Breathing in the salty air, consider the Shima Bridge, more than just concrete and steel. It is a testament to Shenzhen’s rapid growth.
This bridge links not just land but also the past and present. The Shima Bridge stands as a crucial part of Shenzhen. It shows the city’s ambition. Shenzhen was once a small border city. Now, it is a global hub. The Shima Bridge represents this transformation.
In 1979, Shenzhen was a small town. It had about 30,000 people. It served as a customs stop from Hong Kong. That year, Shenzhen became a special economic zone. This opened the city to foreign investment. It brought technology and expertise. Foreign-owned businesses started without central government approval. Shenzhen received loans from Chinese banks. These loans helped build roads, schools, and communication systems. The Shima Bridge surely played its part in it.
From 1980, Shenzhen grew rapidly. Domestic and foreign capital poured in. Wages were higher than in other parts of China. Workers flocked to Shenzhen. They worked in factories producing electronics, textiles, and processed foods. This growth boosted agriculture nearby. Poultry, livestock, and vegetable production increased.
“Shenzhen speed” became a term. It described the rapid growth. The Chinese government turned other coastal cities into special economic zones. Shenzhen became an experiment for economic reform. It re-established stock markets. These measures helped China transition to new policies. The Shima Bridge felt the change.
The Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link includes bridges and tunnels. The project connects Shenzhen and Zhongshan. The whole project cost about 4.83 billion US dollars. Construction began in May 2017. It opened on June 30, 2024.
The Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link has a tunnel that is 6.7 km long. It has 19 bridges that total 43 km. There are four lanes in each direction. The maximum speed is 100 km/h. This link connects expressways on both sides of the Pearl River Delta. It reduces travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan to less than 30 minutes.
Initially, traffic jams were reported on the Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link. Some users had to wait for hours. Some drivers used the Humen Bridge as an alternative. The Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link saw over 3 million vehicle crossings in its first month.
The Shima Bridge is more than a crossing. It is a symbol. The Shima Bridge embodies Shenzhen’s journey. It rises above the waters. It connects dreams and destinations.
As you stand here, remember the “Shenzhen speed”. It is not just about construction. It is about a spirit. It is about constant competition and high efficiency. The Shima Bridge is a part of this story. It is a vital artery in a city that never stops moving. It carries people and goods. The Shima Bridge carries Shenzhen’s hopes for the future. It is a symbol of progress and connection. It is forever etched in the skyline. The Shima Bridge is a testament to human ambition.