Zhuhai, China: the Other Shenzhen

Think of China, the world’s workshop, and chances are you are reminded of Shenzhen, the miracle city across the border from Hong Kong.

But there is another city that has is crucial to the world’s supply chain.

Zhuhai is a pleasant city of 1.5 million people that is across the border from Macau.  Like Shenzhen, it is a special economic zone that the Chinese government established in the 1980s.

Several large multinationals, including ExxonMobil, BP, Seimens, and Carrefour have a presence in Zhuhai.  Despite its massive economic and population growth, Zhuhai is a pleasant city to spend a few hours to take a break from casino-mad Macau; life as an expat here would be a fine option, too.

Much of China’s food and agricultural exports run through Zhuhai, as these photos suggest.