Top 10 Chinese tech and engineering marvels that amaze the world

Drawing of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (Photo/Xinhua)

1. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

The assembly of the first curved section of the underwater tunnel for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge was successfully completed on Oct. 8, 2016. Hailed by The Guardian as "one of the seven modern wonders in the world," it is the world's longest bridge currently under construction.

Starting from Lantau Island in Hong Kong, the Y-shaped bridge will boast a total length of about 55 kilometers, including a 6.7-kilometer underwater tunnel and a 23-kilometer bridge over the sea. Artificial islands will be built at both ends of the tunnel to allow for the passage of large ships.

The bridge will serve as an important channel linking Hong Kong, Macau, Zhuhai and the western part of the Pearl River Delta, one of the most economically developed areas in the Chinese mainland.

Construction of the bridge started in 2009. Its total cost will come to some 10 billion RMB ($1.5 billion). It is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. Once in operation, the commute time between Hong Kong and Zhuhai or Macau will be reduced from three and a half hours to just 30 minutes.