Zhuhai

Zhuhai, a prefecture-level city located on the west bank of the Pearl River estuary in southern Guangdong province, China, has a population of around 2.4 million residents according to the most recent data. With its moniker, “pearl sea,” this strategically placed city takes the stage in China’s economic scene and acts as the portal to the Pearl River Delta area.

Boundering Jiangmen to the west, Zhongshan to the north, and the Special Administrative Region of Macau to the southeast, the city’s physical position is among its most distinguishing characteristics. Zhuhai’s coastline location allows it to have maritime borders with Shenzhen and Hong Kong across the estuary, therefore tying it to some of the most vibrant commercial cities in the area. The jurisdiction of the city spans an amazing 690 kilometers of coastline and consists of 217 islands, of which 147 have area greater than 500 square meters, therefore adding to its varied terrain and natural appeal.

Modern history of Zhuhai is closely related to China’s opening-up policy and economic transformation. Its economic path would be significantly altered in 1980 when it was named one of the first four Special Economic Zones (SEZs) created by the Chinese government. With this position, Zhuhai was entitled to a variety of financial incentives and preferential policies meant to draw in outside capital and support fast economic development. Like Shenzhen’s connection with Hong Kong, the city’s closeness to Macau was a major determinant of its choice as a SEZ as it offers a crucial gateway to worldwide markets and capitalist economic systems.

The SEZ policy’s execution in Zhuhai was intended with several goals in view. The central government saw Zhuhai as a major port city, a hub for regional transportation, a scientific and educational center, and a picturesque travel destination. Over the years, these goals have mostly come to pass; Zhuhai is now a key actor in the economic scene of the Pearl River Delta.

Foreign investment has been quite noticeable in Zhuhai’s economic growth. Utilized foreign investment in the city by 2008 had come to an amazing US$10.344 billion. Among the top 500 companies worldwide, the city has effectively drawn 19 global giants like ExxonMobil, BP, Siemens, Carrefour, and Matsushita. Zhuhai’s industrial and technical development has been much aided by this flood of foreign money and knowledge.

Although Zhuhai grew fast into an industrial production zone in the 1980s, the city’s government showed foresight in seeing the possible negative effects of unbridled development. The municipal administration acted forcefully when environmental issues started to undermine the quality of life that had drawn Zhuhai’s appeal. To preserve Zhuhai’s status as a coastal garden city, they instituted rigorous environmental rules and even brought Singaporean urban planning professionals in. Zhuhai’s industrial basis has been kept while its natural beauty and livability have been preserved by this all-encompassing strategy to growth.

Indeed, Zhuhai’s dedication to quality of life and sustainable development has not gone unseen. A result of its effective integration of economic growth with environmental preservation and urban planning, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences published a report in 2014 ranking Zhuhai as the most livable city in China. Reflecting its major importance in regional commerce and transportation systems, the city is categorized as a Medium-Port Metropolitan.

The linguistic terrain of Zhuhai reflects its fast growth and economic attraction very interestingly. Although Guangdong, a Cantonese-speaking province, has always included this city, Mandarin-speaking economic immigrants from interior regions have lately become somewhat common there. This linguistic variety accentuates the city’s international quality and emphasizes its function as a magnet for talent and opportunity inside China.

Leveraging Zhuhai’s subtropical warmth, natural beauty, and strategic location, tourism is still rather important for the city’s economy. Expanding tourism locations and creating new attractions on islands including Hengqin, Dong’ao, Hebao, Qi’ao, and Yeli has been aggressive local government activity. These initiatives seek to broaden the tourist offers of the city and draw both local and foreign guests.

Zhuhai’s location within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area adds even more strategic relevance. Comprising major cities such Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, this megalopolis—which reflects one of the biggest and most dynamic urban agglomerations in the world—Zhuhai’s inclusion into this economic powerhouse offers it unmatched chances for further development.