Born from a Yangtze shoal Haiyong Town stands as a testament to human resilience. This small town nestled on Chongming Island’s edge boasts a unique history. It’s a pene-enclave belonging to Jiangsu province yet bordered by Shanghai.
Imagine the scene in 1937. Yonglongsha a mere shoal reappeared. Workers from Haimen a neighboring town began transforming this watery expanse into fertile land. By 1970 over 3000 laborers had reclaimed two square kilometers. Their efforts weren’t in vain. The land stabilized. The conflicting claims of Haimen and Qidong were resolved. Nantong mediated the dispute dividing the newly formed land.
In 1972 Yonglongsha Farm became part of Haimen. Natural processes and continued reclamation fused it to Chongming Island in 1975. Haiyong a name that means Sea Yong was established as a township in 1992.
For years only ferries connected Haiyong to Jiangsu. This changed in 2011 with the Chongqi Bridge spanning the waters to Qidong. Further expansion came with the addition of another 3.2 square kilometers of reclaimed land.
Haiyong’s economy thrives on agriculture. Rice sugarcane watermelon and cotton are major crops. There are also vegetable farms and animal husbandry. Plans are underway to expand organic farming to cater to the Shanghai market. The town is now divided into Tongjiang community and the villages of Shanan and Yongbei.
Haiyong’s transformation from a mere shoal into a thriving town is a remarkable story. It demonstrates the power of human determination and resourcefulness. This unique geographical location and historical narrative make Haiyong a fascinating place to visit. A true hidden gem within Shanghai’s vast landscape.