The Siyi region—comprising Taishan, Kaiping, Enping, and Xinhui—has long been a cradle of resilience, innovation, and cultural richness. Known as the “侨乡” (ancestral hometown) for millions of overseas Chinese, this area has undergone profound economic transformations over the past two centuries. Today, as part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) , Siyi is not just a passive participant but a vital contributor to the region’s dynamic growth. Let’s explore how Siyi Greater Bay Area development fits into the broader narrative of economic transformation and regional integration.

What is the Greater Bay Area?

Before diving into Siyi’s role, it’s important to understand what the GBA is. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a national-level strategic region in China, encompassing nine cities in Guangdong Province—Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing—as well as the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao. Covering an area of approximately 56,000 square kilometers with a population exceeding 86 million, the GBA generated over 2 trillion USD in GDP in 2023.

The GBA is designed to be a global hub for innovation, trade, and sustainable living. Its five key strategic roles include becoming a world-class city cluster , an international innovation and technology center , a crucial node in the Belt and Road Initiative , a demonstration zone for deep cooperation between mainland China and Hong Kong/Macao, and a high-quality living environment.

For Siyi, the GBA represents an unprecedented opportunity to integrate into a larger economic ecosystem while leveraging its unique strengths.

From Agriculture to Advanced Manufacturing: The Economic Evolution

In the 19th century, Siyi was predominantly an agrarian society. Taishan served as a regional logistics hub due to its maritime advantages, while Enping and Kaiping relied on labor-intensive agriculture. The region’s geographic isolation fostered internal economic networks, with limited external trade facilitated by Taishan’s ports. However, the scarcity of arable land pushed many to seek opportunities abroad, laying the foundation for the “Qiaoxiang economy.”

The early 20th century marked a turning point as remittances from overseas Chinese (YinXing) became the backbone of Siyi’s economy. These funds fueled the construction of modern towns, such as the iconic “Qiaoxu” in Taishan, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles. The completion of the Xin Ning Railway in 1909 further accelerated economic integration, connecting Siyi to Guangzhou and facilitating the flow of goods and people.

By the 1920s and 1930s, large market towns emerged as regional economic nodes. Traditional handicrafts gave way to small-scale industries like textiles and food processing, setting the stage for industrialization.

Following China’s economic reforms in the 1980s, Siyi embraced globalization by integrating into the supply chains of Hong Kong and Macau. Manufacturing hubs sprang up across the region: Kaiping became a textile powerhouse, Xinhui focused on high-value agricultural products like citrus fruits and aged tangerine peel (chenpi), and Taishan developed electronics assembly and other labor-intensive industries.

Under the GBA initiative, Siyi has carved out specialized roles that complement the core cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Xinhui positions itself as the “Pearl River West Manufacturing Hub,” focusing on advanced industries like biomedicine and shipbuilding. Taishan, home to the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant, plays a critical role in clean energy production. Kaiping serves as a base for hardware machinery and electronics manufacturing, while Enping leads in smart manufacturing and electro-acoustic equipment.

This specialization ensures that Siyi contributes meaningfully to the GBA’s industrial ecosystem while leveraging its unique strengths.

Infrastructure: Bridging Siyi to the GBA Core

One of the most significant aspects of Siyi Greater Bay Area development is the transformative impact of infrastructure projects. These initiatives have not only reduced travel times but also integrated Siyi into the GBA’s economic fabric.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge , a 55-kilometer marvel, has brought Siyi within a three-hour drive of Hong Kong, enhancing logistics and tourism. Similarly, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link connects Zhongshan directly to Shenzhen, benefiting Siyi via interconnected highways. The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail links Jiangmen Station to Guangzhou South and Hong Kong West Kowloon, facilitating business travel and talent exchange.

These projects have revolutionized logistics in Siyi. For instance, the Zhuhai Greater Bay Logistics Park near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge now serves as a key distribution hub for western Pearl River Delta regions. Solar panels dot rooftops, powering homes and small businesses sustainably. 

Green Growth: Sustainability in the GBA Context

As part of the GBA’s “Blue Sky Defense Campaign,” Siyi has made strides in environmental sustainability.

Taishan’s nuclear power plant exemplifies Siyi’s commitment to green energy. Using third-generation EPR technology, it has reduced carbon emissions equivalent to planting 190,000 hectares of forest. Its success has inspired plans for hydrogen production and district heating, further diversifying its applications.

Beyond large-scale projects, grassroots movements are making a difference too. Villages like Zili and Fuyue have embraced eco-tourism, turning once-neglected farmlands into scenic attractions. Solar panels dot rooftops, powering homes and small businesses sustainably. It’s heartening to see how environmental stewardship aligns with economic prosperity.

Siyi’s Role in the GBA’s Innovation Ecosystem

While Shenzhen and Guangzhou dominate the GBA’s tech scene, Siyi plays a complementary role by focusing on applied research and manufacturing.

Enping’s industrial park, expanded to 31,000 mu (approximately 20.7 square kilometers), hosts 53 high-tech enterprises. Collaborations with universities have led to breakthroughs in fields like electro-acoustic equipment and new materials. Programs like “order-based training” ensure graduates are job-ready upon graduation.

Siyi’s Place in the Greater Bay Area

The story of Siyi’s role in the Greater Bay Area development is one of adaptation and integration. From its humble beginnings as an agrarian outpost to its current status as a specialized contributor to the GBA, Siyi has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Its ability to balance tradition with modernity—preserving cultural landmarks like Kaiping’s Diaolou while embracing cutting-edge technologies—sets it apart.

As the GBA continues to evolve, Siyi’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and specialized industries will ensure its relevance. Whether through clean energy innovations, advanced manufacturing, or sustainable agriculture, Siyi remains an indispensable piece of the GBA puzzle. For those with roots in this storied land, there is much pride to take in its achievements—and much promise for the future.