Xiangzhou district in Zhuhai is accelerating its shift from a transit hub to an overnight and multi-day tourism destination through the integrated development of culture, commerce, and tourism.

Xiangzhou is the birthplace of Xiangshan culture, home to influential figures such as Rong Guotuan, the first world champion of New China, with well-preserved historical sites and traditions that provide a strong cultural foundation for tourism development.

Geographically, it is the only mainland district directly connected to Hong Kong and Macao by road bridges. Preferential policies have strengthened its role as a gateway into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In 2024, Xiangzhou received 25.73 million visitors, generating 29.6 billion yuan ($4.3 billion) in tourism revenue, with Hong Kong and Macao visitors accounting for 12 percent of the total.

The Zhuhai port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]

The rapid growth of the accommodation sector has been key to extending the length of visitor stays. Xiangzhou now hosts 447 hotels, including major international brands, with holiday occupancy rates frequently exceeding 90 percent. New high-end hotels are further supporting the transition from short visits to longer stays.

The interior of MGM Reserve, a luxury hotel in Xiangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]

Flagship projects such as the City Balcony, Jingshan Cableway, and indoor ski park have expanded recreational offerings, while large-scale commercial districts and a thriving night-time economy continue to boost consumption. Looking ahead, Xiangzhou will advance multiple investment-backed projects and resort developments to convert passenger flow into sustained economic value, positioning itself as a major coastal leisure destination in the Greater Bay Area.