China’s Ministry of Transport recently released the national service quality ratings for expressway service areas. Haiyan’s North Shore Service Area (North Shore Service Area of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge) was rated as a national firsttier facility, setting an important benchmark that enhances Haiyan’s image and supports transportation across the Yangtze River Delta.

Located in Donggang Village, Haiyan County, this service area is a key transport hub on the northern section of the G15 Expressway in northern Zhejiang. As the northern starting point of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge, which runs from Haiyan to Ningbo, it is known as Haiyan’s “first gateway.” From here, drivers can reach Ningbo in less than 1.5 hours, making it a vital link between the northern and southern shores of Hangzhou Bay.

As a comprehensive service area, it offers a range of commercial and service facilities to meet the needs of drivers and passengers. Inside, a bustling food street brings together local specialties such as zongzi, braised duck, and baked sesame flatbread, alongside national favorites like stir-fried dishes and hamburgers. Now it is a one-stop “food paradise”, with 19 shops, plus a soon-to-open local specialty food store and a dumpling chain outlet.

The newly opened FamilyMart store saw heavy traffic during the Qingming Festival holiday this year, with average daily customers reaching 3,000. Even on regular days, it draws 500 to 600 visitors per day. The store features an “intra-city same price” shelf, offering nearly 30 types of goods such as instant noodles and bottled water at prices equal to or even lower than those in urban stores. The service area also provides comprehensive facilities to meet travel needs, including nursing rooms, shower rooms, public lounges, and EV charging stations, as well as public welfare amenities like firstaid kits, courtesy umbrellas, and accessible wheelchairs. The “Drivers’ Home” for truck drivers offers free beds, 24hour hot water, and health monitoring devices. Digital facilities such as smart restrooms, parking guidance, and identification devices for hazardous chemical vehicles further improve service efficiency and safety management.