural style dominates. It consists of a cluster of universities advocating open education and interactive learning. Nestled in an attractive comfortable environment exuding a sense of chic elegance, the universities are able to retain their own unique individuality, while co-sharing resources. The university buildings stand out with its foreign architectural design, creating a distinctive landscape in Songjiang New City. Enveloped in a rich cultural atmosphere, the University City is truly a cradle for the elite, and plays an important role in leading the economic and social development of Songjiang.