China Launches Groundbreaking Artificial Island Tourism on Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link to Revolutionize Travel in the Greater Bay Area

Published on October 24, 2025

The launch of artificial island tourism on the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is an exciting step in the development of tourism within the Greater Bay Area. This month-long trial operation, starting this Saturday, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the island as part of a cultural and educational experience. The island, located at the western end of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, will provide an immersive introduction to the technology and engineering behind one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.

An Engineering Marvel Opens for Tourism

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is a significant achievement in engineering, spanning 24 kilometers and incorporating bridges, tunnels, islands, and underwater interchanges. This project, which opened to traffic in June 2024, is a crucial addition to the Greater Bay Area’s transport network. The artificial island at the western end of the link is not just a key transit point but is also being developed into a destination for artificial island tourism, combining education, culture, and cutting-edge technology.

The island itself covers 137,000 square meters and serves multiple functions, including traffic management, emergency services, and science education. Now, it’s set to become an important site for tourism, offering educational tours focused on the construction and technological innovations of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link.

What to Expect from the Trial Operation

The main focus of the trial operation is on providing educational and sightseeing opportunities, centered around the island’s science and education base. Visitors will have the chance to learn about the engineering behind the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link and its key components, such as the bridge and underwater tunnels. Through this, artificial island tourism will combine real-world applications of science and technology with immersive learning experiences.

The trial operation will run for one month, with weekdays reserved for educational groups and enterprises, and weekends open to the general public. Participants in the trial phase will be able to offer feedback on aspects of the experience, including the tour routes and virtual reality tours. This feedback will help refine the visitor experience in preparation for the island’s official opening in December.

Highlights of the Trial Phase

• Free Admission During the Trial: Those taking part in the trial phase will be able to explore the island at no cost. This includes transportation to and from the island and a guided tour of the key exhibits.
• Educational Exhibits: The science and education base on the island spans over 2,200 square meters and includes exhibits detailing the construction and design of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. Visitors can explore the challenges of building underwater tunnels and massive bridges while learning about the technology that made these feats possible.
• Virtual Reality Tours: One of the standout features of the artificial island tourism experience is the use of virtual and augmented reality. These immersive digital experiences allow visitors to engage with the history of the project in a highly interactive way.
• Outdoor Engineering Displays: Visitors will also be able to view full-scale models of critical engineering components, like sections of the underwater tunnel, helping them better understand the scale and complexity of the project.
• Breathtaking Views: The island’s observation deck offers panoramic views of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge, giving visitors a unique perspective on the region’s infrastructure.

Long-Term Vision for the Island

While the focus during the trial operation is on educational and cultural tourism, the long-term plans for the artificial island are expansive. Over time, the island will evolve into a fully integrated “artificial island tourism” destination, offering a wide range of attractions and activities beyond education.

• Sightseeing and Leisure: In addition to educational tours, the island will eventually offer low-altitude sightseeing flights and boat tours, allowing visitors to view the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link from the sea.
• Cultural and Technological Attractions: The island is being developed to blend cultural tourism with technological experiences, ensuring that it offers something for a variety of interests.
• Visitor Experience Expansion: As the island’s facilities grow, visitors will have access to more attractions, including dining options and interactive exhibits that further highlight the region’s achievements in engineering and science.

Ticketing and Visitor Information

Once the artificial island opens fully in December, tickets will be available for adults, students, and children, priced at 188 yuan, 158 yuan, and 128 yuan, respectively. These tickets will cover transportation and a guided tour that lasts around three hours. For the trial phase, however, all visitors can enjoy free admission, giving them an exclusive opportunity to experience the island before it officially opens to the public.

A Strategic Addition to the Greater Bay Area’s Tourism

The development of artificial island tourism on the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is a crucial addition to the growing tourism sector in the Greater Bay Area. This project, with its emphasis on cultural tourism, education, and technological innovation, is designed to attract both local and international visitors. It highlights the region’s commitment to integrating science education with tourism, offering a unique experience that blends education with entertainment.

As the Greater Bay Area continues to grow as a global economic and cultural hub, projects like this one are helping to position it as a top tourist destination. The artificial island will serve as a beacon of the region’s advancements in technology and infrastructure, while also offering visitors a chance to engage with cutting-edge virtual reality tours and cultural exhibits.

Conclusion: The Future of Artificial Island Tourism

The trial operation of artificial island tourism on the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for the region’s tourism industry. This innovative site will combine educational and cultural tourism with modern technological experiences, providing visitors with a glimpse into the future of travel and learning. As the island’s development continues, it will become a major tourist destination, showcasing the region’s engineering achievements while offering a range of attractions for all types of visitors.

In the coming years, artificial island tourism will undoubtedly play an essential role in the Greater Bay Area’s tourism landscape, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience one of the most unique destinations in the region.