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The stunning growth of Shanghai in one GIF

Wow.

IN THE LAST 100 years or so, Shanghai, the mega-city on the eastern coast of China, has seen incredible economic, industrial, and population growth. While it has long been a large and important seaport, it wasn’t until the 1990s that urbanization and expansion really exploded in Shanghai, turning it into a modern mecca.

Since the 1980s, when China’s markets were opened up to trade with the West, the city has grown rapidly. In 2001, the population was 13.3 million, more than 2.5 times what the population was in 1949. Today, the population is more than 24 million, making it the third largest city in the world.

And infrastructure has grown accordingly. Shanghai now has more skyscrapers than New York and a more expansive public transit system than London. In pictures, this growth is quite striking.

Imgur Imgur

The original image of Shanghai’s financial district of Pudong, seen above, was taken by a Reuters photographer in 1987. In 2013, another photographer, Carlos Barria, took a photograph from the same vantage point. The difference that 26 years has made on Shanghai is astonishing.

Satellite images of the area show the amazing growth as well.

Google Earth Engine Google Earth Engine

- Christian Storm

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    Mute Daniel Dunne
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    Jan 1st 2015, 10:04 AM

    Impressive!

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    Mute HULK SMASH!
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    Jan 1st 2015, 10:09 AM

    Thanks

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    Mute Steve M
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    Jan 1st 2015, 10:31 AM

    Anyone ever read the book empire of the sun? I always think of it when I hear of Shanghai

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    Mute Mike
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    Jan 1st 2015, 4:17 PM

    It’s a shame Dublin is so scared of building up, such a waste of space above.

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    Mute Charlie Mountney
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    Jan 1st 2015, 4:28 PM

    Yeah. Dublin needs more empty office blocks.

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    Mute Mike
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    Jan 1st 2015, 4:39 PM

    Dublin has a shortage of office blocks. Highrise doesn’t only mean office space silly.

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    Mute Mike
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    Jan 1st 2015, 5:08 PM

    I disagree, Dublin may be old but nothing wrong with blending new with old. The city of London is a good example of this. The shard is a lovely building. The area around the shard was rundown and neglected for years. Looks a lot better today. Highrise large apartment blocks is just what Dublin needs to stop the urban sprawl.

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    Mute Mike
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    Jan 1st 2015, 5:17 PM

    Shanghai is a city since 1291.

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    Mute jack the stroller
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    Jan 1st 2015, 10:32 AM

    Comming soon to a village like athlone soon

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    Mute Con Manne
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    Jan 1st 2015, 11:15 AM

    Way two soon

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    Mute Steve M
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    Jan 1st 2015, 10:30 AM

    Cool

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    Mute Michael Cunningham
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    Jan 1st 2015, 11:18 AM

    Yep. Great bunch of lads.

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    Mute Noranne Stack
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    Jan 1st 2015, 11:30 AM

    Ironic to see this article in light of the tragedy that occurred there on New Years Eve

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    Mute Tony_Kilduff
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    Jan 1st 2015, 11:38 AM

    Yes. Bad timing alright.

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    Mute Jim McGourty
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    Jan 1st 2015, 11:43 AM

    You guys play fast and loose with the word ‘stunning’.

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