Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

A UNIQUE road trip kicked off in Pingshan District on the morning of July 9, aiming to showcase the future of sustainable living. Titled “Greenwise Xplore Road Trip,” the event saw eight international vloggers board six technologically advanced new energy vehicles (NEVs) from BYD, holding Timekettle’s simultaneous translation devices, to explore the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) green initiatives.

This road trip was designed as an intercity green tech showcase. The vibrant cities of Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Guangzhou served as the stops. The eight vloggers, hailing from the U.K., Brazil, India, Russia, Egypt, Montenegro, Thailand, and Italy, were invited as ambassadors and storytellers. The BYD Denza N9 and Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8, equipped with the Lingyuan vehicle-mounted drone system, became their vehicles for discovery.

Three cities, one green pulse

The journey began at BYD’s global headquarters in Pingshan, a hub of technological innovation. The road trip was designed to provide a firsthand experience of how BYD’s latest technological advancements function in real-world applications.

Departing Pingshan, the convoy did not head directly to Zhuhai but instead took a distinctive route to the Nanshan Energy Ecological Park, where the process of waste-to-energy was highlighted. Observing the waste treatment processes through the windows, the vloggers witnessed how each step embodies the environmental ethos of “for the environment, for the future.”

By evening that day, the convoy had reached the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. This world-class, cross-sea infrastructure project not only connects Shenzhen and Zhongshan but also symbolizes the accelerating integration of transportation and green development within the GBA. The scenic view of the azure sea waters and the imposing cross-sea bridge created a captivating moment.

On July 10, the vloggers visited Guishan Island in Zhuhai, gaining close-up insight into the offshore wind power project. Amidst the howling sea breeze, the massive turbine blades slowly rotated, converting wind energy into electricity, each one seemingly telling a story of green power.

Leaving Zhuhai, the convoy continued northward, ultimately arriving in Guangzhou. This ancient commercial capital is embracing green transformation with renewed vigor.

On July 11, the vloggers visited the Lieqiao Substation in Guangzhou’s Tianhe District. The 110 kV substation, designed like a “Power Box,” functions as the city’s “green heart” — a vital power facility that also serves as a public art space.

Six NEVs and tech empowerment

Throughout the drive, the vloggers expressed amazement. The intelligent driving assistance system in the Denza N9 offered a sense of the convenience and safety brought by technology. Meanwhile, the advanced Lingyuan system integrated into the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 showcased the powerful, intelligent, off-road functions of NEVs, dynamic drone deployment, and numerous other smart features.

The allure of Shenzhen’s “Intelligent Manufacturing” was evident throughout the journey. The vloggers used Honor Magic V5 smartphones to capture highlights, effortlessly documenting moments like the Bao 8’s dynamic maneuvers and stunning views along the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. Additionally, the Timekettle translation devices helped bridge language gaps, facilitating smoother interactions with local staff.

Three cities in the GBA, each with its distinct character, are collectively painting a vivid picture of the region’s robust green development. The examples range from an innovation hub in Pingshan and resource recycling in Nanshan to the breathtaking Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, offshore wind power in Zhuhai, and the pulsing energy grid in Guangzhou.

Guided by the Information Office of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, the event was co-organized by EyeShenzhen of the Shenzhen News Group in collaboration with the Publicity Department of the CPC Pingshan District Committee and BYD Co. Ltd.

The road trip has received support from Shenzhen Energy Corporation, the China Southern Power Grid News Center, the Guangzhou Power Supply Bureau, the Zhuhai Wanshan Marine Development Experimental Zone Science and Technology Innovation and Commerce Bureau, Southern Offshore Wind Power Development Co. Ltd., Honor Device Co. Ltd., and Shenzhen Timekettle Technology Co. Ltd.