The temporary Wanzai Checkpoint will reopen in time for the Jan 25 Chinese Spring Festival travel rush to bring convenience to travelers, according to building contractor Zhuhai Huafa Group.

The interim building came under construction on Sept 26 at the site of the former Wanzai Ferry Terminal across from Wanzai Seafood Street on South Nanwan Road adjacent to the Wanzai Tourist Terminal. It will serve tourists via the ferry crossing while construction of a permanent Wanzai Checkpoint facility continues.

Interior of temporary Wanzai Checkpoint [Photo courtesy WeChat account: hfurban]

Wanzai Checkpoint was founded in 1984 as one of the two earliest open ports listed by the State Council in Zhuhai. It was temporarily closed, however, on Jan 17, 2016 due to reasons including building safety and nearby road construction.

Nonetheless, Macao called for reopening the ferry route between Wanzai Port and Macao's Inner Harbor Terminal (Yuet Tung Pier) to relieve pressure on other border checkpoints and divert the flow of visitors. The Macao terminal is near Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 on Rua das Lorchas and the popular Praca de Ponte e Horta residential square. It takes only about 10 minutes to cross the Wanzai Checkpoint to Macao's Inner Harbor and another 10 minutes to walk to the city center.

Currently, infrastructure on land as well as the interior of the interim building have been completed.