A BRIDGE spanning the mouth of China's Pearl River Delta has been a dream for over a decade. It would provide a physical link but more importantly, a symbolic link connecting the futures of the most prosperous cities in southern China. The Pearl River Delta region accounts for nearly 40% of China's gross domestic product, which is why continuing this growth is important for the region as well as Beijing.

The Pearl River Delta region is made up of the former British and Portugeuse colonies of Hong Kong and Macao, and the many developing cities of Guangdong province.

But the urgency is even greater now that Hong Kong's economy remains in doldrums for the fifth year, and cities such as Shanghai increasingly challenge the region's dominance in attracting businesses. Governments, corporations and influential tycoons all have their own views about the bridge. How will Gordon Wu's vision for a bridge affect Stanley Ho's gambling business, Li Ka-shing's container ports empire, Hong Kong Disneyland's success, or Steve Wynn's new Macao casino ventures? How will it change the balance of the region's highly competitive shipping and logistics industries?

Pearl River Crossings explores the many factors surrounding the bridge proposal in one concise package. See the Dossier for a quick overview of the region, different bridge proposals, and the key persons involved. See different Viewpoints from the various players, and how different Regions will be affected by this link. See also how the project faces major questions about Finances and Environmental impact. Finally, the Road Ahead explores the next steps in realizing the dream.