One year after its inauguration, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has emerged as a transformative force in southern China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), reshaping regional connectivity and economic collaboration. This 24-kilometer engineering marvel – featuring bridges, artificial islands, and underwater tunnels – has slashed travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from two hours to just 30 minutes, creating new opportunities for cross-city partnerships.
Accelerating Regional Growth
Traffic data reveals surging demand, with 16 million vehicles crossing the link in 2024 through mid-year. The infrastructure recorded 181,600 daily crossings during May's peak travel period, reflecting its vital role in regional mobility. Beyond transportation, the project has enabled 300+ cross-city government services and facilitated Zhongshan's consolidation of 48,000 acres of industrial land for cost-effective manufacturing expansion.
Business Transformation
Local enterprises like Liao Lei's electronics company exemplify the shifting economic landscape. "Moving production to Zhongshan while maintaining Shenzhen headquarters gives us competitive advantages," Liao told China Media Group. This trend shows in the numbers: Zhongshan attracted 168 Shenzhen-based firms in 2024 – a threefold annual increase – signaling growing confidence in integrated regional development.
Strategic Significance
The link strengthens the GBA's position as a global innovation hub, enhancing resource flow between tech-driven Shenzhen and manufacturing-focused Zhongshan. With streamlined logistics and administrative processes, the project aligns with broader efforts to deepen economic cooperation across the Pearl River Delta region.
