The recent opening of the Shenzhong Link has significantly increased the number of travelers exploring both sides of the Pearl River Estuary, resulting in a surge in business for eateries on both ends. According to a report released Monday by e-commerce food delivery platform Meituan, the new transport link has notably enhanced food sales.

In the first week of the Shenzhong Link’s launch, searches related to the transport link on Meituan increased by 400% on the Shenzhen side, leading to a 20% rise in food delivery orders. Searches for “eateries near the Shenzhong Link” have become particularly popular, primarily among young individuals in their 20s and 30s. Meituan data indicate that Longhua District, as well as Shajing and Fuyong subdistricts in Bao’an District, topped the list for food delivery orders.

“Sales of several dishes, like barbecue and roasted goose, have doubled in the past week. Our dine-in services are also thriving due to the surge of visitors through the Shenzhong Link, surpassing our expectations,” a Shenzhen eatery manager told Meituan.

On the Zhongshan side, food demand is equally high. Over the weekend, 19-year-old Shenzhen resident Xu Fei visited Zhongshan with friends to sample the local cuisine. “With help from social media and online influencers, we’ve curated our own food map to explore Zhongshan delicacies,” Xu said. In one day, Xu enjoyed a variety of Zhongshan specialties, including Zhongshan pigeon, crisped grass carp, curry chicken wings, clay pot rice, and coconut pudding. She plans to return with her parents next weekend.

Guo Juyou, vice president of the Zhongshan Catering Industry Association and founder of Youshan Restaurant, noted a continuous rise in restaurant traffic following the Shenzhong Link’s opening. Private dining areas are consistently booked, and the public dining section has few vacant tables. “The litchi wood-roasted goose, a signature dish of our restaurant, has been a standout favorite among patrons. We prepared over 80 roasted geese and more than 400 pigeons on Saturday alone to ensure every guest could savor the distinctive flavors of Zhongshan,” Guo said.

Zhang Weixiong, chairman of Shiqi Laolao Zhongshan Restaurant, was also taken aback by the booming business post-link opening. “On Saturday afternoon, we received nearly 2,000 diners, and many patrons specifically made the visit for our renowned Shiqi pigeon. Sales of our pigeons have risen 20% to 30% daily recently,” he said.