The Dream Factory of China

Qianhai is refashioning itself into a high-end logistics hub with well developed port facilities and transport networks. There are more than 5,000 logistics companies based in Qianhai, while the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce has boosted the warehouse logistics in the area. Official data showed that the number of bonded goods imported by e-commerce traders to the Qianhai bonded port saw a year-on-year growth of 211 percent in the first half of this year, with the total value amounting to 873 million yuan (US$131.39 million).

Qianhai is rapidly growing into a high-end logistics hub with more than 5,000 logistics companies based in the area.

Logistics is one of the four pillar industries in Qianhai, according to He Zijun, vice director of the Qianhai Authority. Domestic and international logistics giants, including DHL and SF-Express, have located their head offices in the area.

“Qianhai is devoted to allocating Shenzhen-Hong Kong logistic resources as well as improving interconnected transportation systems so as to develop a complete supply chain,” He said during a forum focusing on modern logistics and supply-side reform held in Qianhai last month.

Several companies shared their experiences in regional collaboration during the forum. Hu Yabing, vice president of Hong Kong Li & Fung Group, said that it takes only three hours to transport imported goods from Hong Kong’s airport to warehouses in Qianhai and at most 48 hours to deliver them to other cities nationwide.

“We are developing an e-commerce center for the Asia-Pacific region in Qianhai,” Hu said. He saw huge development potential for China’s manufacturing sectors now that the country is laying more emphasis on e-commerce trade than exports.

The Prince Bay Cruise Home Port, the only cruise port in China capable of accommodating 220,000-ton cruise liners, will be put into service in Qianhai in November this year, with the first cruise to dock in the bay the same month.

As one of the top 10 constructions in Qianhai Shekou Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Prince Bay Cruise Home Port, which was constructed by China Merchants Group, will strengthen the development of high-end tourism and will improve the quality of the city’s infrastructure, said Tian Fu, director of the Qianhai Authority.

A cruise center that covers 136,000 square meters in the port area was designed by renowned French architect Denis Laming. It will provide customs and dining services, commercial offices, duty-free products and exhibitions.

Built with world-class standards, the cruise terminal will be shaped like waves to match the surrounding scenery. The design also implies the spirit of revolution and innovation.

According to the plans, a 220,000-tonnage berth, a 50,000-tonnage berth, 10,000-tonnage berth will be built respectively and 12 800-tonnage berths will also be added.

Yang Tianping, vice chairman of China Merchants Group, said Shenzhen has a natural advantage in the cruise industry because the city’s ports are usable all year round. According to a report by U.S. consulting firm McKinsey & Co., Shenzhen’s cruise industry will contribute up to 2 percent to the city’s economic growth in the future.