Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link Artificial Island Opens as Premier Tourist Destination

A New Marine Landmark Welcomes Visitors

The west artificial island of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has officially opened its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of mega-infrastructure into cultural tourism hubs. Following a successful two-month trial operation that began on October 25, the island is now fully operational for daily visitors. During the trial phase, the site welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors and hosted more than 20 study tour groups, providing operators with valuable insights to refine the visitor experience.

Located within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, this artificial island serves as a critical junction for the 24-kilometer cross-sea cluster project. The official opening on Monday saw an increase in the daily reservation quota to 900 people, allowing more tourists to experience this engineering marvel. To accommodate the rise in visitor numbers, shuttle bus services have been increased to six per day, operating on a “full-and-go” basis during peak hours to ensure efficient transport.

Authorities view this development as a major step forward in integrating industrial achievements with public tourism. The island offers a unique blend of educational value, sightseeing opportunities, and technological showcases, setting a new standard for how large-scale infrastructure projects can engage with the general public.

An Engineering Marvel of the Greater Bay Area

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link stands as one of the most challenging infrastructure projects in the world. Officially opened to traffic on June 30, 2024, the link spans approximately 24 kilometers and integrates bridges, islands, tunnels, and underwater interchanges. This complex structure connects the major cities of Shenzhen and Zhongshan, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing the economic integration of the region.

Construction of the project took seven years of planning followed by seven years of actual building, involving over 15,000 workers. The link is the world’s first cross-sea cluster project to combine such a diverse range of engineering elements into a single cohesive system. It is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment of the Pearl River Estuary while serving as a vital artery for regional transportation.

In its first year of operation alone, the link has handled over 31.5 million vehicle trips, averaging roughly 86,000 vehicles per day. On peak days, such as the first day of the 2025 May Day holiday, traffic volume reached 181,600 vehicles. This massive usage underscores the project’s importance to the regional economy and the necessity of efficient traffic management systems that operate alongside the new tourism initiatives.

Design Inspired by Mythology

The west artificial island is not merely a functional piece of infrastructure but also a visually striking landmark. Viewed from above, the island resembles a giant “Kunpeng,” a mythical Chinese creature capable of transforming from a giant fish into a massive bird. This symbolic design represents the rapid transformation and modernization of the Greater Bay Area.

Covering an area of approximately 137,000 square meters, the island is roughly the size of 19 standard soccer fields. It sits in the waters of Lingdingyang, acting as the core hub for the bridge-tunnel transition. This location allows the island to serve multiple purposes, including traffic management, emergency rescue operations, and now, public tourism and science education.

The architectural layout optimizes the flow of both vehicles and pedestrians. It features wide viewing platforms and open spaces designed to accommodate large numbers of tourists without obstructing the operational needs of the transport link. The integration of aesthetic design with heavy utility engineering demonstrates a shift towards creating infrastructure that is both functional and visually appealing.

Immersive Science and Technology Exhibits

One of the main attractions for visitors is the comprehensive science education base located on the island. Covering about 2,200 square meters, the base functions as a museum dedicated to the history and technology of cross-sea infrastructure. It offers immersive exhibitions that present the project’s background, technological achievements, and the complex construction process involved in building the link.

Technology plays a central role in the visitor experience. The exhibition hall features several digital experience scenarios that integrate virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projections. These tools allow visitors to visualize the underwater tunnel construction and the engineering challenges faced during the project in a way that traditional displays cannot. A large-scale VR experience zone introduced after the official opening provides an even deeper level of engagement.

Outdoor exhibits are equally impressive. The island displays full-scale steel shell test sections of the underwater immersed tunnel and various other large engineering components. These authentic artifacts give visitors a tangible sense of the scale and precision required to build such a mega-structure. Walking among these components offers a perspective on industrial engineering that is rarely accessible to the general public.

Panoramic Views and Sightseeing

For those interested in scenery and photography, the island offers unparalleled vantage points. The observation platform provides clear views of the twin towers of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge as they span the Lingdingyang waters. Visitors can also see Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport from the atrium observation deck, watching planes take off and land against the backdrop of the bridge.

The surrounding seascape offers a refreshing break from the urban environment. The vast expanse of the Pearl River Estuary can be appreciated from the island’s perimeter, making it a popular spot for landscape photography. The contrast between the sleek modern engineering of the bridge and the natural beauty of the water creates a compelling visual narrative.

Operators have also introduced specialty refreshments for visitors, including unique sea-salt beverages. These culinary additions aim to enhance the overall visitor experience, providing a taste of the local marine culture while guests explore the island. Future plans include the development of more extensive dining facilities, which are expected to be launched by the end of the year.

Visitor Information and Logistics

Tourists planning a visit to the west artificial island must make reservations in advance through specific digital platforms. Tickets are available via WeChat mini-programs such as “Shen Ai Piao,” “Shen-Zhong Kuashi Gongjiao Zhuanxian,” and “Xiangshan Changxing.” Group reservations can be made by messaging the “Shenwenlv Fazhan” official WeChat account. All tickets require real-name registration one to seven days prior to the visit.

Pricing is structured to be accessible to different demographics. Adult tickets are priced at 188 yuan, while students receive a discounted rate of 158 yuan. Children aged five and under, or those under 1.2 meters in height, can enter for 128 yuan. These prices include round-trip transportation on the dedicated shuttle bus service and an approximately three-hour guided tour of the island facilities.

Shuttle buses depart from three convenient locations. In Shenzhen, buses leave from the People’s Mansion Ground Parking Lot in Futian District at 8:20, 10:00, 13:30, and 15:00, and from the Qianhaiwan Intercity Bus Transfer Point in Nanshan District at 9:00 and 14:00. Visitors departing from Zhongshan can board the shuttle at the Zhongshan Expo Center Station, with departures also scheduled for 9:00 and 14:00.

Managing Traffic and Tourism Balance

Ensuring the safety and efficiency of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link remains the top priority for authorities. Because the island is an active traffic management hub, tourism operations must be carefully coordinated with transport needs. Li Huiqiang, deputy chief of the Link’s Road Administration Brigade, explained that access to the island tourism program is generally closed during major holidays to prevent congestion.

“During major holidays, we generally close land access to the West Island tourism program to avoid impacting normal traffic flow,” Li stated.

This precautionary measure highlights the massive volume of traffic the link handles. Intelligent systems, including a “one corridor, six roads” smart traffic management system, are in place to optimize travel routes and ensure safety. These systems help manage the average daily flow of 88,500 vehicle trips, keeping the corridor moving smoothly even during peak travel times.

Despite these restrictions, operators are working to provide alternative ways for the public to experience the link during busy periods. Li Xinlong, Marketing Director of Shenzhen Cultural Tourism Industry Development Company, mentioned that authorities are studying water-based access solutions and low-altitude options to meet public demand when land access is restricted.

Economic Impact and Regional Integration

The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has had a profound impact on the regional economy. By reducing the travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan to just 30 minutes, the link has effectively created a one-hour traffic circle within the Greater Bay Area. This connectivity has spurred economic cooperation, with tech transactions between Shenzhen and Zhongshan reaching nearly 100 million yuan in 2024, an 80% increase from the previous year.

Tourism in the region has also seen a significant boost. During the 2024 National Day holiday, Zhongshan welcomed 3.41 million tourists, an increase of over 102% compared to previous years. The new artificial island is expected to further capitalize on this trend by attracting visitors interested in both engineering and leisure.

The link has also enhanced access to key transport hubs. In the past year, 940,000 travelers from the west bank of the Pearl River used the link to access Shenzhen Airport, representing a 160% increase in passenger flow. This improved accessibility benefits not only business travelers but also tourists flying into the region to explore the Greater Bay Area.

Future Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, operators have ambitious plans to expand the tourism offerings on the west artificial island. The current opening is considered just the first phase in developing the site into a comprehensive cultural and tourism destination. The long-term vision includes transforming the island into a “super IP” within the Greater Bay Area, combining science, education, engineering, and leisure.

One of the most anticipated future additions is the launch of marine sightseeing routes. Utilizing the existing rescue dock on the island, operators plan to offer boat tours that allow visitors to view the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link from the water. This perspective would showcase the scale of the bridges and the artificial islands in a way that land-based viewing cannot.

Low-altitude sightseeing programs are also on the horizon. These flights, potentially using helicopters or advanced drones, would provide aerial views of the entire cluster project. This type of tourism aligns with the broader development of the low-altitude economy in the Greater Bay Area and would offer a thrilling experience for adventure-seeking tourists.

The Bottom Line

• The west artificial island of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link officially opened to the public on Monday, Dec 29, 2025.
• Daily visitor capacity has been set at 900 people with six daily shuttle buses operating on a “full-and-go” basis.
• Ticket prices are 188 yuan for adults, 158 yuan for students, and 128 yuan for children, including round-trip transport.
• The island features a 2,200-square-meter science education base with VR, AR, and holographic exhibits.
• The 24-kilometer Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link opened to traffic on June 30, 2024, and has handled over 31.5 million vehicle trips.
• Island tourism access is suspended during major holidays to maintain traffic flow on the bridge.
• Future plans include marine sightseeing routes and low-altitude flights to enhance the visitor experience.