“China’s Ghost Cities” were Supposed to be a Disaster
By Jamie Mcintyre
Back in the 1990s, much of Shanghai’s skyline didn’t even exist. Critics called it a “ghost city” that would never fill up.
Today, it’s home to 25+ million people.
The strategy was simple:
• Build cities before demand arrives
• Prepare for mass rural-to-urban migration
• Move factories & government offices to new areas
• Use real estate as a status symbol and investment tool
In some cases, developers even offered buyers a SECOND apartment for free.
Shanghai transforming into the bustling, world-class hubs they are today.
🇨🇳“China’s ghost cities” were supposed to be a disaster.
Back in the 1990s, much of Shanghai’s skyline didn’t even exist. Critics called it a “ghost city” that would never fill up.
Today, it’s home to 25+ million people.
The strategy was simple:
• Build cities before demand… pic.twitter.com/CpqW4PI6cm— jamiemcintyre (@jamiemcintyre21) May 9, 2026
Original source: https://x.com/jamiemcintyre21/status/2053031149015081299