From the rolling Yangtze to the vast blue of the South China Sea, the Chinese mainland has embarked on some of the most ambitious engineering quests on Earth. These mega projects not only test human ingenuity but also drive economic growth, connectivity and sustainability across the G20 and beyond. Here are five jaw-dropping marvels that showcase how scale meets innovation.
1. Three Gorges Dam: Powering Millions
Towering at 181 meters and stretching 2.3 kilometers along the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam boasts a total installed capacity of 22,500 megawatts. That's enough clean energy to light up a medium-size country, while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
2. Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge: A Continuous Highway in the Sky
Spanning 164.8 kilometers, this high-speed rail viaduct claims the world record for longest bridge. It slices through lakes, fields and urban districts, cutting travel time between Shanghai and Nanjing in half and supporting speeds up to 350 km/h.
3. Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge: Connecting Regions
At 55 kilometers, including an undersea tunnel section, this sea-crossing link binds the Pearl River Delta into a mega-city cluster. It reduces travel between Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao from four hours to under 30 minutes.
4. Beijing Daxing International Airport: The Starfish in the Sky
With a futuristic layout covering 700,000 square meters, the new airport handles up to 100 million passengers per year. Its innovative design reduces walking distances and boosts operational efficiency, making it a blueprint for future hubs.
5. Jiaolong Deep-Sea Submersible: Diving into the Abyss
This manned submersible can plunge beyond 7,000 meters, exploring trenches and supporting marine science. Its successful dives underscore advances in materials science, robotics and life-support systems.
These mega engineering feats demonstrate how the Chinese mainland is pushing the boundaries of what's possible, inspiring global innovators and travelers alike. For digital nomads and sustainability advocates, they offer a glimpse into a future shaped by scale, speed and green technology. Stay curious, stay inspired!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
