The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the mega cross-sea passage in southern China that became operational on Sunday, is expected to greatly facilitate people's travel and enhance connectivity in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
A core transportation hub project in the Greater Bay Area, the link spans 24 kilometers and features two bridges, two artificial islands, and an underwater tunnel.
The cross-sea passage 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 approximately 30 minutes.
Ahead of the official opening at 15:00 on Sunday, long lines of vehicles formed in front of the Cuiheng East toll station in Zhongshan City, with many waiting eagerly to witness the moment.
"I came specifically to witness the grand opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link," said a driver.
"We got here in a short time because we live here in Zhongshan. I really wanted to see the result of the seven-year-long construction," another young traveler said.
"I came from Hong Kong to Zhongshan, and now I am really excited and thrilled," said a driver from Hong Kong, waving a large Chinese flag.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is another large-scale transportation project in GBA, following the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge situated approximately 31 kilometers south of the new link.
Authorities deployed additional personnel and made extensive preparations to manage the anticipated surge in traffic after the opening.
"We have made full preparations for today. All lanes are open, and all staff members are on duty. Firefighters and other support teams are also in place to ensure smooth operation after today's opening," a Cuiheng East toll station staff member said.
Within two hours of opening, the new link handled 16,000 vehicle trips in total.
Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link cross-sea passage boosts connectivity in Greater Bay Area
Saulebek Kabilbekov, a Kazakh ophthalmologist working for 25 years in northeast China's Daqing Eye Hospital, has brought cure and hope to tens of thousands of patients with his superb skills, and has contributed significantly to bilateral friendship.
As one of the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award winners, Kabilbekov's bond with China dated back to the 1990s, when he was invited to offer his expertise to the treatment of eye disorders in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province.
"In 1998, I got a call from former hospital director Yu Yaoguang to invite me to work here. I have been working in ophthalmology in China for 25 years. During this period, I have successfully treated over 200,000 patients and performed more than 20,000 surgeries personally," he said.
Kabilbekov said he believes being a doctor is a noble profession that requires dedication and a strong sense of responsibilities.
The group of international experts led by Kabilbekov is also committed to training young doctors and sharing experiences at the hospital.
Kabilbekov said some new technologies introduced by his team have proven effective in optical correction and myopia control.
"The past few years have seen the emergence of many new surgical methods. Surgeries would mean large incisions and sutures in the past. Now thanks to the development of surgical equipment, incisions become very small, and sutures are no longer needed. And the recovery from eye surgery is very fast," said the ophthalmologist.
The hospital also has an ophthalmology museum to popularize eye health education and offers free lectures on eye care to kids.
China-Kazakhstan relations are put under the spotlight as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Astana on Tuesday for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and a state visit to Kazakhstan. In a written statement upon his arrival, Xi said that China and Kazakhstan have established a unique permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.
Having been living in China for over two decades, Kabilbekov is also a witness to the development of bilateral relations.
"There is no doubt that China has developed rapidly in recent years, which has made a positive impact on the global economy and has significantly strengthened the China-Kazakhstan partnership," said the ophthalmologist, adding that he's optimistic about sustained development of China-Kazakhstan friendship and more fruitful bilateral cooperation.
In the signed article published ahead of his state visit to Kazakhstan in September 2022, Xi mentioned the story of Kabilbekov as an example of China-Kazakhstan friendship. Kabilbekov said it gives him great pleasure to be recognized by the Chinese government.
"On top of that, this year I was honored with the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award. This is a big deal for me, and I am deeply grateful to the Chinese government for its recognition and support. I plan to continue working as long as my health allows and do my best to make contributions. Winning the award is a privilege but also a responsibility. I will use it to motivate myself and and live up to this honor with practical actions," he said.
Kazakh ophthalmologist dedicates 25 years to promoting eye health in China
