HONG KONG – The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, a 24-kilometer-long mega cross-sea passage integrating bridges, islands, tunnels and underwater interchanges in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, will begin trial operation on Sunday.

The much-anticipated passage passed construction acceptance in mid-June and stopped all public visits from June 18 to prepare for the opening.

Once in operation, it will cut travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan from the current two hours to about 30 minutes and is expected to help narrow the development gap between the eastern and western sides of the Pearl River Estuary.

Connecting Xinjiang with GBA

A new direct flight route connecting Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region with Hong Kong will be launched on July 1, operated every Monday by China Southern Airlines.

With a ticket priced at about HK$2,500 ($320), Hong Kong passengers can travel to the ancient city in southern Xinjiang.

The airline says the new route is an opportunity to expand economic opportunities and strengthen cultural exchange between Xinjiang and the Bay Area.

Drone race

From Thursday to Saturday, Guangzhou is hosting the second leg of China’s largest-ever national drone racing competition – the only professional and state-level drone racing event of its kind globally.

Ninety-one drone racing teams, with over 900 pilots, will navigate their unmanned flying vehicles over the scenic Guangzhou Jiulong Lake, making it China's largest drone racing event in the size of participation.

The event also features low-altitude flight experiences, drone aerial displays, and carnival activities.