Zhang Dejiang (3rd R, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), inspects the construction site of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in Macao Special Administrative Region, south China, May 9, 2017. Zhang inspected the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and visited a family support center and a museum to learn the locals' livelihood in the Macao SAR on Tuesday.(Xinhua/Li Xueren)

MACAO -- Top legislator Zhang Dejiang inspected the construction of a cross-sea bridge and visited a family support center and a museum to learn the locals' livelihood in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Tuesday.

While inspecting the construction site of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Zhang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, was briefed on the construction of the bridge and convenient customs clearance arrangements.

Zhang said the construction of the bridge is of great significance and has come into the limelight of the world.

The construction of the cross-sea bridge is highly difficult and filled with challenges, he said, adding that all those involved in the construction should beware of safety, arrange the schedule of the project properly and ensure the quality of the work.

Zhang hoped that the governments of Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong and the Macao SARs could further strengthen cooperation to ensure the construction project completed smoothly.

The 55-kilometer bridge links Hong Kong, Zhuhai in Guangdong Province, and Macao. Construction of the cross-sea bridge began in December 2009.

While visiting "Joy in Abundance" Family Support Center of the Women's General Association of Macao, Zhang observed a shadow-boxing performance and sang "Ode to the Motherland" together with residents of the center.

He encouraged the residents to help each other and build a happy family jointly.

He expressed wishes that all Macao residents could enjoy happiness and good health.

Zhang also visited Taipa Houses Museum, a complex of five old houses representing the Portuguese architectural style in Macao.

At the museum, Zhang watched a photo exhibition reflecting the life of the native-born Portuguese people in Macao and a furniture exhibition.

He asked about the work and life of the native-born Portuguese people in Macao nowadays and wish them a blissful life.

On Tuesday afternoon, Zhang also met with heads of the central government agencies and key Chinese-funded institutions in the Macao SAR.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), meets with heads of the central government agencies and key Chinese-funded institutions in Macao Special Administrative Region, south China, May 9, 2017. Zhang inspected the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and visited a family support center and a museum to learn the locals' livelihood in the Macao SAR on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Zhang Dejiang (2nd L, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), visits "Joy in Abundance" Family Support Center of the Women's General Association of Macao in Macao Special Administrative Region, south China, May 9, 2017. Zhang inspected the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and visited a family support center and a museum to learn the locals' livelihood in the Macao SAR on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), visits the Taipa Houses Museum in Macao Special Administrative Region, south China, May 9, 2017. Zhang inspected the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and visited a family support center and a museum to learn the locals' livelihood in the Macao SAR on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)