Shanghai Jiangwan Airfield

The primary reason for closure was Shanghai's rapid urban expansion. Located just 10 kilometers from the city center, the vast area occupied by the military airfield became extremely valuable for urban development. The city's growth made a large, active airbase in such a central location impractical and a hindrance to urban planning. The military operations were relocated to other bases, allowing the land to be repurposed for residential, commercial, and educational use as part of a major city redevelopment project.

The site of the former airfield has been completely redeveloped into a modern, high-end urban community known as 'New Jiangwan Town' (新江湾城). The area is now characterized by luxury residential complexes, commercial centers, parks, and educational institutions. Fudan University has established its Jiangwan Campus on the former airfield grounds. While most of the airport infrastructure was demolished, some remnants have been preserved or repurposed. The former main runway's path is now followed by a major thoroughfare, Songhu Road (淞沪路). The airfield's former command building has been preserved and renovated into the Jiangwan Hotel (上海江湾宾馆), serving as a historical landmark within the new development.

Shanghai Jiangwan Airfield has a rich and significant history.

- **Origins (1930s):** It was originally constructed in 1939 by the Japanese occupation forces during the Second Sino-Japanese War, though plans for a major airport in the area were part of the Kuomintang's ambitious 'Greater Shanghai Plan' from the early 1930s.

- **World War II:** During WWII, it was a major base for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. It gained international prominence as one of the airfields targeted by the Doolittle Raid on April 18, 1942, the first US air raid to strike the Japanese Home Islands.

- **Post-WWII and Civil War:** After Japan's surrender, the airfield was taken over by the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) and was also used by the United States Army Air Forces.

- **People's Republic of China Era (1949-1994):** Following the establishment of the PRC in 1949, Jiangwan Airfield became a crucial frontline airbase for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). For decades, it was the primary base for fighter aircraft responsible for the air defense of Shanghai, one of China's most important cities. It housed various fighter divisions and played a key role in China's national defense strategy during the Cold War.

There are zero prospects for the reopening of Jiangwan Airfield. The land has been fully and densely redeveloped into a thriving urban district. The construction of high-rise buildings, a university campus, subway lines (including Shanghai Metro Line 10), and extensive infrastructure makes it physically and logistically impossible to revert the site to aviation use.