Comment by deathhand

You are correct. I think the reason why is the article puts the 'why' very deeply inside and that reason is central planning. Xi will soon be God-emperor for life and China will continue to enjoy the benefits of an authoritative structure. Not to derail but while this is an article about cities it is disingenuous not to talk about contractors,zoning laws,city council, nimby, etc which the cities you have quoted have had to suffer. Shanghai does not have to face these challenges as one man can just say 'no'.