The Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link is a major construction that links two important cities in China’s Pearl River Delta: Shenzhen to the east and Zhongshan to the west. It includes a series of bridges and tunnels, starting from Bao’an International Airport in Shenzhen.
The entire route measures about 49.7 km, with eight lanes four in each direction designed to carry a high volume of traffic. Construction began in May 2017 and was completed in 2024 at a cost of around $4.83 billion. This new link is located roughly 27 km downriver from the older Humen Bridge, which was the only bridge crossing the estuary before. It’s also roughly 32 km north of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, which links Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai and was opened in 2018.
The project features a 6.7 km tunnel on the Shenzhen side, along with 19 different bridges that total around 43 km. The longest section of the bridge stretches about 22.5 km, with approximately 15.5 km of it built over water. The maximum speed on the bridge is 100 km/h, allowing travelers to get between the two cities much faster.
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The route links the Guangshen Expressway south of Shenzhen Airport with the Jihe Expressway to the east, and connects to the Zhongjiang Expressway on the west. This new connection has reduced travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from over two hours to less than 30 minutes, significantly boosting regional transportation.
Right after it opened on June 30, 2024, Shenzhen started running bus services that connect the two cities, making travel even more convenient for residents and travelers alike. However, in the first days, many drivers and passengers faced heavy traffic congestion and long delays. Some people chose to detour and use the older Humen Bridge instead.
Historically, Shenzhen wanted to be part of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge project but was left out in 2004. Instead, the city proposed its own separate link, which was finally approved as part of Guangdong’s development plan in 2011.The Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link was constructed to enhance transportation efficiency and help drive economic development in the region.
This new connection aims to make travel easier for people and boost trade in the Pearl River Delta. Despite some initial traffic issues, it is expected to be a vital part of the area’s future development.
