LINGANG SPECIAL AREA
PUDONG, SHANGHAI
China
The Lingang Special Area, part of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, It is a strategically planned urban district in south eastern Shanghai, anchored by the man-made lake known as Dishui Lake. It is envisioned as a globally competitive node combining advanced industry, sustainable living and future-city infrastructure. The area is developing into a “city of innovation” with strong emphasis on open economy, technological leadership and high-quality urban life.
Lingang New City was renamed in 2012 as Nanhui New City, spans about 74 square kilometers is a planned city located in the southeasternmost tip of Pudong New Area in Shanghai, China. It is designed to accommodate 800,000 people and features a prominent 2.5 km-wide circular artificial lake, Dishui Lake, with three artificial islands. The city’s concentric layout radiates from the lake like a compass rose, with streets and waterways supporting a “waterside living” theme.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
Sustainability guides Lingang’s growth, with ultra-low energy and three-star green-certified buildings such as the Dishui Lake Financial Bay project. Ecological belts, wetlands, and green corridors connect the waterfront, blending nature and urban living.
Smart City
It is emerging as a smart, digitally driven district featuring a full digital twin platform, IoT networks, and advanced data centres across land, sea, and aerospace sectors. The Dishui Lake AI Innovation Hub exemplifies this vision through work in autonomous systems and smart manufacturing.
Human-Centric
Urban design prioritizes expansive recreational areas, pedestrian and cycling paths, cultural venues, and community spaces to enhance quality of life and social engagement. Lingang’s plan centres on “15-minute neighbourhoods” with accessible services, schools, and cultural spaces. Around Dishui Lake, walkways, cycling paths, and public promenades enhance liveability and community well-being.
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