The Zhanjiang section of the Guangdong Coastal Highway, the longest of its kind in the world, is projected to open by 2022, according to a construction plan compiled by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Transport.

The highway, which entails an initial investment of more than 130 billion yuan ($19.6 billion), will stretch 157 kilometers to run through 14 coastal cities and 90 scenic spots in Guangdong province.

By synchronizing transportation with tourism, the highway will be comparable both in length and influence to the California State Route 1, a 1,055-km state highway that runs along most of the Californian coastline and one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

The highway will be the spearhead of nation's all-in-one tourism, with the expectation to leverage a coastal tourist market that is valued at 550 billion yuan, while contributing more than 800 billion yuan to the region's gross domestic product value.

The Zhanjiang section is 467 kilometers long, accounting for one fourth of the total highway. Its Xuwen segment  will skirt around various scenic spots that feature coral, beaches, volcanic landforms and pineapple fields, with support facilities already in place. Preparatory work on the Suixi segment is also on track.