The main structure of Hengqin Science City's first phase – a residential industry-university-research park -- is to be topped off around the end of the year but already in place is an underground floor connecting 30 towers and commercial streets. 

Reportedly the largest engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) project in China, Phase I covers 320,000 sq m (79 acres) of land in northwest Hengqin Island encased by West Huandao, North Qinhai, Houpu, and Fifth Shengzhou roads. The 470,000-sq-m (116-acre) basement is not the only amenity: canopies will give outdoor protection between buildings in all weather. 

Rendering of Hengqin Science City Phase I [Photo courtesy hengqin.gov.cn]

The cluster includes 12 mutual-property-rights houses and 14 apartment buildings that will provide 7,642 talent residences with floorage of 116 hectares (267 acres) for 10,000 inhabitants. Along with that are two kindergartens, a hotel, and commercial service facilities.

Construction commenced in August 2018. Today over 70 percent of the basements are finished whereas talent apartments and two kindergartens are 60 percent completed. Electrical engineering will be installed and construction of facades will commence soon, said Chen Jianjun of Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Science City Development & Management.

Phase II is dedicated to the bio-medical industry, data centers and auxiliary facilities as an innovative live-work-recreate community surrounded by green belts and parks. The phase consists of 11 towers with offices, research and incubation centers, laboratories, data centers, residential apartments, exhibition spaces, and retail and leisure facilities.

Hengqin Science City will help integrate the development of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. It will also attract Macao investment. It is to advance artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and life science. Innovation, science and technology, financial aid, and other support facilities are also planned.