As the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China gets underway this week, a number of cities on the Chinese mainland are forging closer links with Hong Kong's economy in the hope of ensuring growth. 

SHENZHEN

With a history of less than 40 years, comparative newcomer Shenzhen is now home to around 11 million people. 

Known as China's manufacturing city, Shenzhen is now evolving into a global hub for hardware and innovation, as entrepreneurs come up with entirely new industries. 

Shenzhen is quickly closing the GDP gap with neighboring Hong Kong.

ZHUHAI and MACAO

One of the biggest projects underway right now is the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge. 

It's believed this tri-city causeway will boost investment and cooperation in the greater bay area. 

GUANGZHOU

In recent years, Guangzhou has taken steps to strengthen financial cooperation and attract talent from Hong Kong, in the hopes that their expertise, management and skills might help boost the growth of Guangzhou’s financial sector.