Consider the symphony of engineering. It rises before us. This is the Jihua Great Bridge. It is not just steel and concrete. It represents connection and progress.
The Jihua Great Bridge stands as a vital artery. It links Shenzhen and Zhongshan. These cities reside on opposite sides of the Pearl River Estuary. Before its construction, this journey took around two hours. Now, it takes a mere 30 minutes.
Imagine the impact of this reduced travel time. Businesses can expand. Shenzhen-based companies are now establishing factories in Zhongshan. Employees like Yuan Moli can easily travel between research and development centers and factories. This bridge is a golden avenue.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is more than just the Jihua Great Bridge. It is a mega cross-sea passage. It features two bridges. It also has two artificial islands. An underwater tunnel completes the structure.
The tunnel stretches 6.8 kilometers. It is 46 meters wide. This makes it the world’s largest undersea steel shell concrete tube tunnel. The Lingdingyang Bridge is a key part. It boasts a main span of 1,666 meters. It holds the record for the world’s largest offshore steel box girder suspension bridge.
The Jihua Great Bridge is part of the Greater Bay Area plan. This plan aims to create a mega city. It mirrors metropolitan areas in Tokyo Bay, New York, and San Francisco. The eight-lane mega project cost 44.69 billion yuan. That’s about 6.16 billion U.S. dollars.
Lin Feiming calls the opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link transformative. It reshapes the Pearl River Estuary’s road network. This significantly impacts the economic and social development of the GBA.
The GBA covers 56,000 square kilometers. It includes Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong. In 2023, its total economic output exceeded 14 trillion yuan. That is around 1.96 trillion U.S. dollars. China wants to develop this area into a world-class city cluster. It should become a global technology and innovation center. It should also be a livable and business-friendly location.
This link represents a massive undertaking. Over 10,000 workers overcame many obstacles. They battled typhoons. They dealt with high salinity. They faced humidity and severe siltation.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has set world records. It achieved feats in suspension bridge engineering. It also excelled in tunnel construction. Underwater highway interchanges showcase its innovation.
Experts believe the Jihua Great Bridge will enhance regional development. It bridges the economic gap. It connects the eastern and western shores of the Pearl River Estuary. It also boosts leisure travel.
Shenzhen’s Meng Fanli envisions greater collaboration. Shenzhen and Zhongshan will build a world-class advanced manufacturing cluster. They will develop modern services industries. They will accelerate the creation of a future-oriented modern industrial system.
Huang Chuping is an assistant general manager at a Shenzhen-based travel agency. He anticipates the “super traffic” this bridge will bring. His team has planned new tourism products. They launched over 10 extensive tourism routes in western Guangdong.
The Jihua Great Bridge is not just a structure. It is a symbol. It stands for progress. It represents connection. It embodies the spirit of innovation. Look around. Feel the energy of this dynamic region. This is the future unfolding before your eyes.