The first group of over 200 tourists from Guangzhou, the capital of South China's Guangdong province, arrived at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on Oct 24 where they interchanged for shuttle buses to Hong Kong.

Guangzhou visitors pose for a group photo at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Zhuhai Port on Oct 24. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

The 55-kilometer bridge-island-tunnel complex, the first across the Pearl River Estuary linking its west and east banks, has become the premier sea-crossing in the world.

The bridge is the result of five years of feasibility research and another nine years of construction. The mega cross-boundary complex officially opens to traffic at 9 am on Wednesday.

Visitors take photos of the magnificent bridge on the shuttle bus. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily] 

It is expected to strengthen trade, financial collaboration, logistics and tourism among the three places.

It will bring residents in Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong within a "one-hour living circle", which is expected to attract more visitors to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

A senior citizen from Guangzhou holds a special banner that reads "Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Is Great". [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

The first group of over 200 visitors from Guangzhou embark on their voyage to Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on Oct 24. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]