Hong Kong Braces for 7.44 Million Cross-Border Trips During National Day Golden Week
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's immigration authorities are gearing up to manage approximately 7.44 million passenger trips through the city's checkpoints during the mainland National Day golden week holiday from October 1 to 7. The Immigration Department announced the figures on Monday, encompassing both inbound and outbound journeys via sea, land, and air control points. As the city prepares to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, a spectacular 23-minute fireworks display is planned for Victoria Harbour, with police expecting around 260,000 revellers to line the waterfront.
Key Points
- The 7.44 million projected trips include Hongkongers and visitors travelling through all of Hong Kong's sea, land and air control points between October 1 and 7
- The most heavily trafficked checkpoints are expected to be Lo Wu, the Lok Ma Chau Spur line and Shenzhen Bay, though no service hour extensions are planned
- Authorities anticipate Hong Kong will welcome 1.29 million mainland visitors, down from 1.4 million last year when the holiday spanned eight days including the Mid-Autumn Festival
- The Victoria Harbour fireworks show costs approximately HK$18 million (US$2.3 million) and is sponsored by insurance provider Sun Life Hong Kong
- Road closures will be gradually implemented in Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Central from 5pm on Thursday, with Chief Inspector Cheng Chun-kit advising revellers to consider alternative viewing spots
Why It Matters
The substantial volume of cross-border travel during golden week underscores Hong Kong's continued role as a major gateway between the mainland and international destinations, while the National Day celebrations provide an important opportunity to foster community spirit and honour the nation's achievements .
The substantial volume of cross-border travel during golden week underscores Hong Kong's continued role as a major gateway between the mainland and international destinations, while the National Day celebrations provide an important opportunity to foster community spirit and honour the nation's achievements .