Zhuhai

Zhuhai
Chinyen Lu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Zhuhai
Native name	珠海市
Settlement type	Prefecture-level city
Coordinates	22, 16, N, 113...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	China
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Guangdong
Established title	City status
Established date	1979
Government type	Prefecture-level city
Leader title	Chinese Communist Party Committee Secretary
Leader name	Lü Yuyin
Leader title1	Mayor
Leader name1	Huang Zhihao
Area total km2	1736.46
Population total	2,439,585
Population as of	2020 census
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	China Standard Time
Utc offset	+8
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	519000
Area code	756
Iso code	CN-GD-04
Website	http://www.zhuhai.gov.cn/

Zhuhai. It is a major prefecture-level city in southern Guangdong province, situated on the western bank of the Pearl River Delta and bordering Macau to the south. Established as one of China's original Special Economic Zones in 1980, the city is renowned for its coastal scenery, high quality of life, and role as a key technological and logistics hub. Zhuhai administers numerous islands within the South China Sea, including parts of the larger Wanshan Archipelago.

History

The area's history is deeply intertwined with maritime trade and Lingnan culture, with significant development during the Qing dynasty. Following the First Opium War and the Convention of Peking, the region witnessed increased foreign interaction. In 1979, it was designated a city, and the following year, Deng Xiaoping's policies led to its establishment as a Special Economic Zone, alongside Shenzhen and Shantou. Key historical sites include the New Yuanming Palace and the former residence of Tang Shaoyi, the first Premier of the Republic of China. The city's modern expansion was catalyzed by major projects like the construction of the Zhuhai International Circuit and the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.

Geography

Zhuhai is located on the southern coast of China, facing the South China Sea and situated at the mouth of the Pearl River. Its territory comprises a mainland portion and 146 islands, the largest being Hengqin Island, which is connected to Macau. The topography features low hills and coastal plains, with major landmarks including Mount Fenghuang and the Modaomen Waterway. The city's coastline is part of the larger Pearl River Delta metropolitan region, adjacent to Zhongshan and Jiangmen. Its climate is a humid subtropical type, influenced by the East Asian monsoon.

Economy

As a pioneering Special Economic Zone, Zhuhai's economy is driven by advanced manufacturing, high-tech industries, and tourism. It is a major base for China's aerospace sector, hosting the headquarters of AVIC and the Zhuhai Airshow. Key industrial zones include the Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone and the Hengqin New Area, which fosters cooperation with Macau and Portuguese-speaking countries. Major corporations such as Gree Electric, Jinwan Software Park, and Zhuhai Port Group are headquartered here. The city's economy is further bolstered by finance, conventions, and its status as a gateway via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.

Demographics

According to the 2020 national census, Zhuhai has a permanent population of over 2.4 million. The population is predominantly Han Chinese, with Cantonese people forming the largest local subgroup. The city has attracted a significant number of migrants from other parts of China, particularly following its designation as a Special Economic Zone. There are also communities of returned Overseas Chinese and foreign expatriates, partly due to its proximity to Macau and Hong Kong. The official language is Standard Chinese, while Cantonese is widely spoken in daily life.

Culture

Zhuhai's culture is a blend of Lingnan traditions and modern, international influences. The city hosts major international events like the Zhuhai Airshow and the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition. Local performing arts include Cantonese opera, and the Zhuhai Grand Theater is a prominent cultural venue. Culinary specialties highlight fresh seafood, with dishes like Wanshan seafood being famous. The city is also known for its numerous parks and sculptures, earning it the nickname "City of a Hundred Islands". Historical influences from Macau and Hong Kong are evident in its architecture and festivals.

Government and politics

Zhuhai is a prefecture-level city under the administration of Guangdong province. The city's governance is led by the Chinese Communist Party Zhuhai Municipal Committee, with the current Party Committee Secretary being Lü Yuyin. The mayor, Huang Zhihao, heads the Zhuhai Municipal People's Government. As a Special Economic Zone, it operates under specific economic legislation and policies. The city's local congress is the Zhuhai Municipal People's Congress, and its political advisory body is the Zhuhai Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Infrastructure

Zhuhai boasts modern infrastructure centered on transportation and urban development. Its key transport hub is the Zhuhai Jinwan Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. The city is a critical node in the Guangzhou–Zhuhai intercity railway and the high-speed railway network. The monumental Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge connects it directly to Hong Kong and Macau. Urban transit is served by the Zhuhai Transit bus system and the developing Zhuhai tram. Major ports include Jiuzhou Port and Gaolan Port, part of the larger Zhuhai Port system. The Zhuhai Power Plant is a key energy facility for the region.

Category:Zhuhai Category:Cities in Guangdong Category:Special Economic Zones of China Category:Port cities in China