Shenzhen-to-Guishan Island tourist ferry debuts

A direct ferry from Shenzhen's Shekou to Zhuhai's Guishan Island opened for tourists on April 29, leaving at 10:40 am daily and taking only 50 minutes. The return trip leaves at 1:10 pm.

This route created by Zhuhai High-Speed Passenger Liner Co supplements one to Wailingding Island, which was launched in 2016. This second island route makes travel more convenient to and from the east bank area of the Pearl River Estuary.

The company has invested around 200 million yuan ($31.6 million) in building four ships exclusively for island tourism. They are expected to begin service in the second half of this year.

Island cruise [File Photo]

More routes will also be introduced, coupled with more frequent crossings. This will improve land-island transportation, which will in turn boost island economies, especially in the tourism sector, according to a company executive.

An additional 14 ferry trips, including one to Wanshan Island en route to Dong'ao, two to Guishan, and three to Wailingding, plus eight scheduled between Hengqin New Area and Dong'ao Island, began sailing daily on May 1.

Island-bound departures from Zhuhai all depart from Xiangzhou Port Beidi Passenger Terminal off Central Lovers Avenue.