The new seabridge linking Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland is a lifeline many have waited years for. Stronger economic ties, closer people-to-people exchanges and much more is in store for Southern China's Greater Bay Area. And for many, like the young man you're about to meet, a much quicker, simpler commute. CGTN's Feng Yilei reports.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, recent college graduate Nicky Law now makes his fortune across the water at a Hong Kong company in Zhuhai. He got to know the southern Chinese mainland city after attending a trainee program for Hong Kong students wanting to work elsewhere in the Greater Bay Area.

NICKY LAW, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TRAINEE NOVOTOWN "I realized that diversified industries developed very well in Zhuhai so I decided to get a permanent job here."

Career gains that come with challenges. Nicky goes home only twice a month. While Hong Kong lies only 34 nautical miles from his workplace, the journey takes him nearly four hours. That includes a bus trip from his office to the port, lining up for a ticket that costs him some 25 dollars, and hours on a ferry. But with the grand bridge linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao about to open to regular traffic, Nicky's travel time will be cut down to 40 minutes.

NICKY LAW, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TRAINEE NOVOTOWN "I certainly will go home more frequently by road. It's cheaper and more flexible. In the future, my company will also launch coaches that take us directly to and from Hong Kong. I can save commute time for my family and friends then."

Nicky believes the bridge's opening will also help the project he's working on. His cultural hub and incubator, at the heart of Zhuhai's Hengqin Free Trade Zone, will benefit from its closer ties with Hong Kong and Macao. The team will develop it into a regional tourist center. And they are confident it will attract more foreign investment and big brands in entertainment and tourism.

FENG YILEI ZHUHAI, GUANGDONG PROVINCE "Nicky and his company are not the only beneficiaries. Here in Hengqin Free Trade zone, there are already over 2600 companies from Hong Kong and Macao. And local authorities expect more companies and talent to flock in once the bridge opens."

NIU JING, DIRECTOR-GENERAL HENGQIN NEW AREA ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE "The bridge enables joint development and deepening cooperation in the Greater Bay Area. We want to provide more favorable policies and a better business environment for Hong Kong and Macao residents, especially young talent, so they can innovate and start their own businesses here."

Nicky is just one example of the new blood that Zhuhai wants to bring in. And he has already made up his mind to stay here and continue to work. Because of the bridge, he believes there will be an increase in tourism, more opportunities, and better livelihoods. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Zhuhai.