Spectacular cruise takes in bridge to Hong Kong

The first-ever night cruise tour of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was launched on April 14, treating more than 600 passengers to magnificent views of the world's longest sea bridge and surroundings.

A lavish display of fireworks and lights on the then yet-unfinished 55-km (34.2-mile) bridge was broadcast to audiences around the world on CCTV's Spring Festival Gala in January. But now, Jiuzhou Holdings Group has opened the night cruise to bring people up real close to Zhuhai's latest tourist attraction. Jiuzhou Holdings new cruise has the support of the Zhuhai Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau.

Night cruise ship

The 280-seat boat, which sails from Wanzai Tourist Terminal at 6:30 pm and 8:10 pm daily, takes about an hour and 40 minutes to navigate the Jiuzhou Navigation Channel.

Nighttime illumination consists of functional and decorative lighting that cycles between blue and red, giving the bridge the appearance of a luminescent dragon leaping into the sea. This represents dignity and goodness in Chinese culture. The romantic scene is punctuated by nearby islands and the cityscapes of Zhuhai and Macao.

Lights along the bridge sparkle and undulate like a pearl necklace, while three navigable span bridges and two engineered islands glow like jade.

The bridge is to be even more attractive during holidays when colored lights will be used rather than the standard white ones.

Tourists take snapshots

High-end catering services enhance the travel experience with pleasant food. Zhuhai's Shizimen Central Business District and Macao hotel complexes are also along the route. Facilities for conferences and exhibitions are expected to be added later, according to the operator.

Dolphin span [Photos by Zhu Xi / Zhuhai Daily]