Analysis
The Pearl River estuary, where the Pearl River flows into the South China Sea, is one of the most densely populated and economically dynamic regions in the world. It encompasses Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong Province, forming the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
This region is home to over 80 million people and generated a total economic output of over 14 trillion yuan (around $1.96 trillion) in 2023. However, the cities within this area are separated by wide bodies of water, making transportation and connectivity a significant challenge. Before the construction of new links, traveling between key cities often required long detours and resulted in heavy traffic congestion.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is designed to remedy that. The link runs for 24 km (15 miles), connecting the two cities in its name which are located on opposite banks of the Pearl River estuary.
Since its opening in June 2024, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link (SZL) has emerged as a transformative force in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This mega-infrastructure project—comprising two bridges, an underwater tunnel, and two artificial islands—has slashed travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from two hours to just 30 minutes.
Surge in Traffic Volume
The SZL is strategically positioned to enhance connectivity in the region. It is located approximately 30 kilometers south of the Humen Bridge and 31 kilometers north of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The link connects the city cluster of Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Huizhou in the eastern part of the Pearl River Delta with the cities of Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Foshan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing in the western part.
Since its inception, the SZL has experienced a remarkable surge in traffic. Within the first month of operation, it carried over two million vehicles, according to the Guangdong Provincial Department of Transportation. Peak hourly traffic exceeded 8,000 vehicles, with an impressive 93% of these being passenger cars.. This massive influx of traffic underscores the link’s role in alleviating previous transportation bottlenecks and demonstrates its immediate impact on daily commuting patterns.
Transforming Freight and Supply Chains
This impressive traffic volume underscores the link’s role in facilitating movement not just for people but for entire industries.
Foreign-invested enterprises, such as Cooka (Zhongshan) Technology, have reported streamlined operations as the link allows for faster delivery of components to Shenzhen’s tech hubs. The SZL has enabled a “Shenzhen R&D + Zhongshan manufacturing” model, attracting more projects and companies from Shenzhen and Hong Kong to relocate to Zhongshan. These companies are drawn by the prospect of leveraging lower operational costs while maintaining access to Shenzhen’s innovation ecosystem.
For example, Hongrita, a Hong Kong-funded company, has seen significant cost savings. According to a report from Wenweipo, the company estimates it will save approximately RMB600,000,000 a year in logistics costs. Having entered Zhongshan in 2015 when the link was still a concept, the company invested hundreds of millions in the Cuiheng New District to build a large factory. Today, its Zhongshan facility is conveniently located just six to seven minutes from the SZL.
Tourism Boom in Zhongshan
The SZL has unlocked Zhongshan’s tourism potential. In the six months following its opening, Zhongshan saw a 90% surge in tourist arrivals. Key attractions like Yanzhou Academy, Lijingyuan Garden, and Yakou Village have gained prominence, benefiting from enhanced marketing partnerships with Shenzhen’s Bao’an District1.
This surge in tourism reflects not only improved accessibility but also the link’s role in promoting cultural exchange. The increased flow of visitors fosters greater understanding and interaction between different communities in the Greater Bay Area, enriching the cultural tapestry of the region.
Economic Rebalancing
Historically, the Pearl River Delta’s economic activity has been skewed toward the eastern bank, home to powerhouses like Shenzhen and Guangzhou. In contrast, cities like Zhongshan have lagged due to weaker connectivity. However, the SZL is poised to change this dynamic.
The numbers speak volumes: In 2024, Zhongshan’s GDP grew by 3.7% year-on-year. While Shenzhen remains the economic powerhouse with a GDP of RMB 3.46 trillion yuan, Zhongshan’s GDP of RMB414.325 billion yuan is now more closely aligned with its neighbour.
The link has spurred industrial relocations, with Shenzhen and Hong Kong-based firms setting up operations in Zhongshan to reduce costs while maintaining access to eastern markets.
Regional Integration and Future Prospects
While comparisons with the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) highlight differing strategic roles—HZMB as a global connector and SZL as an intra-regional unifier—the latter’s success in fostering GBA cohesion stands as its defining achievement. The SZL exemplifies China’s vision of connectivity-driven prosperity, offering lucrative opportunities in tech, real estate, and sustainable infrastructure.
Despite these gains, concerns persist about Shenzhen’s economic dominance overshadowing smaller cities. Policymakers must ensure that growth is balanced, preventing Zhongshan from becoming merely a satellite manufacturing hub rather than a self-sustaining economic node. Strategic investments in local innovation ecosystems and cross-regional collaboration frameworks will be crucial to sustaining equitable development.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is more than just a transportation project. It represents China’s commitment to sustainable and interconnected urban development, bridging geographic and economic divides and contributing to the prosperity of the entire Pearl River Delta region.
However, long-term success hinges on ensuring equitable growth and preventing overconcentration in Shenzhen. With future transport expansions and policy refinements, the SZL could solidify the GBA’s position as a world-class economic hub, setting a precedent for mega-infrastructure projects globally.
As the region continues to evolve, the SZL stands as a testament to how strategic connectivity can transform not just transportation but entire regional economies—bridging divides and creating new opportunities for millions. GY
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