Nansha emerges as GBA yacht hub to power blue economy growth

Nestled at the geographic heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Guangzhou's Nansha district acts as the region's "blue compass", drawing on its coastal advantages and the new yacht free travel policy to drive high-quality marine economic development.

As Guangzhou's only coastal district, Nansha boasts 337.78 square kilometers of sea area, 88.26 percent of the city's total, with a 195.13-km coastline. Its strategic position, deep-water shorelines and dense waterways form a key hub linking the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, granting direct access to the global yacht market.

Sailing vessels ply Nansha's waters. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

Nansha Yacht Club anchors the district's top-tier maritime infrastructure. As the Chinese mainland's first marina to obtain the top-tier TYHA Platinum Five Gold Anchors accreditation, it operates 142 berths alongside a full-service maintenance center and ranks as southern China's premier international yacht club.The 2024 launch of Nansha International Cruise Home Port further expanded its marine economy.

To boost shore-side business, Nansha has rolled out five themed tourism routes starting from yacht docks, covering smart manufacturing, intangible cultural heritage, local food, water sports and coastal scenery for a seamless "dock-and-explore" experience.

Moving up the industrial chain, Nansha is building a full ecosystem of R&D, manufacturing, maintenance and operations. A shipbuilding base led by Guangzhou Shipyard International will produce high-end yachts, with annual output topping $738.85 million at full capacity, upgrading Nansha from a clearance port to a comprehensive maritime industrial hub.