Q&As explain Hengqin International Recreation Island

Details of a construction plan to establish Hengqin New Area as an international recreation island were further revealed by the Information Office of the Zhuhai Municipal Government at a press conference on April 18.

The National Development & Reform Commission released the plan earlier that morning. It positions the 106.46-sq-km (41-sq-mile) region as a first-tier leisure base demonstrating All-for-One Tourism along with moderate economic diversification in Macao.

Press conference

Q: What will Hengqin do to build itself into an international recreation island?

A: The construction of cultural and creative projects will be accelerated, supportive tourism facilities improved, a cross-linked transport system established, and three to five world-renowned convention and exhibitions cultivated.

Cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao in tourism, cultural and creative, convention and exhibition, and business affairs will advance development of the Greater Bay Area. Diversified products covering culture, history, leisure, healthcare, ferries, and yachting will be developed to enrich tourism.

As an expanded space to accommodate Macao's development, Hengqin will promote economic diversification and help fulfill the mission of Macao becoming a world tourism and leisure center. They will compile outlines for regional tourism cooperation across traffic infrastructure, project construction, market development, and talent training.

Last but not least, the island will elevate its Opening-Up level relying on the Free Trade Zone, commercial and trade cooperation using China-Latin America Economic & Trade Cooperation Park, and cultural events like expos, football, and carnivals.

Hengqin Financial Island

Q: How will the construction of an international recreation island benefit Hengqin?

A: It will strengthen Hengqin's connectivity with Macao in conventions and exhibitions, leisure sightseeing, sports, and healthcare under the Tourism + strategy.

The integration of leisure and tourism with commercial and financial services, cultural and creative industries, and traditional Chinese medicine will help Hengqin find new mechanisms to develop tourism and establish a tourist service certification system in line with international standards.

Q: How will the construction of an international recreation island benefit residents?

A: Tourism offerings in Hengqin will be further diversified. The Second Theme Park of Chimelong International Ocean Resort, Novotown, Sumlodol Hengqin Camping Park Phase II, Legend Ponto Square, and Xiangzhou Port Culture Block will open this year.

Meanwhile, Hengqin will cooperate with Macao to develop family-friendly and cruises tourist products and launch joint tourist routes. Versatile boutique tourist products will include island leisure, conventions and exhibitions, medical treatment and healthcare, cultural experience, ferries and yachting, and marine tourism.

Hengqin Mangzhou Wetland Park [Photos by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

Q: Are there any innovative policies in the construction of the international recreation island?

A: Cross-border telecommunication services will enjoy the same charging standards as intra-city services.

Local ferries will be encouraged to launch domestic and international routes.

Local sea area and low-altitude airspace will be opened to develop low-altitude sightseeing of Zhuhai, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Cross-border helicopter services will fly to Hong Kong and Macao.

Tourism talent training bases will be established under collaboration with Macao.

Hong Kong and Macao guides will be supported to work in Hengqin.