Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Non-Fiction 2020 | Page 34

Non-Fiction – Group 4
The Greater Bay Area
Korean International School, Yau, Hiu Laam Janice – 15
Robust, breath-taking, beautiful, and culturally oriented are a few attributes that begin
to describe the Greater Bay Area region. The conceptualisation of the region that operates
independently from other countries’ political influence emulates the best qualities obtained
from Mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong. Covering a landmass that is more than
Switzerland, the region has a population of about forty million individuals. The region
dubbed the Greater Bay Area (GBA) provides the ultimate opportunity for people living
in the region to live a fulfilling life. GBA is characterised by beautiful sceneries, economic
prosperity, culture, freedom, cheap but entertaining lifestyle, exquisite cuisine, and great
weather. Individuals native or foreign visiting the region gets to experience peaceful
natives, enhanced economic and technological opportunities, diverse cultural history,
eco-tourism, local and neighbouring region cuisines, unique shopping experience. They
also access affordable housing, recreational and educational facilities, thrilling mountainous
adventures, and a spectacular gambling lifestyle.
Correspondence to best Attributes of Mainland China
People living in the GBA suggest it to be referred to as Cantonesia owing to the
commonality of the primary language (Cantonese) used in the region. The region envisions
bringing the best aspects of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. For instance, by
emulating best practices in farming and agricultural ideologies set up in Southern China,
the GBA will enhance its self-sustainability and supports its population that will be
approximately 40 million. It will also adopt the preservation of rare species and critical
cultural centers. The best attribute that emanates from Mainland China is the ability of the
country with only 10% arable land being capable of sustaining a population of more than
1 billion people. As such, it showcases the importance of agriculture to the economy of a
region. Similarly, small scale farming from individuals living in the mountainous region of
Southern China enables them to contribute to the production of varying crop and animal
products, enhancing food security.
Mainland China is growing at a rapid rate. It is evident by the growing GDP that is
ranked second in the world and the creation of new economic zones (Zhang 21). However,
they have remained grounded in conserving its cultural sites and culture in general. GBA
thus aims at staying rooted in its heritage and culture. Hence, the identification of cultural
sceneries that double up as attraction is identified and protected. Mainland China also
boasts of sanctuaries for rare species animals. Animals such as the panda which provide
an extraordinary spectacle, are protected and act as revenue generators and source of
attraction. Ultimately, GBA will take the best attributes from southern Mainland China
and implement it in its southern region, characterised by the most arable land, best weather
condition, and natural ecosystem. As proposed, the GBA southern region encompasses the
rural part characterised by mountains and ranges. It is suitable for agriculture and riparian
land which acts as a source of freshwater feeding the inland rivers within the region,
making it the more significant supplier of clean water used across the region. It also houses
the GBA’s most prolific cultural and religious sites.
217