The Influence of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on the Development of Urban Agglomeration in the Pearl River Delta

Abstract

Known as one of the “seven wonders of the modern world”, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macao. The bridge, which lasted 14 years from design to construction, spans the Lingdingyang waters of the South China Sea to the west, connects Macao and Zhuhai artificial islands, and ends at Zhuhai Hongwan. The bridge, which shortens the traffic distance between the three places and allows the economy, culture, and technology of the three places to communicate with each other, opened up a new world. This paper intends to review the process of the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and sort out the expected benefits of the bridge’s opening to traffic. Then, the paper explains the new situation faced by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Based on the outward service function model of city flow and the interaction strength model, we conduct an empirical study on the economic status of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This paper analyzes the interaction between the cities which are in the Greater Bay Area and uses panel data to conduct regression analysis to verify the important impact of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on the development of cities in the Pearl River Delta. Finally, conclusions are drawn: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is undoubtedly of positive significance to strengthen economic and social ties between the West Bank of the Pearl River and Hong Kong, and Hong Kong has a large economic radiation capacity to the cities that are in the Pearl River Delta and Macao in the construction, finance, transportation, warehousing, and communications industries. And corresponding suggestions are put forward.