The long-awaited Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, a monumental infrastructure project spanning seven years of construction, is set to commence trial operations at 3:00 PM on June 30!

This Link, soaring over Lingdingyang waters, has finally bridged the gap between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, reducing the commute from a two-hour journey to a mere 30 minutes. The "urbanization" of the eastern and western banks of the Pearl River estuary has taken a significant leap forward, with the potential of the Link now becoming a tangible reality.

Integrating the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), it is set to revolutionize the lives of ordinary residents in the area, bringing changes to travel, daily life, and leisure activities. And here is the "Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link Edition" of the lifestyle guide for the residents of the GBA!

Travel: Seamless connectivity for commuters

Spanning nearly 24 kilometers, the Link features an expansive two-way eight-lane layout with a design speed of 100 km/h, adhering to high-speed highway standards. This will drastically shorten the travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, as well as Guangzhou.

To facilitate rapid cross-city commuting, Zhongshan and Shenzhen are set to launch a dedicated cross-city bus service on the day of the Link's opening. Additionally, the Nansha District People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality has disclosed in the response to Guangzhou's NPC deputies that research institutions have been tasked with a study on cross-city bus routes from Nansha to Shenzhen, with preliminary plans for routes via the Link, starting from the Jiaomen River Central Area in Nansha and extending to Qianhai and Bao'an Airport in Shenzhen.

The Shenzhen Bus Group Co., Ltd and Shenzhen Airport Group Co., Ltd have also collaborated to launch a special line from Shenzhen Airport to Zhongshan's aviation hub. This service, which will operate from Zhongshan Expo Center to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, offers time-segmented pricing and plans for 72 daily trips, cutting the journey time from two hours to just 50 minutes.

Life: Accelerating the one-hour living circle in the GBA

Beyond economic vitality, the Link is set to enhance the integration of people and logistics across the Pearl River estuary, transforming residents' lifestyles.

With the Link's opening, daily commuting between Shenzhen and other cities like Zhongshan, Zhuhai, and Jiangmen has become possible. Even before the opening of the Link, a new social trend emerged among commuters, with the concept of "commuting partners" gaining popularity.

Mr. Li, for instance, found potential partners through social platforms, all working at Shenzhen Kexing Science Park and living close to each other in Zhuhai's Tangjia Bay. After the opening of the Link, they plan to share the commute and expenses.

The Link is also expected to attract more homebuyers to the two places, boosting the real estate market. Areas such as Ma'an Island, Bo'ai Road, Cuiheng, and Li Village in Zhongshan, located at the exit of the Link, will become attractive for young people with housing needs who work in Shenzhen.

Cultural exchanges are also set to flourish, with book borrowing services now interconnected between Shenzhen and Zhongshan. Currently, Shenzhen and Zhongshan are planning a series of literary and artistic activities, including the concert in the Lingdingyang, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link-themed calligraphy and photography exhibition, and the calligraphy exhibition in the GBA, signaling a more frequent exchange of industry, resources, technology, and talent across the region.

Travel: New tourism circuit in the GBA

The Link is poised to revolutionize travel within the GBA, making spontaneous trips a reality.

For example, starting from the eastern bank of the Pearl River in Shenzhen, you can reach Zhongshan in just 30 minutes. Renowned as the cradle of Cantonese cuisine, Zhongshan tantalizes the palate with its delectable dishes such as crispy-skinned fish, succulent pigeon, and tasty almond cookies. The city is also steeped in historical significance, with landmarks like the former residence of Sun Yat-sen, narrating the glorious chapters of Zhongshan and modern Chinese history. The cultural connotation of Zhongshan is further enriched by its traditional arts, including Zhongshan Xianshui (literally meaning "saltwater", Xianshui is a traditional style of folk music), the vibrant Xiaolan Chrysanthemum Festival, the dramatic Yakou Piaose Parade in Nanlang District (a national intangible cultural heritage, where performers perform folk legends on a small stage), and the spirited Drunken Dragon Dance, all of which are emblematic of the broader Lingnan cultural tradition.

Setting off from Zhongshan, a short drive leads to Jiangmen, a city celebrated as the "Hollywood of the East." It has served as the backdrop for acclaimed films and TV series, including The Knockout, Let the Bullets Fly, and The Grandmaster, drawing visitors with its distinctive blend of cinematic history and architectural heritage. Jiangmen's charm lies in its preservation of the Republic of China-era architectural marvels, which display a complex and flamboyant fusion of Chinese and Western structural and decorative forms, such as Kaiping Diaolou (watchtowers), Chikan Town, and Meijia Courtyard. These sites encapsulate the unique essence of life and the rich overseas Chinese culture that has flourished in this region.

For Hong Kong residents, the Link promises an expanded radius of life, and with the implementation of a series of convenient policies such as "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles," more Hong Kong people will be attracted to travel to Shenzhen and other cities in the GBA during holidays for weekend getaways. Imagine starting the day with Hong Kong-style noodles, indulging in Shenzhen's coconut chicken at noon, savoring Zhongshan's crispy-skinned fish in the evening, and exploring Zhuhai's Fisher Girl, Jiangmen's Diaolou, and Guangzhou's Pearl River the following day.

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