Blueprint plots Hengqin starring as leisure attraction

The Construction Plan of Hengqin International Recreation Island was released on April 18 calling for a first-tier leisure base that demonstrates All-for-One Tourism along with moderate economic diversification in Macao.

The National Development & Reform Commission says this will be achieved over time. The first step is to develop leisure and tourism into Hengqin New Area pillar industries by 2020. They will by then supplement Macao's mission of being a world tourism and leisure center.

The plan is segmented into: Development Foundation, Overall Requirements, Overall Layout, Key Tasks, and Supportive Measures. In addition, it specifies principles and work required to create China's third international recreation island after Hainan and Fujian's Pingtan.

Hengqin New Area

Hengqin is separated from Taipa and Coloane islands of Macao by the Shizimen Waterway, and is connected to Cotai via the Lotus Bridge. The 106.46- q-km (41 sq-mile) region is expected to feature an All-for-One layout with the Tianmu River Tourism & Leisure Belt, Ecological & Leisure Green Corridor, and Southern Dynamic Entertainment Tourism Industrial Cluster.

China's All-for-One Tourism strategy is meant to strengthen the development of coastal towns, resorts, winter leisure tourism, ocean hot springs, and others. Guangdong's focus is on the Greater Bay Area becoming the most attractive coastal tourism belt in the province.

Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort [Photos courtesy Zhuhai Daily]