The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is a super large cross-sea channel connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau, officially opened on October 23, 2018. This 55-kilometer cross-sea bridge is not only the world's longest cross-sea bridge but also a vital transportation lifeline for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Macau terminus is located at the northeastern corner of Cotai, transforming this reclaimed area into one of Macau's most important gateways. For travelers, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge provides a more convenient route than traditional sea or land transportation, allowing direct travel from Hong Kong Airport or the city center to Macau's Cotai in just about an hour, significantly reducing cross-border travel time.
The construction difficulty of this bridge is world-class,采用了「橋、島、隧道」的複合式設計，其中有一段長達6.7公里的海底隧道讓大型船舶能夠通行。澳門口岸採取了「合作查驗，一次放行」的創新通關模式，旅客只需排一次隊即可完成出境與入境手續，這種便利的通關體驗在當時堪稱創舉。對於自駕旅客需要注意，僅持有港澳車牌的車輛才能直接駛入，普通旅客則需乘坐跨境巴士或穿梭巴士。
Recommended Spots
1. Macau Port Artificial Island
The Macau Port itself is a transportation hub worth exploring. This artificial island covering approximately 71 hectares serves as the starting point of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge on the Macau side, equipped with complete immigration facilities, bus stops, and taxi stands. The island's design combines practicality and aesthetics, where travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of Macau's skyline, especially during evening hours when the Golden Light Avenue's neon lights reflect off the sea. The port has basic waiting areas and light dining restaurants for travelers to refuel before or after immigration.
2. The Venetian Macao
Just 10 minutes by bus or taxi from the Macau Port, The Venetian is one of the most iconic integrated resorts in Cotai. The hotel features approximately 3,000 suites and houses the famous Grand Canal Shopping Mall with its fake sky and canals, where travelers can experience an Italian water town style on a gondola. The shopping mall hosts over 350 stores, ranging from international luxury brands to local souvenirs. For travelers arriving in Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and wanting to start their shopping or entertainment itinerary directly, The Venetian is an excellent first stop.
3. The Parisian Macao
Adjacent to The Venetian, The Parisian resort draws inspiration from the Paris Eiffel Tower, replicating this Paris landmark at a 50% smaller scale. The tower features an observation deck where travelers can purchase tickets to enjoy panoramic views of Cotai, accompanied by dazzling light shows at night. The interior of The Parisian blends French elegance with modern luxury, and the shopping mall is named after Parisian streets, making visitors feel like they're strolling down the Champs-Élysées. The dining options here are diverse, ranging from French cuisine to Asian gastronomy, catering to travelers with different budgets.
4. Cotai Strip
This bustling avenue connecting the major resorts in Cotai stretches approximately 2 kilometers, bringing together The Venetian, The Parisian, The Londoner, and Studio City, among other large integrated resorts. For travelers exploring on foot, this is the best route to experience Cotai's vibrancy. The avenue has sidewalks and pedestrian overpasses, where visitors can appreciate the unique architectural themes of each resort. During an evening stroll, you can witness the Paris Eiffel Tower, London Big Ben, and other themed landmarks lighting up one after another, creating Macau's distinctive night scenery.
5. Studio City Macau
Located at the northern end of Cotai, Studio City Macau is famous for its unique "8"-shaped ferris wheel "The Star of Macau," the only ferris wheel in the world shaped like the number "8," standing 130 meters high. The resort features film-themed attractions and the indoor water park "House of Dancing Water," the latter being a must-see signature performance for visitors to Macau. The journey from the Macau Port to Studio City takes approximately 15 minutes, making it perfect for the end of your itinerary to enjoy some final entertainment.
Practical Information
Transportation: From Hong Kong city center, you can take a cross-border bus from Prince Edward or Kowloon Tong, with a journey of approximately 90 minutes to reach the Macau Port; alternatively, you can take the Airport Express from Hong Kong Airport to the Hong Kong Port, then transfer to a shuttle bus to cross the bridge. Travelers from Zhuhai can take an inter-city bus from the Zhuhai Port directly to the Macau Port. In Macau, various bus routes operate between Cotai and the Macau Peninsula, including MT4 and 51A.
Cost Reference: Cross-border bus one-way fare is approximately HK$150-170 (MOP$155-175), with discounts usually available for round-trip tickets. Taxi fare from the Macau Port to various Cotai resorts is approximately MOP$30-50. Macau local bus fare is MOP$6 for adults, and travelers can use Macau Pass or pay with cash.
Operating Hours: The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge itself is open 24 hours, but immigration services are available from 6:00 AM to midnight daily. Most Cotai resort shopping malls typically operate from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with some restaurants and entertainment facilities closing later.
Travel Tips
Before going through immigration at the Macau Port, it is recommended to install the "Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Cross-Border Bus" ticketing app on your phone in advance. Especially on weekends and holidays, bus departures are limited, and advance booking ensures you have a seat. When going through immigration, remember to bring your valid Hong Kong-Macau Travel Permit or passport, as well as any required visas.
If you plan to drive through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, you must apply for the "Hong Kong-Macau Motor Vehicle Entry and Driving License" in advance. Regular travelers cannot drive across the bridge on their own - do not attempt to hitch a ride or drive without proper licensing.
Free shuttle buses operate between the major resorts in Cotai, facilitating travel between attractions. These buses typically run every 15-20 minutes, and detailed stops can be found on each resort's official website.
Finally, a reminder for travelers: Macau's gambling industry has an annual output worth hundreds of billions of Macau patacas, but please remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy entertainment in moderation. Beyond its gambling facilities, Cotai actually offers rich dining, shopping, and performance options, suitable for all types of travelers.
