Jiuzhou Port centered as splendid coastal gateway

Jiuzhou Port area is positioned to become a water transport gateway hub for Zhuhai's central urban area, coastal business and leisure landscape zone, and high-end residential community, according to a revised plan released by the Housing & Urban-Rural Planning & Construction Bureau on July 18.

Jiuzhou Port Station is also to be the station of departure for Metro Line 1, which is under preparation.

Located in the Jiuzhou Port portal, the area covers 274.48 hectares and neighbors Jida Central Area in the north. It extends farther to Shihua Mt in the west, Lovers Avenue in the south, and Hengshan Island in the east.

The area is to comprise two centers -- business and leisure, and tourist resort -- and three strips: East Shihua Road primary dynamic development, Lovers Avenue secondary dynamic development, and coastal landscape strips. Moreover, five zones -- the coastal business and leisure landscape area plus Haiyu, Haiwan, Shihua, and Hengshan Island residential areas -- will take shape. The area will have a population of 61,400.

Outline of Jiuzhou Port Area [File Photo]

The planning report proposes three concepts -- preservation of the integrity of mountains, proximity to the sea, and characteristics highlighted -- to recreate the spatial structure and features of the city.

"Preservation of the integrity of mountains" means the structural integrity, natural vegetation, and a visual corridor of mountains preserved to realize a harmonious coexistence between mountains and urban development.

"Proximity to the sea" refers to redevelopment of coastal areas to improve sea landscape and ensure pedestrian proximity to the sea and facilities leading to the water through preservation of the visual corridor between the city and the sea. Coastal development will be highlighted and shoreline vitality will be stimulated.

"Characteristics highlighted" means efforts will be made to mainly focus on coastal leisure business to promote Zhuhai as a special economic zone, port, and fashionable leisure city.

The high-profile Metro Line 1 will pass through Jiuzhou Avenue and South Lovers Avenue before arriving at the area, where Jiuzhou Port Station will be built with business facilities atop.