Photo: Nanfang Plus

The new Hengqin Line of Macao's Light Rapid Transit (LRT) officially began operations on the afternoon of December 2. The new line, which spans 2.2 kilometers, includes an underwater tunnel section and connects the Cotai of Macao with Hengqin Island.

The Hengqin Line has two stations: one at Lotus Station in Cotai, which links to Macao's existing LRT system, and another at Hengqin Station near the Hengqin Port. The journey between the two stations takes just two minutes, with trains running every six minutes throughout the day.

Photo: Nanfang Plus

This addition to the LRT network offers a direct interchange to the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity Railway, linking the region to broader Guangdong Province's high-speed rail network. Meanwhile, the Lotus Station connects to the rest of Macao's LRT system, providing access to key areas such as the Taipa Ferry Terminal and Macao International Airport.

As part of the new visa policy that has recently been introduced and is set to take effect from 2025, Zhuhai residents with household registration can apply for a "one trip per week" permit to Macao, while Hengqin residents can apply for a "multiple-entry" permit, allowing unlimited visits within a year, each capped at seven days.