In a significant milestone for China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations on the inauguration of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan cross-sea link.
The ambitious project, a testament to innovative engineering, features two bridges, two artificial islands, and an underwater tunnel spanning 24 kilometers. After seven years of meticulous construction, the link officially opened to traffic at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
By dramatically reducing travel time between Zhongshan and Shenzhen from two hours to just 30 minutes, the new transport route enhances connectivity within the GBA. Designed with eight lanes and capable of supporting speeds up to 100 km per hour, it sets a new standard in transportation infrastructure.
President Xi highlighted the project's success in overcoming multiple world-class technical challenges and setting several global records. \"This fully illustrates that Chinese modernization can only be achieved through solid work, as all great causes are accomplished through concrete actions,\" he remarked.
Looking ahead, Xi emphasized the importance of managing the link to ensure its safe, smooth, and intelligent operation. He called for maximizing the link's potential to promote the integrated development of the Pearl River Estuary, enhance the GBA's infrastructure, and advance market integration.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is a core component of the GBA, which includes Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong Province, covering an expansive 56,000 square kilometers. In 2023, the GBA achieved a remarkable economic output of over 14 trillion yuan (approximately $1.96 trillion).
China envisions the GBA as a world-class city cluster, a global hub for technology and innovation, and a livable, business-friendly region. The successful completion of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan cross-sea link is a pivotal step towards realizing this vision, positioning the GBA as a strategic pivot in China's new development pattern.
Reference(s):
Xi congratulates the opening of Shenzhen-Zhongshan cross-sea link
cgtn.com
