4 highlights to know about Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link's Western Artificial Island

Editor︰Huang Yayan

For those of you who have travelled back and forth along the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link by car, you have probably admired the stunning scenery of the Lingdingyang, but have you ever thought that one day you could stop on the link and take in the beautiful views?

The West Artificial Island of Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link will soon open officially for sightseeing in December, and there are at least 4 highlights you should know about it. 

The West Artificial Island, which links the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge to the subsea tunnel, covers a total area of approximately 13.7 square metres—equivalent to about 19 soccer fields.

Seen from above, it looks like a Kunpeng (a mythical giant bird) soaring over the Lingdingyang waters, or a kite flying above the sea, presenting a magnificent and unrivaled sight.

Also referred to as the "Ocean Reception Hall" and the "Maritime Exhibition Centre," the West Artificial Island serves key functions such as tourism, sightseeing, and science education, showcasing the accomplishments of this mega-project to the world.

360° Panoramic platform

If you come to the island for a visit, the first place to explore should be the observation deck on the third floor. Standing by the glass railings on the deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the twin towers stretching across the Lingdingyang waters and the coastal scenery on the western artificial island.

Don’t forget to take photos here, as this is the ideal location to capture the majestic Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge in all its glory.

The West Artificial Island of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is said to resemble a Kunpeng, a mythical giant bird, do you think so? (Image Source: VCG)
The third-floor observation deck provides a 360° up-close view of the majestic Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge. (Image Source: Wechat Official Account)

Immersive tech showcase

After leaving the viewing platform, you will find the "Greater Bay Area Cross-Sea Corridor Science Centre" located right beside it.

Spanning approximately 2,200 square metres across two floors, the science Centre offers an immersive presentation of the project’s background, construction process, and technological breakthroughs.

It vividly illustrates the remarkable journey of this mega-project—from vision to reality.

The first floor showcases the development of the Greater Bay Area and the advanced engineering behind the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link.

Through VR/AR and 3D interactive displays, visitors can experience how the project overcame nine world-class challenges using ten pioneering equipment systems and ten internationally leading technologies, ultimately setting ten world records.

The second floor features a hands-on science zone, where visitors can learn about transportation engineering through various interactive games and gain a thorough understanding of how the subsea tunnel operates.

In the outdoor exhibition area, you can even touch actual components—such as the main cable of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge and segments of the steel shell from the immersed tunnel—offering a tangible, up-close encounter with this mega-project.

Right next to the observation deck is the interactive science centre, where the development story of this mega-project is presented through engaging and immersive displays. (Image Source: Wechat Official Account)
The exhibition centre, hailed as a "Maritime Museum", features extensive graphics and texts on the cutting-edge technology behind the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. (Image Source: video screenshot)
The science Centre employs VR/AR technology to let visitors explore the core engineering innovations of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. (Image Source: CCCC-FHEC)
The second-floor interactive zone offers a variety of hands-on games that turn complex engineering concepts into engaging and accessible learning experiences.. (Image Source: video screenshot)

Ascending to the second floor, visitors enter the Interactive Experience Zone. This space is filled with engaging, educational games that allow guests to explore the mega-project’s technological innovations through hands-on participation.

By interacting with the exhibits, you can gain a real sense of the engineering ingenuity behind its construction—a highlight for anyone interested in technology and innovation.

Open walkway and West Island Coffee Shop

Stepping outside, you’ll see an open walkway that circles the West Artificial Island. A leisurely stroll along this path offers views of the coastal ecosystem, up-close glimpses of the island’s landscapes, and a truly relaxed pace of time.

After your stroll, consider stopping by the West Island Coffee Shop for a rich, warm brew. Settle into a seat here and gaze out at the sparkling sea as the breeze drifts in—or capture the fleeting golden glow that washes over the bridge and island at sunset. It’s the perfect place to slow down and savour a rare moment of calm.

Strolling along the West Artificial Island's seaside loop walkway and soaking in the soothing sensation of being embraced by the sea makes the trip worthwhile all on its own. (Image Source: Wechat Official Account)
The West Island Coffee Shop. (Image Source: Wechat Official Account)

Tickets from ¥128 

According to the official ticketing mini-program "Shen’ai Ticket", passengers departing from Shenzhen can board at Renmin Building Station or Qianhai Bay Cross-City Bus Transfer Station, while those travelling from Zhongshan may depart from Zhongshan Expo Centre Station.

In future, The West Artificial Island will incorporate robotics and low-altitude aviation to develop innovative tourism experiences. (Image Source: Wechat Official Account)

The official opening is scheduled for December. Ticket prices are set at 188 yuan for adults, 158 yuan for students, and 128 yuan for children and concession holders. The entire experience, including round-trip transportation and island exploration, takes approximately 3 hours.

Read more: 4 bus lines of Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link available for free 

Read more: From pile foundation to bridge: A photographer's camera recordings of Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link

Unveil the Chinese intangible heritage of Diejiao dragon boat drifting

4 Best spring blossoms in Zhongshan and Zhuhai

Guide to Taobao's first furniture store in Hong Kong

Ne Zha-themed graffiti walls in the Greater Bay Area go viral

Related Tags