The entry into operation of a new land port connecting Zhuhai City of south China's Guangdong Province with the neighboring Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Wednesday further linked Macao with the mainland's transportation network, enabling locals to enjoy more benefits from the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The Qingmao port, which was officially put into use at 15:00 on Wednesday, is the fifth land cross-border channel connecting Guangdong and Macao. The opening ceremony was held in the border control building in Macao.

"The entry into operation of the port will effectively relieve the pressure of customs clearance on Macao's Barrier Gate. The construction and opening of the Qingmao Port will enrich implementation of the 'one country, two systems' and play an important role in promoting innovation of systems and mechanisms for regional cooperation under 'one country, two systems'," said Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR.

The port applies a joint boundary clearance system and it takes a traveler about 30 seconds to go through all customs formalities.

Designed to handle a capacity of 200,000 travelers per day, the port maintains 50 self-service channels and two manual channels to serve travelers around the clock.

"Previously, we used to go through customs clearance at the Gongbei Port. Today, I've particularly come here to experience customs clearance at the new port. It's comfortable and convenient. And the equipment is quite advanced," said Hoi, a Macao resident.

"It's convenient to come here by car. I reached here after I got off the vehicle," said Chui, a Hong Kong resident.

"It's convenient for its one-stop clearance. It saves much time and avoids lining up. We can get through it quickly," said Peng, an inland resident.

The Greater Bay Area consists of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region, as well as nine cities in Guangdong Province -- Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing.

China plans to vigorously develop the Greater Bay Area into a world-class bay area and forge a top international city cluster, building an important driver for national economic growth.