More than 80 percent of Macao residents living in Hengqin are happy with what the area has to offer, according to a new survey that extrapolated its results from 500 respondents.
Jointly conducted by the Macau Women’s General Association and the Hengqin Institute of Innovation and Development – and cited in the Macau Daily Times – the survey found that the island’s “beautiful environment” was the main reason 89 percent enjoyed living in Hengqin.
“This underscores the significant role the living environment plays in … housing decisions” and reflects Hengqin’s appeal, an accompanying report noted.
Hengqin’s entrepreneurial and employment opportunities garnered positive views from more than 80 percent of respondents, while 70 percent said convenient vehicle policies that let them commute between Macao and Hengqin were a major factor influencing their decision to live there.
[See more: This is how to get to Hengqin from Macao]
The main reported challenge was accessing Macao government services – despite government efforts to improve accessibility, including through a self-service kiosk located within the Macao New Neighbourhood housing complex.
However, according to Hengqin’s 10 year development plan, the island aims to have 23 “10-minute living circles” that make public services and facilities reachable by a 10-minute walk across 90 percent of its residential land within the next decade.
As of April, there were more than 20,000 people from Macao living or working in Hengqin, and over 6,000 Macao-linked companies established there, according to officials figures cited by China Daily.
Administratively a district of Zhuhai, Hengqin is seen as vital for helping Macao grow beyond its constricted landmass. Located just across a narrow stretch of water from the SAR, Hengqin is becoming increasingly integrated with Macao through population relocation, infrastructure projects and policy initiatives.
