“Ever heard of a town in Shanghai that mirrors a Nordic dream?” That’s Luodian, also known as Luodian New Town. Today, we explore this unique area. Luodian presents a fascinating blend of Chinese locale and European architectural themes.
Luodian sits in Baoshan District. It is about 25 kilometers from Shanghai’s center. The town’s history stretches back to the Yuan Dynasty. But, its modern identity comes from a unique project.
In the early 2000s, Shanghai launched the One City, Nine Towns initiative. The plan gave each suburban district a distinct theme. Luodian got a Swedish makeover. It became a North European New Town, echoing Sigtuna.
Imagine walking through Luodian. You see Nordic-style buildings lining the streets. Swedish architects Sweco designed the new town. The central area features Meilan Lake. The lake was inspired by Sweden’s Lake Mälaren.
Construction of Luodian New Town began. The central area was completed in 2004. Yet, even by 2010, the town was still growing.
Luodian also houses the Lake Malaren Golf Club. This club gained fame for hosting the BMW Masters. From 2012 onward, it became part of the PGA European Tour. Before that, in 2011, the tournament was known as the Lake Malaren Shanghai Masters.
Beyond its residential and recreational aspects, Luodian includes an industrial zone. The Luodian Industrial Zone spans 2.7 square kilometers. It operates as part of the broader Shanghai Baoshan Industrial Zone. This zone functions as an Economic and Technological Development Zone.
Consider Luodian not just as a town. It represents a bold experiment in urban planning. It demonstrates cultural fusion. It brings a slice of Sweden to Shanghai’s suburbs. As we conclude our visit to Luodian, remember its blend of history and modernity.