This incredible piece of infrastructure is also the world's longest sea crossing.

Aerial View Of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

This incredible bridge is also the world's longest sea crossing (Image: Getty)

Stretching some 19 miles across a massive waterway lies an incredible feat of modern engineering - the world's longest sea crossing bridge, which, including its access roads, spans 34 miles. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) is the first cross-boundary land link connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao. 

The HZMB features three cable-stayed bridges, an undersea tunnel, artificial islands and unique design elements that enable it to withstand typhoons. It slashed travel times between the two Special Administrative Regions and the Chinese mainland to just 30 minutes in an area home to around 68 million people. Construction began in December 2009 and was completed in February 2018, at a cost of approximately $20 billion (£15.3 billion).

huge bridge with beautiful sunset Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

The HZMB was built using 400,000 tonnes of steel, enough to build 60 Eiffel Towers (Image: Getty)

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The HZMB was designed to last for 120 years and was funded by bank loans and shared among the governments of mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons, it was built using 400,000 tonnes of steel, enough to build 60 Eiffel Towers.

About 19 miles of its total length crosses the sea of the Pearl River Delta. To allow ships to pass through, just over four miles of the structure passes into an undersea tunnel that runs between two artificial islands. The remaining sections are link roads, viaducts and land tunnels.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Artificial island

To allow ships to pass through, just over four miles of the structure passes into an undersea tunnel that runs between two artificial islands (Image: Getty)

The HZMB was officially opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2018, after a two-year delay.

It is part of China's plan to create a Greater Bay Area, including Hong Kong, Macau and nine other cities in southern China.

While many infrastructure fanatics may want to experience this bridge for themselves, they may be left disappointed. Those who wish to cross the bridge must obtain special permits, allocated through a quota system.

All vehicles must also pay a toll. The bridge is not served by public transport, so private shuttle buses will cover the route. There is no rail link.