Pudong now... by Amareyui
Pudong used to be mainly farmland and countryside until 1990 when Chinese government decided to set up a Special Economic Zone in the district. The western tip of the Pudong district was designated to be the new financial hub of the modern China called Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone. Several landmark buildings were constructed in Lujiazui during 1990s to raise the image and awareness of the area. These include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Jin Mao Building.Waigaoqiao is the largest free trade zone in mainland China covering approximately 10 km² in the north-east Pudong. Jinqiao Export Processing Zone is another major industrial area in Pudong covering 19 km². Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park is a special area for technology oriented businesses covering 17 km² in central Pudong.
Pudong International Airport opened its doors in 1999, same year as Shanghai Metro line 2 opened service between Puxi and Pudong. Maglev train opened into trial service in 2002 moving passengers between the airport and Long Yang Road Metro station.
Pudong is connected to Puxi also by several tunnels and four major bridges. First of these major bridges were Nanpu Bridge (1991) and Yangpu Bridge (1993). Xupu Bridge opened in 1996. The latest of these is Lupu Bridge, which is the world's longest arch bridge and was completed in 2002.
Pudong's GDP reached USD $25.13 billion in 2002.