West artificial island of Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link goes into trial operation for tourism

The west artificial island of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link in south China's industrial powerhouse of Guangdong Province launched its cultural tourism operations on Saturday, marking its debut as a "marine reception hub" after nearly a year of preparations.

More than 90 residents from Shenzhen and Zhongshan became the island's first visitors later in the day, arriving via shuttle buses that crossed the sea bridge and passed through the undersea tunnel.

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, a massive cross-sea passage in south China that features two bridges, two artificial islands and an underwater tunnel, went into operation on June 30, 2024.

Spanning 24 kilometers, the link drastically reduces the time it takes to travel between the city of Zhongshan and the technology hub of Shenzhen -- situated on opposite sides of the Pearl River Estuary in Guangdong Province -- from two hours to about 30 minutes.

Covering 137,000 square meters, the west artificial island forms the critical junction where the link transitions between bridge and tunnel segments. Its main structure, designed in the form of a mythical roc with wings outstretched, stands as a distinctive landmark over the Lingding Channel.

From the central atrium, visitors can take in sweeping views of the sea and sky. To the west, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge curves gracefully across the water, with vehicles streaming steadily between the tunnel and elevated sections. To the east, the Qianhai skyline in Shenzhen and planes soaring from Bao'an International Airport illustrates the dynamism of the Greater Bay Area.

A major attraction on the island is the Popular Science Base of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Transportation Hub Project. Its 2,200-square-meter exhibition brings to life the engineering feats behind the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link.

Interactive games let visitors explore transportation engineering concepts, while outdoor displays allow close-up views of real bridge cables and steel shell segments used in the immersed tunnel.

"Seeing how the tunnel segments were installed, especially after watching the construction videos in the exhibition, was truly impressive," said visitor Gong Zhihui.

Throughout the trial operation period, tour operators will expand transport options from both Shenzhen and Zhongshan and improve services including dining and guided tours. The island is scheduled to open fully to the public in December.

West artificial island of Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link goes into trial operation for tourism

Due to the pressure on essential services caused by prolonged power shortages, Gaza residents are facing limited access to water, healthcare and sanitation, further deteriorating the already fragile humanitarian situation.

In Gaza, power cuts have become a daily reality. With electricity available only intermittently, many civilians are struggling to carry out even the most basic tasks.

The consequences are widespread, affecting everything from water supply systems to critical infrastructure. As outages persist, maintaining essential services is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

"I carry water in small containers. We don't have a large water tank, not even 500 liters, so we have to keep going back and forth, and water is not always available. Sometimes my son returns without being able to fill it," Mohammad Habib, a displaced Palestinian, told China Global Television Network (CGTN).

This ongoing energy crisis has also had a severe impact on critical hospitals, which rely heavily on generators to continue operating.

"If the generators stop, it will be a catastrophe and a real danger to everyone in the hospital, especially premature babies, dialysis patients and those in intensive care, as well as blood banks. Most departments would shut down. We are sounding the alarm that hospitals will stop functioning if fuel and oil are not allowed in as soon as possible," said Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital.

International humanitarian organizations have warned of a potential collapse of essential services in Gaza if electricity supplies are disrupted. "Hospitals and medical centers in Gaza that are still able to function work under immense pressure and at risk of collapse. These hospitals work with shortages in energy, medical supplies and equipment," said Amani Al-Naouq, spokesperson for International Committee of Red Cross in Gaza.

According to Gaza's municipality, about 75 water wells rely on electricity and are at risk of shutting down, which would worsen conditions for displaced families whose homes have been destroyed.

Power shortages intensify humanitarian crisis in Gaza