Shanghai implements the People’s City concept through cross-domain cooperation, bringing citizens a more convenient life and a more beautiful environment
The Airport Link is a crucial east-west route within Shanghai’s regional railway network. During a special interview titled “Our People’s City” held yesterday, reporters visited projects including the Airport Link, the Yangtze River Delta’s Water Town Lounge, and the Yuandang Lake Ecological Restoration. These initiatives not only enhance urban transportation and ecological environments but also embody the concept of a people-centric city through cross-border collaboration, providing citizens with a more convenient lifestyle and a more beautiful environment.
In early September, the new Airport Link began its trial run without passengers and is expected to officially open by the end of the year. This will significantly reduce travel time between Hongqiao and Pudong airports, cutting it down to around 40 minutes. As the backbone of Shanghai’s east-west railway network, the Airport Link connects two major transportation hubs across the city, including the “Two Airports and Three Stations.” Spanning 68.6 kilometers, it passes through three districts: Minhang, Xuhui, and Pudong. The line will feature nine stations, six of which are underground and three above ground, including stops at Hongqiao Terminal 2, Zhongchun Road, Jinghong Road, Sanlin South, Kangqiao East, Shanghai International Tourism Resort, Pudong Terminal 1 and 2, Pudong Airport Terminal 3, and Shanghai East Station.
During a trial ride on the Airport Link, it took less than five minutes to travel from Hongqiao Terminal 2 to Zhongchun Road. The train’s interior is designed similarly to high-speed trains, featuring spacious seats arranged in parallel, designated luggage areas, and charging stations equipped with both wired and wireless options, showcasing thoughtful details for passenger comfort. “In the future, passengers at Zhongchun Road station won’t need to exit to transfer to Metro Line 9,” said Lin Qiang, Deputy Secretary of the Shanghai Shentie Party Committee and General Manager. He highlighted that Zhongchun Road station is the only new ground station on the Airport Link, with most stations planned for easy transfers to the metro.
Additionally, Shanghai is actively expanding its metro network with the construction of Lines 19 and 20, continuing to broaden transportation coverage and service. While enhancing transportation infrastructure, the city is also launching projects like installing elevators at pedestrian overpasses, retrofitting bus stops for senior citizens, and developing “one-click ride-hailing” services, continuously improving the travel environment for residents. Efforts to create slow-movement premium zones and enhance overall accessibility are underway, including optimizing over 800 bus routes and ensuring minimal wait times at urban metro stations.
At the construction site of the Fangting Water Courtyard in the Yangtze River Delta Ecological and Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone, workers are diligently finalizing the project, which is nearing completion. Located at the boundary of Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces, Water Town Lounge is poised to be a functional model embodying the ecological and green principles of the demonstration zone.
Spanning 35.8 square kilometers, Water Town Lounge is a critical area where Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang collaborate to showcase ecological advancements. The Fangting Water Courtyard serves as a centerpiece within this project, connecting cross-border pedestrian pathways to eliminate past transportation barriers and improve daily commuting logistics. “For people living on the boundary, crossing the river used to require a lengthy detour, making communication inconvenient,” said Liu Wei, Director of the Ecological Construction Department at the Yangtze River Delta Integration Demonstration Zone. “Once the three bridges are completed, traversing the Hu-Su-Zhe area within 15 minutes will be within reach, enabling more citizens to share high-quality public resources across regions.”
Fangting Water Courtyard features themed exhibition spaces from Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui, and a conference center aligned with the Yangtze River Delta central axis. It will serve as a platform for showcasing superior products from these regions while promoting international innovation and business exchanges, cultural experiences, and collaborative forums on topics like integrated development and climate change.
Liu emphasized that the approval process for construction plans and designs involves collaborative efforts among the three regions, reflecting the shared vision behind each project—an embodiment of the people-centric concept of discussion and joint construction.
Once eco-environmental improvements take hold, the newly revitalized Yuandang Lake has transformed from a polluted area to a popular destination. Stretching 23 kilometers, the lake is a vital component of the “One River, Three Lakes” project within the demonstration zone. The ecological restoration and functional upgrade of Yuandang Lake, as a cross-border project, focuses on creating a safe, connected, ecological, and pleasant cultural lake area, enhancing local biodiversity and community engagement.
With the introduction of new public facilities like parking lots, rest areas, and recreational spaces, Yuandang Lake aims to attract more residents for outdoor activities and environmental appreciation. “Once the lake’s shoreline is interconnected, we plan to host cross-regional events such as kayaking and sailing competitions,” said Chen Yifan, a guide at the Qingpu District Water Resources Management Office. Liu concluded, “As the ecological environment improves, the quality of life for residents is enhanced, fostering eco-friendly industries and creating more job opportunities as new economic prospects arise.” (Guo Fanxi)
