An Artificial Island On The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Opens For Tourists, Revolutionising China’s Tourism Scene

In a recent development, the area surrounding the western artificial island on the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link will for the next month, starting October 18, serve as a trial cultural and tourism site. This is the first step in the island’s development as a tourism site, which has been in the planning stage along with the twenty-four km bridge connecting Shenzhen and Zhongshan for the past several years. Island tourism will also centre on sightseeing and interactive exhibitions along with science education. This particular island will be set for a grand December opening.

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link: A Remarkable Engineering Feat

Spanning nearly 24 kilometres, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link stands as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region. The project integrates bridges, islands, tunnels, and underwater interchanges, and has taken over 14 years to complete, involving more than 15,000 workers. After its completion and official opening to traffic on June 30, 2024, the link has significantly enhanced travel between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, improving connectivity and boosting local tourism.

Artificial Island: A Multifunctional Hub for Tourism

The western artificial island, covering 137,000 square meters, serves as the pivotal hub of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. Its role is not only integral to traffic management and emergency rescue operations but also aims to become a key destination for cultural tourism. The island, with its science and education base, will host a variety of exhibitions, offering visitors a chance to explore the bridge’s construction, the development of underwater tunnels, and China’s technological advances in the field.

During its trial operation in November, visitors will be able to participate in the test phase free of charge. This period will allow the public to experience the island’s attractions while providing valuable feedback on the tour routes and the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) interactive equipment. The trial will be reserved for enterprises and study groups on weekdays, with public reservations available on weekends.

A Unique Blend of Technology, Education, and Tourism

The heart of the island’s tourism offering lies in its science and education base. The 2,200-square-meter exhibition space will showcase the development history of the cross-sea project and provide a glimpse into China’s advancements in bridge and tunnel construction. Visitors will be able to engage with digital experiences, including VR, AR, and holographic projections that bring to life the remarkable achievements behind the bridge’s construction.

Outdoor attractions on the island include full-scale displays of steel shell test sections from the underwater immersed tunnel, providing a tactile experience for visitors to understand the complexities involved in building the structure. With its combination of educational exhibits and cutting-edge technology, the island promises to be an immersive destination for tourists, students, and industry professionals alike.

Scenic Views and Future Prospects

One of the standout features of the artificial island will be its observation deck. Situated in the atrium, the deck offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge. Tourists will also have the opportunity to participate in low-altitude sightseeing flights, offering a unique perspective of the area’s landmarks from the sky.

As the tourism site evolves, future plans include expanding its offerings to include leisure activities and dining facilities. With an expected completion of the island’s full set of services by the end of December 2025, the western artificial island is poised to become a major tourism hub in the Greater Bay Area. The site’s long-term vision is to transform into a comprehensive cultural and tourism space that integrates science, education, engineering, and leisure activities, drawing visitors from across China and beyond.

Ticket Prices and Visitor Experience

Once officially open, the artificial island will offer an affordable way to experience this remarkable feat of engineering. Tickets for the tour will be priced at 188 yuan ($26.40) for adults, 158 yuan for students, and 128 yuan for children. The ticket price will cover a round-trip transportation service and a three-hour tour of the island’s attractions. In addition to the educational experiences, visitors can enjoy a range of supporting services, including dining and leisure facilities, expected to launch by the end of December.

What Next?

The anchor of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link will serve as a cultural and tourism hub as it will combine education with sightseeing and immersive experiences for visitors. The island will complement the regional landmarks through enthralling views while also hosting exhibitions of advanced technology which will encompass a multitude of interests. The anchor’s trial operations will likely sustain its reputation as a tourist hotspot for those aiming to appreciate the depth of cultural heritage and modern infrastructure that China has to offer.

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