Business
2018.12.14 22:39 GMT+8

Mega-bridge brings economic change to China's Greater Bay Area

By Sean Callebs

It is clear that fishing is a tough way to make a living: Back-breaking work with only the reward of fish, prawns, and other seafood the bay surrenders.

Twenty years ago, Li (as he wants to be known) retired from the military and had no job prospects. 

"I came here with no money in my pocket to make a living and raise a family. It seemed that fishing was the only choice I had," he said.

His weathered face has seen the landscape change dramatically. He said the old way is giving way to the new mainly because of the new bridge, the world's longest sea-crossing bridge, as well as the underwater tunnel that reaches out from Zhuhai.

It is hard not to be in awe of one of China's latest engineering marvels. The massive bridge spans more than 50 kilometers, connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao. And, as much as anything, this is a testimony to how far China has come in more than 40 years. 

The buses just keep rolling up, one after another. Legions of people are eager to go to Macao, or Hong Kong. None of this even imaginable before reforms began.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. /VCG Photo

“There is no comparison between the days before reform and opening up. Our country has been growing faster and stronger – we are gaining attention and focus around the world – and respect as well," Li said.

It is more than a physical link between the three areas. It's a source of pride as well. 

Han Ming is just returning from an economic forum in Hong Kong. Of course, he took lots of pictures and videos along the route, but he believes the lasting benefits are for the economy. 

He expects property values to rise in Zhuhai, and to live on the mainland and work in Hong Kong. 

"It will be a lot easier, it will shorten the time to 40 minutes from Hong Kong to the mainland," he said. 

Deputy Administrator of the HZMB Authority Yu Lie is one of the originally 13 employees who have worked on the project since it was first discussed back in 2003.

"For us, we felt excited, but had some doubts because of the scale and complexity of the bridge. We came across many difficulties back then, thus we went to many countries and regions to examine similar projects and bridges, and we invited experts here as well," he said. 

Yu said, even as reforms began a generation ago, some questioned whether ferries and docks should give way to bridges and highways. Now, there is a bridge built to withstand earthquakes and typhoons. 

“This place has changed a lot, before there was nothing here but a small fishing village, but it is being replaced with a big tourist city. More people are coming here for better living conditions," Li said.

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