Six years have passed since China introduced the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the region stands as a testament to its visionary blueprint. Spanning 56,000 square kilometers, the GBA consists of nine cities in the southern Guangdong Province, along with the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. In 2023, the area generated an economic output exceeding 14 trillion yuan (approximately $1.95 trillion U.S.), accounting for roughly one-ninth of China's national total.
The Greater Bay Area has quickly become one of China's most open and economically dynamic regions, lauded for its high quality of economic development. This achievement underscores the GBA's role as a vibrant world-class city cluster and a hub of international innovation and technology.
Interconnected Transportation Network
"The intercity transit network has revolutionized daily commutes," says Xie, a passenger who works in Guangzhou and resides in Foshan. "Compared to a grueling five-hour drive in the past, my daily commute now takes just over two hours through the intercity transit network. The transit is quick and comfortable. It feels like I'm commuting within a single city."
Since May, two new intercity rail lines have been added to the existing network, enhancing connectivity across the GBA. The integrated infrastructure, with unified ticketing, security, and information systems, allows passengers to travel seamlessly across Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhaoqing, and Huizhou with a single ticket. This streamlined transportation network not only facilitates daily commutes but also bolsters economic activities and business opportunities within the region.
Reference(s):
Six years on: Key numbers behind China's Greater Bay Area success
cgtn.com
