Business Travel

Nansha New Area: Guangzhou’s emerging business hub

Serving as Guangdong’s gateway to sea routes, Nansha is an important part of the Maritime Silk Road, China’s initiative to build closer economic relationships with other countries in the region. Words by CHRIS MAO

Nansha District is a special economic zone in the heart of the Pearl River Delta in southern China, home to a major port. It is located at the southernmost part of Guangzhou, in close proximity to both Hong Kong and Macau. Serving as Guangdong’s gateway to sea routes, Nansha has captured much of the region’s port traffic. Indeed, it has been billed as an important part of the Maritime Silk Road, China’s initiative to build closer economic relationships with other countries in the region.

Its expanding port has made Nansha a manufacturing hub for cars, ships and advanced equipment; Toyota is among the multinationals that have a strong presence. Construction of a large network of highways and railways is ongoing.

Nansha is also at the heart of moves to coordinate and link Hong Kong with the Chinese mainland to bolster the Pearl River Delta’s manufacturing efficiency and scale. The journey from Nansha to Hong Kong will take just half an hour with the completion of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail line, which is expected in 2018.

But the area has also been developing into a technology innovation centre and logistics hub. It is implementing a plan to use Internet of Things technology throughout the area for tasks like tracking parking spot availability.

Port of Nansha

Port in Nansha, Guangzhou
Credit: Stephen Shaver/UPI/LANDOV/IC

This is one of Asia’s largest container ports. It boasts one of China’s only two deepwater terminals, meaning it is able to handle some of the world’s biggest container ships. It is also a major docking point for cruise ships.

portofnansha.com

Nansha IT Park

Nansha Business hub, Guangzhou

This sprawling research centre focuses on developing technology and IT projects, while promoting training and education. The campus has a picturesque riverbank setting in the heart of the Pearl River Delta.

nsitp.com

Huangshanlu Forest Park

Huangshanlu Forest Park
Credit: Imaginechina

This park is the area’s largest green space, offering easy hikes, lakeside strolls and cherry trees blossoming in spring. A sweeping view of Nansha awaits at its highest peak.

Nansha Marina

Nansha Marina
Credit: CFP

Host of an annual boat show and various regattas, this marina is recognised for its world-class yachting facilities and features a castle-like clubhouse.

nanshamarina.com

Cathay Travell Book

ABOUT

Discovery online brings together all the inspirational travel writing from our two inflight magazines, Discovery and Silkroad. Be sure to look out for the print editions when you next fly with Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon.
Discovery Book Silkroad Book