Pudong, where it's 15 minutes to everywhere

Ti Gong

Residents of the Pudong New Area will be able to reach all the education, care, culture and sports facilities they need within a 15-minute walk by the end of 2020, the local government has said.

Pudong, home to the financial hub of Lujiazui, also has less-developed countryside like Zhoupu, Chuansha and Hangtou towns.

In an effort to make life easier for everyone, Pudong has come up with the “15-minute service circle.”

By the end of 2020, every Pudong citizen will be within a 15-minute walk of a school, hospital, elder care center, cultural facility and a sports venue. Also, within 15 minutes, they will be able to find a supermarket, a transit hub and a park.

In Zhoupu town, on both banks of the Yaoyugang River are nine residential complexes with an occupancy rate over 80 percent. Previously, there was no walking path and no accessible greenery but in August last year, renovations started. Now, it is a popular destination for an after-dinner stroll in the park. There are benches to take the weight off your feet and a spacious square for a variety of activities.

Besides basic facilities, Pudong wants every neighborhood, subdistrict and town to come up with tailor-made plans for their specific local needs.

Zhangjiang Science City, home to a cluster of brilliant minds, will build libraries and reading venues, meeting rooms and shared labs. There will be gyms for local scientists and young entrepreneurs.

Grassroots headaches such as parking space will all be integrated into the 15-minute circle.

“Pudong will take people’s needs first to provide a sense of belonging, happiness and security,” said Ji Zhaoliang, deputy district director.