“Old and broken Zhangjiabang” once echoed through Shanghai. This is not the case today. We are standing before the S20 Zhangjiabang Bridge. It is a testament to Shanghai’s transformation.
The S20, officially known as the Shanghai Outer Ring Expressway, encircles Shanghai’s inner districts. Think of it as a giant loop. This loop connects different parts of the city. The Zhangjiabang Bridge is part of that connection. It allows the S20 to stretch across the landscape.
Once, the areas around Zhangjiabang were filled with hardship. Before Shanghai’s reforms, it was a place of struggle. Makeshift settlements and poverty marked the landscape. The Zhangjiabang river itself became polluted. It was more like a stinking ditch than a waterway.
But Shanghai had a vision. The city aimed to create a “Green Pudong” a true “Ecological Garden”. Starting in 1998, the government invested heavily. Over 600 million Yuan was spent to revitalize Zhangjiabang.
The transformation took three and a half years. The results were astonishing. The polluted canal became a scenic river. It became a source of pride for Shanghai.
Today, clear waters flow where there was once only waste. Lush greenery lines the banks. It offers a welcome contrast to the urban sprawl. People now stroll, fish, and even boat on the river. Some have even called it “Pudong’s Seine River”.
In 2004, Zhangjiabang received a prestigious award. The Ministry of Construction recognized it as a “China Human Settlement Environment Model”. It was the first in Shanghai to receive this honor.
The S20 Zhangjiabang Bridge stands as a gateway. It connects the city’s outer reaches. It is a reminder of Shanghai’s commitment to progress. It shows how a polluted area can become a beautiful and valuable asset. As you cross this bridge consider the journey of Zhangjiabang.