The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) marks its sixth anniversary with impressive milestones, showcasing a surge in both passengers and vehicles crossing its span.
According to the HZMB border inspection station, a staggering 62.3 million passengers have traversed the Zhuhai Port by October 22, alongside over 12.76 million vehicles clearing customs. This 55-kilometer marvel connects the Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Zhuhai in the Chinese mainland, standing as the world's longest bridge-and-tunnel sea crossing.
Since its inauguration, the HZMB has become a favorite route for residents of the three regions, thanks to its seamless regional linkage and the convenience of 24-hour customs clearance. This year alone, passenger flow reached 21.5 million person-times by October 22, marking an 84.8% increase from the previous year and nearly double the numbers from 2019.
\"Over the six years since its opening, the total number of Hong Kong and Macao residents entering and exiting the mainland through the bridge has exceeded 35.6 million person-times, accounting for more than 57 percent of the total. In 2024 alone, the number surpassed 12.9 million person-times, up 82.8 percent year on year, setting a new record,\" stated Chen Faqiu, head of the HZMB border inspection station.
Driving has surged in popularity as a cross-border transportation method. By September this year, Gongbei customs inspected a total of 3.6251 million vehicles with Hong Kong and Macao license plates, buoyed by the \"Macao vehicles northward\" and \"Hong Kong vehicles northward\" policies introduced in 2023.
The HZMB also serves as a vital corridor for travelers heading abroad or coming to China. The border inspection department has processed 6,052 domestic tour groups with 234,800 tourists and more than 330,000 foreign passengers, marking a 169% year-on-year increase. Additionally, 37,000 passengers have cleared customs through the \"via Zhuhai to Hong Kong flight\" model.
Cargo transport through the bridge has seen significant growth as well. From 2018 to September this year, the total value of goods imported and exported via the bridge port reached 942.7 billion yuan ($132.48 billion), with 164.97 billion yuan recorded in the first nine months of this year alone, reflecting a 10.4% increase year on year.
As the HZMB celebrates its sixth year, it continues to be a crucial infrastructure asset, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth across the regions it serves. 🌍✨
