"Pudong was so new there wasn't even a map at that time," said Shen. "I thought it'd be great if we could offer a map that told people around the world what Pudong has, such as the world's top 500 companies, world-class high buildings and beautiful residential communities."
"If outside investors see businesses thriving in the area, they'll be encouraged to come here too. So the message we want to convey is that Pudong has a very good business and living environment," said Shen.
So the four retirees began a journey that took them into every detail of the emerging metropolis. They took buses and rode bicycles, but mostly they walked, staying close to the scene and not missing any single change. Despite the sweat and toil, what they felt was "genuine passion and excitement," according to Shen.
"I still remember in 1993, when we finished the first edition of the map, there were less than 20 buildings higher than 15 stories. The next year, that number suddenly increased to 60. It's an amazing experience," he said.
What made Shen even prouder is the fact that he and his colleagues did not ask for government financial support to publish the maps. They turned to the market and asked companies to pay if they wanted to advertise on the maps.
Their work was soon well-received by business people in the region and even won recognition from local authorities. The four later worked with a professional map-publishing house to make their maps more professional.
In the following years greater changes took place and Shen witnessed Pudong turn itself into a world-class financial center from a poverty-stricken countryside. Skyscrapers now dominate its futuristic skyline and make it one of the most favorite destinations for international businesses.
"Pudong has achieved, in only 20 years' time, what Western countries did in more than 100 years. Every Chinese should be proud of this," Shen said.
With the State Council's decision last year to develop Shanghai into an international financial and shipping center by 2020, Shen believes Pudong will usher in a new era that will make Shanghai a more vibrant and progressive metropolis.
"I'm too old to continue making maps. But deep down in my heart I'm as young as Pudong," he chuckled.
By QIAN YANFENG (China Daily)
Editor: Feng Hui
