The west artificial island of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, a landmark infrastructure project in south China's Guangdong Province, opened for trial tourism on Saturday. This development marks a new chapter for travelers and infrastructure enthusiasts eager to experience one of Asia's most ambitious engineering feats.
The $18 billion cross-sea corridor, which became fully operational on June 30, 2024, features two bridges, two artificial islands, and a 6.8-kilometer underwater tunnel – the world's longest immersed tube tunnel for road traffic. The project reduces travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from two hours to just 30 minutes, strengthening connectivity in the Greater Bay Area economic hub.
Tour operators are offering guided visits showcasing the island's observation decks, marine ecology exhibits, and panoramic views of the Pearl River Estuary. Local authorities emphasize that trial operations will help refine visitor management systems before full-scale tourism launches in 2025.
Analysts note the project's dual significance: boosting regional tourism while supporting Guangdong's manufacturing and logistics sectors. 'This creates new opportunities for coastal cities to integrate tourism with smart city development,' said Dr. Li Wei, an urban planning expert at Sun Yat-sen University.
The opening coincides with China's peak summer travel season, with early bookings already exceeding expectations. Environmental safeguards remain a priority, with dedicated zones protecting local marine ecosystems.
