China has inaugurated the longest bridge over a sea in the world. The structure connects Hong Kong and Macau to Zhuhai. It is 55 km in length – much longer than the Rio-Niterói bridge in Rio de Janeiro which is 13,290 metres long and is the longest bridge in Brazil.

Designed to withstand earthquakes, typhoons, and winds of up to 340 km/h, the bridge can accommodate close to 9,200 vehicles per day according to local authorities. However, only those who have a special license will be allowed to cross it.

The reason for building the bridge was to decrease travel time between the two places and to make them more interconnected. This would contribute to developing technology and fostering new opportunities in tourism in the region, which, according to the government, would benefit the country’s economy.

Some people, however, have criticized the new enterprise. Many say that the bridge was too expensive and that it will not bring the country substantial income. Overall, 20 billion dollars were invested during the construction; that is close to 73.7 billion reais. Environmentalists also say the project has harmed marine animals, such as the Chinese white dolphin, which is threatened with extinction and has no longer been seen in the bridge’s vicinity.

Hong Kong trivia
In this region, residents follow a series of specific protocols and rules that are different from those in the rest of China. The reason for this is that Hong Kong was a British colony up to 1997, and to this day residents have retained some characteristics from the previous rule.
Currency
China = Renminbi
Hong Kong = Hong Kong dollar

Official language
China = Mandarin (even though there are many regional dialects)
Hong Kong = Cantonese and English

400,000 tonnes of steel were used to build the bridge – that is enough to build 60 Eiffel Towers exactly like the one in Paris, France.

QUESTIONS

1) Which of the options describes the purpose of the bridge?
a) Develop a region specialising in technology
b) Connect China to other countries in Asia
c) Encourage the use of cars
d) All of the above

 2) Are you for or against the bridge? Explain your answer.

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