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Boldly stepping forward as a trailblazer for the new journey of reform and opening-up, Pudong has become a global arena where top talents from around the world compete.

On April 18, 2019, Pudong celebrated the 29th anniversary of its development and opening-up. On April 18, 1990, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council made the historic decision to develop and open up Pudong. This groundbreaking move thrust Pudong—then still an unmarked spot on the map—into the national spotlight, fundamentally altering its destiny. "Seize the opportunity to develop Pudong without wavering, and continue until it’s fully built." Born out of reform and opening-up, Pudong has thrived precisely because of these transformative policies. Today, Pudong is evolving from a pioneering window of China’s reform and opening-up into a vibrant experimental ground for comprehensively deepening reforms. Many innovative measures first tested here have since been replicated and rolled out across the country. Situated along the shores of the East China Sea, this dynamic hub of reform is now unfurling powerful sails that propel the broader wave of change forward with unwavering momentum. Today, Pudong, despite occupying just one-fifth of Shanghai’s land area and housing one-quarter of its population, contributes nearly one-third of the city’s total economic output. It accounts for 40% of Shanghai’s strategic emerging industries, 50% of the added value in the financial sector, and 60% of the city’s total foreign trade volume. Over the past 29 years of development and opening-up, Pudong’s GDP has surged from 6 billion yuan in 1990 to 1 trillion yuan in 2018—a growth exceeding 100 times! "Moving from the 100-billion-yuan mark to the 1-trillion-yuan milestone represents a monumental leap, both boosting confidence in Pudong’s economic growth and setting a bold new goal for the region," remarked Shen Kaiyan, Director of the Institute of Economics at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, reflecting on this pivotal moment. Pudong has firmly established itself as Shanghai’s engine of economic growth and a microcosm of the city’s modernization efforts—and indeed, as a symbol of China’s relentless drive toward reform and opening-up on the global stage. If you’re not relying on family connections, Pudong is undoubtedly the best choice. "Don’t rely on your parents—come to Pudong instead." This memorable line, originally delivered by Shen Xiaoming, then Secretary of the CPC Pudong New Area Committee, during a campus recruitment event at Tsinghua University, quickly became iconic. His exact words were, "If you’re not part of the 'daddy's boy' crowd, choosing Pudong, Shanghai, is the smartest decision you can make." For those who’ve never visited Shanghai, their impression of Pudong might still be limited to its world-renowned landmarks—such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center—structures that have become synonymous with Shanghai’s iconic skyline. Yet while these towering skyscrapers undeniably showcase Pudong’s impressive "hard power," it’s the region’s transparent business environment, equitable employment opportunities, and thriving cultural scene that truly define its "soft power"—qualities that have enabled Pudong to consistently deliver extraordinary achievements time and again. According to a survey conducted by Deloitte, Pudong New Area boasts the highest success rate for foreign investment projects in China. Not only are multinational corporations eager to establish themselves here due to Pudong’s robust infrastructure and favorable business climate, but an increasing number of ambitious entrepreneurs and innovators are also choosing Pudong as their preferred destination for turning their dreams into reality. In fact, in response to rising challenges posed by high living and business costs, Pudong is actively adapting by becoming more "flexible" and addressing the shortcomings created by its unique environment. When residents complain about the scarcity of housing, Pudong swiftly responds by building Lujiazui Financial City Talent Apartments, offering turnkey solutions ready for immediate occupancy. If entrepreneurs lament the lack of startup capital, Pudong goes above and beyond to lower barriers and reduce costs associated with innovation and entrepreneurship. And when cultural enthusiasts express a hunger for enriching experiences, Pudong brings high-quality cultural events directly to their doorsteps, using its "cultural magnetism" to awaken dormant potential. Indeed, Pudong’s "soft power" continues to strengthen its appeal, making the region even more attractive to talent and businesses alike, while significantly enhancing its global competitiveness. Pudong seamlessly bridges its visionary "high-level" approach to development with a down-to-earth, "low-profile" commitment to serving businesses and residents, embodying the spirit of being a dedicated "shop assistant" who tirelessly works to enhance the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction among all stakeholders. Businesses flock to Pudong, driven by boundless opportunities and an unparalleled spirit of innovation, where they pursue, build, and ultimately realize their dreams. Back in 1992, Pudong was brimming with untapped potential and entrepreneurial energy, acting like a powerful magnet drawing companies from home and abroad. That same year, April marked the arrival of a remarkable figure: Tang Junnian, a Taiwanese businessman widely regarded as the "first pioneer of Pudong’s development." Tang had flown from Hong Kong to Beijing to visit his wife, Xu Feng, who was filming "Farewell My Concubine." During dinner, someone casually mentioned that Tang’s ancestral hometown was Pudong’s Nanhui district in Shanghai—and instantly sparked his interest. "As soon as he heard that, he immediately booked a flight to Pudong," recalled Xu Feng. "He felt an overwhelming sense of excitement, almost like he couldn’t wait any longer. Once he landed in Shanghai, he stayed for over a month!" At the time, many Shanghainese famously quipped, "I’d rather have a bed in Puxi than a room in Pudong." Indeed, Pudong was still largely rural back then, characterized by vast farmlands and muddy roads impassable to vehicles. Fast-forward to today, however, and the once-bucolic Lujiazui riverside promenade—now bustling with tourists—is even named "Lan Ni Du Road," or "Muddy Sludge Road," a nod to its humble origins. Yet despite these dramatic transformations, Tang Junnian remained utterly captivated. He promptly approached the local development authority, requesting two prime plots of land—one facing the iconic Bund waterfront, and another designated for a golf course. These two parcels would later give rise to two of Pudong’s most prestigious and controversial developments: the luxurious residential complex Tomson One and the renowned Tomson Golf Course. To the officials overseeing Pudong at the time, Tang’s sudden appearance was nothing short of a delightful surprise. After all, having an internationally-standard golf course nestled amidst Pudong’s sprawling farmland could dramatically elevate the region’s attractiveness to investors, significantly bolstering efforts to draw foreign capital into the area. Without hesitation, Tang Junnian swiftly agreed on the terms of a land auction with the authorities, officially registering "Shanghai Tomson Group Co., Ltd." within half a year. Remarkably, he secured the coveted Tomson Golf Course site along Longdong Avenue through a highly competitive bidding process—paying a staggering $30 million, a price tag more than double what the other competing bidder, a Japanese company, had offered.After 1992, Tang Junnian not only advanced the development of the Tomson Golf Course and golf villas but also began planning Pudong’s first five-star hotel (later known as the Tomson Jinjiang InterContinental Hotel) and its first Class-A office building (Tomson Financial Center). To secure the necessary funding, he even sold the "World Trade Building" in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, raising a substantial $2.2 billion to invest in Pudong’s ambitious development projects. As Tang Junnian continued his rapid expansion, 1992 to 1993 also saw other prominent figures sharing his enthusiasm for the mainland market, including Chen Yongtai, Chairman of the Chinachem Group, and Zhang Minyu, Chairman of Taiwan-based Jiaxin Cement, who hailed from Ningbo. In 1997, when the Asian financial crisis struck, the Tomson Group, buoyed by its unwavering confidence in Pudong’s ongoing development and openness, made the difficult decision to relinquish some of its already secured land-development rights in exchange for immediate cash flow to support its existing projects—such as the Tomson Golf Course and Golf Villas, the Tomson Financial Center, the Tomson Jinjiang InterContinental Hotel, and the Tomson Waigaoqiao project. At the same time, the group managed to retain ownership of the prime plot earmarked for what would later become the renowned luxury residential development: Tomson One. Years have passed, and as Pudong’s development and opening-up efforts gain momentum, foreign capital continues to pour in on a massive scale. As one of the earliest waves of investors to enter Pudong, Taiwanese businesses remain deeply committed to the region. Today, they bring not only capital and management expertise but, more importantly, cutting-edge technology that sets new standards for innovation and efficiency. **"The Future Is Here"** Pudong Embodies "China's Confidence" As Deng Xiaoping, the visionary architect of China’s reform and opening-up policy, once remarked: "Shenzhen faces Hong Kong, Zhuhai faces Macau, and Xiamen faces Taiwan. But Pudong is different—it looks out onto the Pacific Ocean, toward Europe and America, and ultimately, the entire world." Throughout its development and opening-up journey, Pudong has attracted significant foreign investment, reshaping Shanghai’s industrial landscape and enhancing the city’s overall functionality. Intensive infrastructure projects have created a robust network of connections, linking Pudong to surrounding regions and fostering global integration, thereby propelling Shanghai’s transformation from a traditional industrial hub into a leading economic center. Today, Pudong proudly ranks among the world’s top-tier business districts, with 310 Fortune Global 500 companies having established operations there. The region has accumulated a total of $78.99 billion in actual foreign investment. By the end of 2018, Pudong had attracted over 600 headquarters of various types, including 304 regional headquarters of multinational corporations—roughly half of Shanghai’s total. Driven by Pudong’s dynamic development, Shanghai itself has undergone remarkable transformations: "one change per year, a major overhaul every three years." This ripple effect has extended beyond Shanghai, inspiring rapid growth across neighboring regions—from Suzhou, Wuxi, and Changzhou in Jiangsu Province to Hangzhou, Jiaxing, and Huzhou in Zhejiang Province. Moreover, the Yangtze River Delta’s integrated development strategy is now making tangible progress, unlocking long-awaited synergies among these key economic hubs. Looking ahead, Pudong, whose economy has already entered the trillion-yuan club, has shifted its focus away from mere GDP growth metrics. Instead, it champions a new approach centered on productivity per mu, profitability, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The region is actively phasing out outdated industries, addressing safety risks, and tackling financial vulnerabilities—all while striving to eliminate superficial prosperity and prevent inflated asset bubbles. After all, only high-quality GDP can serve as the solid foundation for Pudong’s sustainable future, much like granite underpinning enduring strength. To drive innovation and seize opportunities amid profound industrial shifts, Pudong is placing its bets squarely on emerging sectors such as "China’s Core Technologies," the "Blue Sky Dream," innovative pharmaceuticals, cutting-edge automotive solutions, intelligent manufacturing, and data-driven ecosystems. Meanwhile, the region is meticulously optimizing land use in its major industrial parks, treating each acre of land with the same care and precision as an artisan craftsman perfecting a delicate piece of embroidery. By enhancing resource allocation efficiency, Pudong is also vigorously developing vibrant factor markets and fostering a thriving headquarters economy, positioning itself to assert greater influence over global pricing dynamics. In Pudong, the sense of "the future is already here" is palpable at every turn. For instance, driverless vehicles have begun patrolling streets on Zhangjiang AI Island; at the unmanned terminal in Yangshan Port, fully automated machinery operates entirely under computer control; and in Lingang’s "dark factory," intelligent robots handle every step of the production line flawlessly. **Driving Urban Renewal** Crafting a New Legend for the New Era While earlier generations of entrepreneurs wrote unforgettable chapters in Pudong’s history—with each landmark building holding its own unique narrative—the question remains: What does the future hold for this iconic district? Ultimately, development must serve the people, and the ultimate goal of high-quality growth is to deliver a better quality of life for everyone. In Pudong’s early days, public services—including education, healthcare, and elderly care—were glaringly inadequate, presenting a clear challenge that demanded urgent attention. That’s why addressing these critical gaps became a top priority: ensuring schools are built to meet community needs, alleviating parents’ anxieties about their children’s education; bringing high-quality medical resources closer to residents, so they no longer need to travel far for essential care; establishing state-owned institutions to provide affordable, reliable eldercare options for seniors; and creating "15-minute service circles" to make daily tasks easier and reduce residents’ reliance on long commutes. Facing new realities and challenges, Pudong, now entering its third decade of development, has embraced a renewed mission: to lead the way in tackling society’s most pressing issues, spearhead initiatives that align seamlessly with Shanghai’s four strategic pillars, achieve breakthroughs in the construction of the free trade zone, and deliver impactful results in advancing Shanghai’s status as a global science and technology powerhouse. By prioritizing high-quality growth, Pudong aims to build lasting strategic advantages, enhance its ability to manage global resources effectively, cultivate world-class industrial clusters, and unlock fresh momentum for sustained economic development. Standing at the dawn of a new era, Pudong is boldly embarking on a "new journey of reform and opening-up," ready to pioneer bold reforms, break through longstanding barriers, and chart uncharted paths forward. Indeed, a new chapter of extraordinary achievements is being written right before our eyes.

Further reading

Exclusive Interview | Tang Zijia: Being an Innovative "Second-Generation" Leader

Recently, GQ magazine published an exclusive interview with Tang Zijia, Vice Chairman of Tomson Group and founding shareholder of BU Group, focusing on the themes of legacy and innovation. The WeChat official account "Jielimag" (jielimag) has reposted excerpts from BUstyle below, with some content edited for brevity.

Tang Zijia: Artworks should feel as comforting as a home does.

At the most iconic real estate project of the汤臣 Group—Tangchen Yipin—Tang Zijia has created a private residence for himself. This mansion seamlessly blends the exquisite design of Japanese architect Tomoaki Watanabe with his extensive, years-long art collection, turning it into a veritable private museum.

Tang Zijia: The Fixed and the Mutable

As the eldest son of the renowned Tomson Group, Tang Zijia naturally draws attention wherever he goes. In January 2018, we visited Tomson One, a luxurious residence overlooking Shanghai’s Huangpu River, to meet him—a second-generation entrepreneur in his own right.

Tang Zijia: Grounded in China, Gazing Toward the Future

Editor's Note: They are the captains steering their companies forward with unwavering determination; they are the driving forces behind the real estate industry’s growth, working tirelessly day and night to build a better future. Leju Finance launches the premium interview series "Insights"—join us as we hear firsthand from these leaders about their lives and their unique approaches to business management.

Serving the future with vision

On November 8, the second China International Import Expo配套 forum—titled "Lujiazui: China's Key Link to the Global Community"—was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center.

Written on the 30th Anniversary of Pudong's Development and Opening-Up: Tomson, a Pudong Legend

In the late 1960s, a young man carried swatches of fabric as he wandered through Taiwan’s bustling streets and alleys. Soaked by the scorching midday sun, his slightly frayed polyester shirt clung damply to his frame. That year, few paid much attention to the slender young man—but in the vibrant shop windows lining the lively streets, a TV was broadcasting an advertisement: "Tomson Curtains: New imported models now available, sweeping Taipei by storm…" That was Tom Junnian, in his early twenties, tirelessly hustling to grow his Tomson Curtain Fabric Company. Boldly leveraging the newly emerging medium of television for extensive advertising, he quickly built Tomson into a thriving business within just a few years. By then, the company boasted over 3,000 distributors and annual production worth 500 million yuan, laying the foundation for what would later become the Tomson family’s first major fortune. The story of this man, who would go on to become the founder of the Tomson Group—a conglomerate that spanned across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong—was one that everyone would come to know. As the political climate thawed with the 1992 Consensus, Tom Junnian, accompanied by his wife and children, made their way back to their ancestral homeland via Hong Kong. Starting in 1992, they began investing heavily in Pudong, becoming integral to the region’s development over the next 28 years. On the occasion of Pudong New Area’s 30th anniversary of development and opening-up, we pay tribute to Mr. Tom Junnian and the Tomson Group for their invaluable contributions to Pudong’s growth—and, indeed, to this extraordinary land that continues to write its own legendary chapters. **Returning Yet Never Leaving** Tom Junnian, originally from Nanhui, Shanghai (now part of Pudong New Area), was born in Shanghai in 1948. However, his childhood wasn’t spent there; at the age of four, he moved with his father, Tom Yanghao, to Hong Kong, where the family settled. Life in Hong Kong wasn’t easy—financially speaking—and by the time Tom turned 18, he had already begun helping his father manage their small business ventures. By 1967, Hong Kong was gripped by turmoil and social unrest, leaving many anxious about the future. Yet Tom Junnian saw beyond the chaos. He believed the instability would soon pass, prompting him to persuade his father to buy numerous commercial properties at bargain prices while others were fleeing the city. From that moment on, Tom’s keen eye for opportunity and fearless willingness to take risks became unmistakably evident. Not long after, drawn by Taiwan’s burgeoning economic boom, Tom Junnian decided to strike out on his own, relocating to Taiwan to build his career. His journey there took him from establishing a curtain company to venturing into real estate. In Tamsui, Taiwan, he spearheaded the development of the “Tom City” industrial park and office complex, which, at its peak, achieved an unprecedented sales record of NT$30 billion (approximately RMB 7.4 billion) in just two weeks—a feat that still stands today. It was during his time in Taiwan that Tom Junnian met the love of his life: Xu Feng, the iconic actress who reigned supreme in both Hong Kong and Taiwanese cinema. The couple soon tied the knot and went on to welcome two sons, Tom Zijia and Tom Jiaceng. Yet even as life in Taiwan was settling into a comfortable rhythm, Tom Junnian once again made a decision that seemed counterintuitive to many. One day in 1986, he announced to his wife, Xu Feng: “Pack up the kids—we’re moving back to Hong Kong.” At the time, cross-strait relations remained largely closed, and talk of the impending “handover” in 1997 was rife among their Hong Kong friends, most of whom were considering emigrating abroad. But Tom Junnian had a different vision: he wanted Hong Kong to serve as a strategic bridge between himself and the mainland. He firmly believed that China would never reverse course, and that Hong Kong was the most convenient and accessible gateway to the Chinese market. “China will never go backward,” he told Xu Feng. “Hong Kong is the closest, easiest place to connect with the mainland. Before long, the mainland’s economy will rebound, and our move here is precisely so we can eventually return to invest back home.” Sure enough, when Chiang Ching-kuo lifted restrictions on veterans visiting their families in mainland China, the *Taiwan Residents’ Regulations for Visiting Relatives on the Mainland* officially came into effect on December 1, 1987. This marked the beginning of a new era in cross-strait relations, and once again, Tom Junnian’s foresight proved spot-on. However, it wasn’t Tom Junnian himself who took the lead in entering the Chinese market—instead, it was his wife, Xu Feng, the renowned film producer. Starting in 1988, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to fostering collaboration between filmmakers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China, producing a series of groundbreaking films. Among these was the critically acclaimed masterpiece *Farewell My Concubine*, which would later earn international acclaim and cement its place as a cinematic legend. Then, in 1992, while visiting the set of *Farewell My Concubine* in Beijing, Tom Junnian received a warm welcome from the head of the Taiwan Affairs Office at the time. It was during this meeting that the official suggested he might want to explore opportunities in Shanghai. Without hesitation, Tom Junnian embraced this call from his homeland and eagerly returned to his birthplace—Shanghai. In Shanghai, the then-mayor of the city personally greeted the prominent Taiwanese businessman of Nanhui descent, offering him a detailed overview of Shanghai’s recent progress and its ambitious plans for the future, particularly in Pudong. With the sharp instincts of a seasoned entrepreneur and the poetic passion of a true visionary, Tom Junnian spent over 20 days thoroughly exploring Pudong. On one memorable day, while inspecting potential golf course sites, he pushed aside towering reeds taller than himself and declared to Xu Feng standing beside him: “This right here will be our golf course!” Years later, Xu Feng recalled those moments with a mix of awe and admiration: “Here was a man who’d traveled all the way from Puxi—it took him nearly four hours to get here!—and found himself surrounded by endless stretches of desolate grasslands, winding rivers, muddy swamps, and scattered mounds of earth. There wasn’t even a proper road anywhere nearby. Yet somehow, Tom Junnian’s imagination soared far beyond mine, a filmmaker’s own. Who could have guessed that Pudong would one day look exactly like it does today?” Soon after, the Tomson Group emerged as the largest Taiwanese-invested enterprise ever to enter Pudong. Their very first bold move? A landmark investment of $30.4 million, securing the coveted 2-2-1 plot in Pudong’s Lujiazui Financial & Trade Zone on May 20, 1992—the very site now occupied by the iconic Tomson Financial Building at the intersection of Dongfang Road and Zhangyang Road. Just seven months later, on July 9 of the same year, the group clinched another monumental deal, acquiring the sprawling 1.4-square-kilometer Tomson Golf Course and residential land at nearly double the price offered by the runner-up bidder—totaling $92.36 million. Notably, these two plots marked the very first parcels in Pudong’s history to undergo international bidding. Prior to this, most of Pudong’s development had relied on negotiated transfers, often facilitated by central government initiatives encouraging neighboring provinces and cities to support Pudong’s rapid rise. With Tomson’s formal entry into the market in 1992, Pudong’s real estate sector officially stepped into a new era of competitive, market-driven development.At the signing ceremony held right on the golf course, Tang Junnian, together with Shanghai leaders overseeing Pudong, agreed to secure an additional $35 million worth of land adjacent to the golf course as reserve property—ultimately paving the way for the future development of Tangcheng Haoyuan. Following this landmark deal, in 1995, Tangcheng embarked on constructing the "Tangcheng International Trade Building" and the "Tangcheng Waigaoqiao Industrial Park" within the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone. That same year, Pudong’s very first 5A-grade office building, the "Tangcheng Financial Tower," was established in the Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone. At the request of Pudong’s local government, Tangcheng partnered with Jinjiang International Group to introduce cutting-edge hotel management expertise, leading to the opening of Pudong’s first five-star hotel, the "Xinya Tangcheng Grand Hotel," in 1996. Also in that year, Pudong’s first high-end, foreign-invested business center, the "Tangcheng Business Center," began operations. By 1997, the world-class 18-hole, par-72 "Tangcheng Golf Course" was completed, giving birth to Pudong’s first golf club, the "Tangcheng Shanghai Pudong Golf Club." Tangcheng moved swiftly to establish its presence in Pudong, yet often faced skepticism from those around them. When the Xinya Tangcheng Grand Hotel opened in 1996, the streets outside were eerily quiet—so much so that by nightfall, not even car headlights could be seen. Undeterred, Tang Junnian turned to his wife, Xu Feng, and confidently declared, "Just you wait; within 20 years, this road will become the busiest and most vibrant area in Lujiazui." In the years that followed, Tangcheng went on to develop iconic projects such as Jia Nian Villas, Tangcheng Haoyuan, Tangcheng Yiyuan, Tangcheng Haoting, and Tangcheng Hutting Garden. Additionally, they collaborated with Zhangjiang to create the Zhangjiang Microelectronics Port Industrial Park and the Zhangjiang Legend Plaza. Today, nearly all of Tangcheng’s real estate investments are concentrated within the 522-square-kilometer expanse of Pudong—a remarkable example of a company maintaining such a focused commitment to developing a single region over such an extended period. This unwavering dedication stems entirely from Tang Junnian’s profound belief in Pudong’s immense potential. Believe, therefore, see. Standing today atop one of Shanghai’s tallest skyscrapers, more than 100 meters above the Huangpu River and gazing northward, the bustling energy of the once-sleepy riverside landscape feels vividly alive. While the Bund remains etched in China’s modern history as a symbol of the nation’s rich past, the opposite bank—the Lujiazui district—has emerged as one of the most powerful economic icons of China’s four-decade-long reform and opening-up journey. Yet, just three decades ago, this very spot was little more than knee-high reeds and endless expanses of muddy wasteland. It was here that Tang Junnian arrived, strategically securing some of the most pivotal plots of land—including the site destined to become the future Tangcheng Yipin complex. Looking ahead, this project would not only redefine Pudong’s luxury housing market but also become an unforgettable chapter in Lujiazui’s storied legacy—a tale marked by both triumph and turmoil. To outsiders today, it might seem like nothing more than a shrewd investment made by Tangcheng back then. But for Tang Junnian, it represented a bold, all-or-nothing gamble, placing his entire fortune into a single, high-stakes venture. After all, in Tangcheng’s eyes, Shanghai is the undisputed engine driving China’s economic growth. Boasting top-tier talent pools and unparalleled levels of internationalization, the city offers boundless opportunities for innovation and prosperity. Equally compelling was Shanghai’s efficient and transparent government administration—qualities that Tang Junnian often emphasized as key reasons for his return to Pudong, bringing with him both familial ties to his hometown and unshakable confidence in the region’s developmental policies. Over the past 30 years of pioneering development and openness, Pudong has consistently defied expectations, delivering extraordinary results. Data reveals that Pudong’s GDP soared from less than 6 billion yuan in 1990 to surpassing 1 trillion yuan by 2019—accounting for nearly one-third of Shanghai’s total economic output. And now, as Tang Junnian had envisioned long ago, Pudong stands as a shining testament to the power of visionary leadership and relentless determination. The rise of a nation and the flourishing of a thriving region are never achieved overnight through mere slogans or isolated initiatives. Instead, they emerge from sustained effort, resilience, and unwavering faith in a shared vision. Yet, Pudong’s journey has been anything but smooth sailing. There were moments when doubts loomed large—particularly during the 1997 Southeast Asian financial crisis, which sent global markets into a tailspin. Many commentators openly questioned Shanghai’s future, even prompting some investors to reconsider their commitments. In the midst of this uncertainty, banks across Southeast Asia tightened credit lines, forcing developers caught in the storm to scramble for survival. The Hong Kong and Taiwan property markets plunged into deep recession, leaving companies like Tangcheng—with hundreds of millions of dollars invested in Pudong—stranded without immediate access to liquidity. Faced with unprecedented financial pressure, Tang Junnian took decisive action. He reached out to Zhao Qizheng, then Vice Mayor overseeing Pudong’s development, who himself was grappling with the mounting challenges of the global financial crisis. Despite these external headwinds, the Shanghai Municipal Government demonstrated understanding and empathy toward Tangcheng’s plight, encouraging the company to carefully weigh its strategic options across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Moreover, city and district leaders pledged their full support, offering Tangcheng the space and resources needed to navigate the crisis and stabilize its operations in Shanghai. This show of solidarity proved to be a turning point for Tangcheng. To weather the storm, the company was forced to sell off its prime real estate assets and its most valuable publicly listed subsidiary—actions that, while controversial at the time, sparked intense debate among Hong Kong stakeholders and ultimately led to protracted legal battles. Yet, despite these challenges, Tangcheng remained steadfast in its commitment to continuing its vital work in Shanghai. As someone renowned for his keen ability to anticipate market shifts, Tang Junnian remained resolute: "Let’s wait and see—who truly becomes the ‘victim’? Only time will tell." And indeed, he added with unwavering optimism, "Rest assured, this place will one day rise to become the very epicenter of the global economy." In return for Tangcheng’s unwavering dedication and perseverance, Pudong has stood firmly by its side. In November 1996, Tang Junnian was honored with the prestigious "Magnolia Award" from Shanghai, along with the title of "Honorary Citizen of Pudong New Area" and the inaugural "Outstanding Talent Award for Pudong Development and Construction." By 1998, Tangcheng Group earned recognition as one of Shanghai’s "Top Six Taiwanese-Invested Enterprises." In April 2005, Tang Junnian was further celebrated by Pudong New Area as an "Out-of-Town Individual Who Made Significant Contributions to Pudong’s Development." Meanwhile, Tangcheng Group itself received numerous accolades, including the "Top Ten Foreign-Invested Real Estate Companies" award and the "Ten-Year Consecutive Advanced Collective Commemorative Award"—testaments to the company’s enduring excellence and commitment to Pudong’s growth. Rooted firmly in the future of this dynamic city, Tangcheng continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Pudong’s ongoing transformation—and its bright prospects for generations to come.In 2000, as Tomson emerged from the "predicament of being trapped," Tomson Junnian gradually began entrusting the responsibility of running the family business to his sons, Tomson Zijia and Tomson Jiaceng. At the same time, he poured his lifelong dedication into shaping Tomson Yipin into a landmark project. From the moment they acquired the prime plot of land where Tomson Yipin now stands, the Tomson team has been relentlessly exploring how to create a development that truly embodies Shanghai’s future vision. After an exhaustive 11-year gestation period—during which countless innovative design concepts were conceived, refined, and ultimately discarded—the final architectural masterpiece was unveiled. Even the roof’s distinctive shape alone underwent 36 revisions before settling on its iconic form: a tribute to the elegant official hats worn by high-ranking officials during China’s prosperous Han and Tang dynasties. To top it off, the building was meticulously designed to reach the then-unprecedented height of 153 meters—pushing the boundaries of luxury residential architecture in Shanghai at the time. The smallest apartment offered measures just over 430 square meters, thoughtfully modeled after the layout of Tomson Junnian’s mother’s residence in Hong Kong. This deliberate choice underscores the exclusivity of Tomson Yipin: entering this elite community demands not only financial commitment but also a deep appreciation for the project’s unparalleled craftsmanship and vision. In fact, this combination of premium pricing and expansive living spaces is precisely why many subsequent luxury developments in Shanghai have struggled to replicate Tomson Yipin’s success. After all, selling such high-value properties—especially those with larger floor plans—tends to be a slow process, a reality almost unimaginable for today’s mainland Chinese developers, who typically prioritize rapid turnover and efficiency. Yet despite their ambitious aspirations and unwavering passion, Tomson Junnian couldn’t withstand the relentless pressures of managing such a monumental project. Devoted entirely to his work, he sadly passed away in 2004 due to diabetes-related complications, never witnessing the completion of Tomson Yipin. Perhaps this was no mere coincidence—Tomson Yipin itself became the ultimate symbol of Junnian’s lifelong dedication. Today, standing proudly atop Lujiazui’s former reed-filled shoreline, it soars gracefully above the bustling banks of the Huangpu River, embodying the soaring ambitions of Pudong’s transformative journey. Yet for those standing at its base, gazing upward, the true magnitude of this architectural marvel remains elusive—only those who persistently climb its towering heights can fully grasp the sheer scale of its creation. For it took years of relentless effort to transform what was once a humble patch of reeds into the grand, enduring icon of Pudong—and indeed, of Shanghai itself. Today, Tomson Yipin, perched majestically atop Lujiazui, has transcended its role as merely the flagship project of the Tomson Group. It has become a global emblem of Pudong—a powerful testament to the district’s remarkable evolution over the past three decades. As the second generation of Tomson leaders steps forward at this pivotal moment in Pudong’s 30-year journey of development and openness, they carry an even heavier burden of responsibility on their shoulders. Rooted firmly in Shanghai—and more specifically, in Pudong—Tomson’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the city’s vibrant future. And today, the new wave of Tomson leaders shares the same steadfast conviction as their predecessors: an unshakable belief in the economic potential of both their nation and this dynamic metropolis. As Tomson Zijia aptly puts it, Tomson has thrived alongside Shanghai’s prosperity, growing hand-in-hand with the city itself. “The booming property market,” he explains, “is not just a reflection of our country’s overall growth—it’s also a direct result of Shanghai’s own remarkable development. We don’t fixate on short-term price fluctuations; instead, we focus on the city’s long-term trajectory, confident that this approach will yield far more stable and sustainable returns: the undeniable dividends of urban value.” Indeed, though many years have passed since those early days when young Tomson Junnian tirelessly roamed the streets of Shanghai, his spirit lives on—not as a singular figure, but as a collective force of countless Chinese professionals who have chosen to settle permanently in Pudong and contribute meaningfully to their homeland’s ongoing development. As Pudong marks the 30th anniversary of its bold transformation, a new chapter in China’s story is already unfolding—one that promises even greater opportunities for innovation, progress, and prosperity.

A Conversation with Tang Zijia: Tomson One Plus—Returning to the Embrace of Home

Only change is the one constant in life. On life's journey, we dream of endless possibilities, embracing transformation as we strive to push beyond boundaries—and ultimately find a space where we can truly be ourselves.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pudong's development and opening-up, Xu Feng, Chairman of Tomson Group, shares stories from those pioneering years.

Tang Junnian is from Nanhui (Editor's note: now part of Pudong New Area), born in Shanghai in 1948, and moved to Hong Kong with his father at the age of four, settling there permanently.

Moving forward with China, wishing for a bright future

Tomson (China) Co., Ltd

23rd Floor, Tomson Financial Tower, 710 Dongfang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
Postal code: 200122
Phone: 86-21-50584936
Fax: 86-21-50583646

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