摘要：On December 20th, 1999, Macao SAR returned to China, Marking the beginning of an intertwined destiny between Hengqin and Macao ami
On December 20th, 1999, Macao SAR returned to China, Marking the beginning of an intertwined destiny between Hengqin and Macao amid the surging tides of the Pearl River Estuary. In March 2000, the first-generation Hengqin Port rose at the Lotus Bridge, like a seed planted in the fertile soil on the banks of the Pearl River. Over 25 years, this seed has flourished into a brilliant twin lotus flower.
25th Anniversary of Hengqin Port (photo by interviewee)
According to data from the Hengqin Border Inspection Station, the total number of passengers crossing Hengqin Port over the past 25 years has exceeded 136 million, with vehicles over 20.54 million, Marking a year-on-year increase of 325% and 516%, respectively.
25th Anniversary of Hengqin Port (photo by interviewee)
On December 20th, 1999, as Macao officially reunited with China, the 1,756-meter-long Lotus Bridge, which connects Hengqin and Macao, was completed and opened to traffic as a rainbow arching across the sea and sky. On March 28th, 2000, located at the bridgehead, the first-generation Hengqin Port officially opened to the public.
25th Anniversary of Hengqin Port (photo by interviewee)
Following the introduction of the Individual Visit Scheme for mainland residents to travel freely to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, the Hengqin Port became a key gateway for tourists who can use an Exit-Entry Permit (EEP) to enter Hong Kong and Macao. Meanwhile, trucks carrying fresh products and various import-export goods between Zhuhai and Macao shuttled across the Lotus Bridge every day, reaching an average daily traffic volume of 2,000 vehicles.
In September 2021, the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin was officially established. The Hengqin Border Inspection Station launched China's first "One-stop Joint Inspection" system for passenger and cargo vehicles, enabling cross-border vehicles to undergo a streamlined process of "one queue, joint inspection, and coordinated release" within a single checkpoint lane.
The new Hengqin Port is more than just a border crossing but also serves as the heart of the transportation network. It is where the Zhuhai Airport Intercity Railway and the LRT Hengqin Line converge, linking Zhuhai Jinwan Airport and Macao International Airport. In December 2024, the Macao-Hengqin LRT extension opened, forming an integrated rail network between Zhuhai and Macao, enabling the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to become a "one-hour living circle."
"Living in Hengqin, crossing the border is faster than commuting!" said Mr. Chen, a Macao youth who commutes daily to the University of Macau and enjoys "seamless clearance." Meanwhile, tang Jingzhen, the founder of the Macao coffee brand "Seng Pan", has expanded his business into "Macao New Neighborhood" in Hengqin to embrace a dual-city lifestyle. By 2025, over 6,600 Macao-funded enterprises will have settled in Hengqin, with more than 10,000 Macao residents settled here.
Over the past 25 years, hengqin Port has transformed from a tin-roofed outpost on barren land into a world-class border hub of high efficiency. Year after year, hengqin and Macao have evolved from being connected by a single bridge to thriving as an integrated community, writing a vivid chapter of "one country, two systems." Hengqin Port, the twin lotus flower at the Pearl River Estuary, now in full bloom, heralds the boundless possibilities for the integration and development of the GBA.
Source:Lingnan on the Cloud
琴澳 25 载：从一桥相连到一体共荣
1999年12月20日，澳门回归祖国怀抱，珠江口的风云激荡中，横琴与澳门的命运从此交织。2000年3月，第一代横琴口岸在莲花桥头拔地而起，如同一颗种子埋入珠江之畔的沃土。25年时光荏苒，这颗种子已长成一株灿烂盛开的并蒂莲。
数据显示，25年间横琴边检站累计验放旅客超1.36亿人次、车辆超2054万辆次，年均增长率分别为325%和516%。
1999年12月20日，澳门正式回归祖国母亲怀抱，长达1756米，连接琴澳两端的莲花大桥建成开通，如同海天之间浮现一道美丽的彩虹。2000年3月28日，坐落在莲花桥头的第一代横琴口岸正式对外开放。
国家开放港澳“自由行”政策后，大量内地居民持《往来港澳通行证》出境赴港澳旅游观光，横琴口岸成为通关热门选项。与此同时，运送鲜活产品和珠澳两地各类进出口物品的通关货车每日在莲花大桥上穿梭不断，日均车流量达2000辆次。
2021年9月，横琴粤澳深度合作区挂牌成立，横琴边检站启用全国首创的客货车“联合一站式”查验系统，实行跨境车辆在同一条通道内“一次排队、合作查验、联动放行”的新机制。
新横琴口岸不仅是通关枢纽，更是交通网络的“心脏”。珠机城际铁路、澳门轻轨横琴线在此交会，串联珠海金湾机场与澳门国际机场。2024年12月，澳门轻轨延伸横琴线通车，珠澳铁路网正式成形，交织的轨道促使粤港澳大湾区迈入“一小时生活圈”。
“在横琴生活，过关比通勤还快！”澳门青年陈先生每日经口岸赴澳门大学上课，体验“丝滑通关”；澳门咖啡品牌“诚品咖啡”创始人汤锦珍将门店开进横琴“澳门新街坊”，开启“双城生活”。截至2025年，超6600户澳资企业落户横琴，逾万名澳门居民在此安居。
25载风起云涌，横琴口岸从荒滩上的铁皮房，蜕变为全球通关效率领先的超级枢纽；25度春去秋来，琴澳从“一桥相连”到“一体共荣”，写下“一国两制”的鲜活篇章。这朵珠江口的并蒂莲，正以绽放之姿，昭示着大湾区融合发展的无限可能。
文｜记者 李旭 通讯员 吴升文
翻译｜盛嘉
英文审校｜肖凯欣
来源：羊城派一点号
