The Pazhou Hong Kong Macao Passenger Transport Port Project has recently been completed, marking a significant milestone. As a key initiative under the Three Year Action Plan for the Construction of Guangzhou International Shipping Center (2018-2020), this project serves two strategic goals: to enhance connectivity within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to actively engage in the Belt and Road Initiative. It aims to establish a digital shipping silk road platform in Pazhou, fostering deep integration and development across the economy, culture, science, and technology sectors within the Greater Bay Area.
Situated at the junction of Yuejiang Middle Road and Huizhan East Road in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, the new gateway to the bay area borders the Pearl River, adjacent to the Canton Fair Exhibition Hall, and just 600 meters from Pazhou Bridge. The port features a 280-meter shoreline with five 500-ton berths. The docking area lies between 100 meters downstream of the Pazhou Exhibition Tower Terminal and 470 meters upstream of Pazhou Bridge. Supporting facilities, including a Joint Inspection Building, are located on the north side of Yuejiang Middle Road.
As Guangzhou’s first water transportation port complex integrating cross-border, intercity, and island functions, the passenger port introduces an innovative sea-sky intermodal route between Pazhou and Hong Kong International Airport. This allows travelers to enjoy a seamless journey from Guangzhou ticketing to Hong Kong boarding within just two hours. The project addresses the lack of cross-border water ports in Guangzhou’s central urban area and serves as a global gateway, enabling seamless three-dimensional transportation integration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and significantly boosting regional cohesion and influence.
The design concept embraces the natural flow of clouds and water along the Pearl River’s green belt. After necessary flood control adjustments, the main building is constructed over the existing tram tracks. Architects faced challenges such as maintaining the continuity of the riverside landscape, preserving pedestrian and river views, and integrating with tram operations. They responded by focusing on the city’s characteristics, transportation demands, and natural environment, applying principles of transparency, lightness, and harmony to create a modernist design that minimizes environmental impact.
Resembling a light boat gliding along the Pearl River, the passenger port features a distinctive wave-shaped facade that reflects the natural movement of flowing clouds. To maintain a visually light and inviting multi-story riverside structure, the design incorporates silver-gray aluminum panels—lightweight, corrosion-resistant, smooth, and textured—crafting an elegant, flowing facade curve. The roof gently slopes down at both ends, creating a middle-high, side-low profile that reduces the building’s perceived height. Viewed from the air, the structure undulates with the river waves, while up close it exudes a modern and dynamic presence.
The building’s light, transparent, and harmonious design extends beyond its form into the functional layout. The central area houses the main joint inspection zone, while offices and transport facilities are arranged to the north and south, following the curved ramp structure. Spacious halls at both ends replace previously cramped public spaces. Curved facades along the street and river serve as structural supports and incorporate vertical circulation elements like escalators and evacuation ramps. This integration allows visitors to enjoy river views from ramps and platforms without obstructing interior sightlines.
To accommodate tram traffic through the main building, the first floor is elevated, and the second floor is raised to 7.5 meters. This thoughtful design organizes various functional zones by placing primary passenger access and support facilities on the second and third floors. A corridor connects the temporary joint inspection building with the fixed platform at the dock, ensuring seamless integration between new structures, dock operations, public walkways, and tram routes leading into the city. This fusion supports cross-border and intercity transport, enhances regional efficiency, and enriches the multidimensional transport experience for residents.
The main building features extensive glass curtain walls that ensure clear visibility and flood the waiting hall with natural light, creating an open and bright indoor-outdoor visual experience. Positioned 38 meters from the Pearl River, passengers enjoy stunning riverside views and the city skyline while waiting. The facade design echoes the rhythm of the street and riverfront with staggered wave shapes that generate dynamic light and shadow effects, soften the building’s volume, harmonize with Pazhou’s architectural palette, and establish a landmark that invites both tourists and locals to engage with the urban environment.
Along the river side, a curved ramp leads to a public viewing platform that complements the building’s overall form and extends downward. This semi-outdoor space seamlessly continues the riverside green belt, guiding the eye toward a broader riverside corridor. The design fosters a harmonious relationship between the building, its environment, and the surroundings, creating an inviting spot for residents and visitors to experience the MRT, relax, and enjoy nature.
Project drawings
△ Design sketch
△ Model diagram
△ Model diagram
△ Model diagram
△ Location analysis chart
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Node Detail Diagram
△ Node Detail Diagram
△ Block generation diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: XAA Architecture Firm
Area: 10,055 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographers: Changhen Zhan, Tian Ren
Lead Architect: Xian Jianxiong
Design Team: Cheng Lu, Li Kaiting, Pan Zaiyang, Ding Shiqi, Lin Wei, Li Jiaying, Cao Yuxing
Construction Drawing Team: Liang Minquan, Huang Lan, Wang Jianzhou, Chen Minqiu, Xu Chaocai
Curtain Wall Team: Zhang Deqiang, Tang Jiehong, Tan Kun, Lin Qiubin
Landscape Team: Li Xuesi, Huang Juanmei, Gong Renhao, Guo Zijin
Owner: Guangzhou Pazhou Hong Kong Macau Passenger Transport Co., Ltd
Structural and MEP Engineering Design: Guangzhou Hanhua Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Location: Guangzhou, China
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