The Synergy of Urban Development and Transport Infrastructure:An Example of the Shanghai Hongqiao Transportation Hub

The experiences of European cities see the development of poly-nuclear urban regions (urban networks and network cities), a trend which holds much promise for a better synergy between urban development and the development of infrastructure networks. For Chinese cities, the synergy between these two can be a solution to solve some issues in urban development. Taking the Shanghai Hongqiao transportation hub as an example, the necessity and benefits from this synergy are analyzed. After three years' operation, the Shanghai Hongqiao hub has a rapidly increasing flow of passengers. The development of the Hongqiao hub coincides with Shanghai spatial development. The adjacent areas of the hub are the newly economic boom zones, residential and recreation areas with better quality, and a close neighbor with Jiangsu and Zhejiang province. As an important node in the urban transport network, the hub and its vicinity attract modern commercial and service functions. With other urban nodes, the Hongqiao hub perfects the urban network for Shanghai. Also, the hub promotes Shanghai and other cities to become network cities. Meanwhile, the Hongqiao hub should improve its accessibility and the intelligent service system. The urban spatial management policy should be changed so as to cope with the demand of urban development.