China on Sunday started to build its largest underwater tunnel to cross the Yellow River in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, which will facilitate the city's connectivity between parts on both sides of the river.
As one of the major channels connecting the north and south sides of the Yellow River, the tunnel is about 5,755 meters long, with about 3,290-meter section of the tunnel having to be excavated by a tunneling shield with a diameter of 17.5 meters.
"The length of the tunneling shield is equivalent to 16 buses connected end to end. The weight of the machine is comparable to that of 520 adult elephants, making it the largest among tunneling machines used in projects worldwide," said Huang Lu, person in charge of the tunneling shield of the tunnel project under China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd.
The tunnel comprises two levels, with three lanes in each level leading in different directions, and a speed of 60 kilometers per hour. As the first single-tube double-deck tunnel cross the Yellow River, it saves urban underground space.
"The tunnel is expected to be completed in 16 months. The project will meet the requirements for the passage of buses, fire engines, maintenance and rescue vehicles," said Zhou Xiang, person in charge of the project of China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd.
Upon its completion, it will boost the connectivity between the main urban area of Jinan on both sides of the Yellow River, and provide strong support for ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin.
China starts to build largest underwater tunnel to cross Yellow River
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
