New Huanggang Port Records 130,000 Travelers in First Weekend; Shenzhen Bay Faces Heavy Crowds
SingTao · 7 SOURCESabout 23 hours ago4 MIN
Summary
The new Huanggang Port processed over 130,000 travelers during its inaugural weekend on Saturday (October 17), the first weekend after its Monday opening and the first day of the three-day Chung Yeung Festival holiday. Immigration data shows 1.35 million cross-border trips across all control points on Saturday, with Hong Kong residents accounting for 672,000 departing passengers. The new port's 60 smart fast-track channels and streamlined one-stop immigration clearance received widespread praise from users, though some travelers noted the interior space is excessively large with unclear signage. Meanwhile, the Shenzhen Bay Port faced severe congestion with social media posts documenting long queues and crowd-control barricades, though actual border clearance reportedly took only 15-20 minutes. Nearby businesses around the new port expressed disappointment, with most travelers bypassing the surrounding area entirely to reach MTR stations directly.
Key Points
- New Huanggang Port recorded over 130,000 crossings on Saturday, a 1.7-fold increase from the old Lok Ma Chau Control Point's final operating Saturday (October 10) which had approximately 48,000 person-trips .
- Of Saturday's new port traffic, nearly 62,000 were Hong Kong residents departing through the new facility, demonstrating strong adoption of the upgraded crossing .
- Across all Hong Kong control points on Saturday, over 1.35 million cross-border trips were recorded, with local residents comprising over 670,000 departing passengers and mainland visitors accounting for over 130,000 arrivals .
- The new port features 60 smart fast-track channels and approximately 20 manual counters; reporters testing the automated system completed immigration in about two minutes including registration .
- Shenzhen Bay Port experienced heavy crowds with social media users posting videos of queue barriers and long lines at feeder bus stops, though mainland authorities implemented crowd-control measures .
- HK01 reporters observed that most travelers passed through the new Huanggang Port and proceeded directly to MTR stations, bypassing the surrounding commercial district where restaurants reported numerous empty tables during dinner hours .
- A tea beverage shop operator near the port stated that despite anticipating business benefits from the new crossing, the area remains quiet after 6pm with minimal foot traffic, while the landlord recently raised rent .
- Tuen Mun residents Mr. and Mrs. Ho, who usually use Shenzhen Bay, found the new port too distant at one hour compared to 15 minutes to their usual crossing, and noted unclear signage confusing elderly travelers .
Why It Matters
The robust performance of the new Huanggang Port during its first holiday weekend validates the HK$43.7 billion infrastructure investment and positions it as a major cross-border gateway, with throughput exceeding even the Shenzhen Bay and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control points on Saturday . However, the contrast between efficient immigration processing and struggling surrounding businesses raises questions about urban planning integration, as the port's commercial district lacks the mall connections found at Lo Wu and Lianhuashan crossings . The combined 1.16 million Hong Kong residents departing over just two days underscores the growing demand for northern mainland destinations, while the 50 percent net population outflow highlights the significant impact of long holidays on local economic activity .
The robust performance of the new Huanggang Port during its first holiday weekend validates the HK$43.7 billion infrastructure investment and positions it as a major cross-border gateway, with throughput exceeding even the Shenzhen Bay and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control points on Saturday . However, the contrast between efficient immigration processing and struggling surrounding businesses raises questions about urban planning integration, as the port's commercial district lacks the mall connections found at Lo Wu and Lianhuashan crossings . The combined 1.16 million Hong Kong residents departing over just two days underscores the growing demand for northern mainland destinations, while the 50 percent net population outflow highlights the significant impact of long holidays on local economic activity .