China has many ongoing projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, but you’ve probably never heard of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This project links the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macau with nine mainland cities in the Canton region, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai. The GBA aims to create an integrated hub that combines the financial prowess of Hong Kong, the flourishing tourism and entertainment sector of Macau, and the tech innovation of Shenzhen. Together, these cities represent China’s attempt to rival other global hubs like the Bay Area.
One of the most interesting aspects of this development is its cultural and linguistic diversity, particularly in how it bridges Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking regions. Cantonese, a language deeply rooted in the history and identity of the Canton region, differs significantly from Mandarin, China’s official language.
Cantonese is a distinct language that is not mutually intelligible with Mandarin. It has a different writing system (Traditional Chinese vs. Simplified Chinese) and unique phrases and vocabulary that do not appear in Mandarin. Cantonese also has 6 or 9 tones (depending on the dialect), compared to the 4 tones used in Mandarin.
While Cantonese is mostly spoken in the southern Canton region of China, as well as in Hong Kong and Macau, Mandarin is the dominant language in northern China. However, the use of Cantonese has been declining in mainland China due to the promotion of Mandarin as the national language.
Cantonese remains the backbone of the Greater Bay Area, as all of these cities have historically been tied to Cantonese language and culture.
A key part of the GBA is the infrastructure linking these cities. For example, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the world’s longest sea crossing, drastically reduces travel time between key hubs. Additionally, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Park is a flagship development that fosters collaboration in research and innovation on the border of the SAR and the mainland. Furthermore, China has recently added Hong Kong and Macau to its extensive high-speed rail network, making travel within the Greater Bay Area more efficient.
In the future, the Greater Bay Area could become an even larger hub, connecting its diverse cultures with the world. The region, which already has a GDP (around $2 trillion) comparable to that of Canada and Italy, aims to grow even further. It could become a landmark region, creating a centre of innovation, finance, and entertainment—an important landmark of our changing world.
