Double Ninth Festival Travel Surge: HK Retirees Flock to Mainland, Fujian Family Visits Hong Kong
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station buzzed with activity on Saturday as Hong Kong residents embarked on mainland adventures during the Double Ninth Festival long weekend. A 63-year-old retiree organized a group of 12 school friends for a four-day trip to Quanzhou, seeking culinary delights and scenic landscapes. Meanwhile, other Hong Kong travelers chose nearby Chaozhou for shorter three-day-two-night getaways, citing convenience and affordable prices. Mainland visitors from Fujian also made their way to Hong Kong, with one first-time visitor planning to explore iconic spots like Mong Kok and Victoria Harbour.
Key Points
- Mr. Ng (吳先生), 63, coordinated a group of 12 middle school friends for a 4-day, 3-night trip to Quanzhou, with mainland friends assisting in arranging tour buses and accommodations
- Ng revealed that he only started traveling to the mainland regularly after the pandemic, preferring its ease of planning compared to overseas trips which require extensive preparation
- Ms. Lam (林女士) traveled with approximately 9 companions to Chaozhou for 3 days and 2 nights, having visited the destination 4-5 times previously due to its proximity, low costs, and beloved beef hotpot cuisine
- Despite Double Ninth Festival not being an official holiday in the mainland, Ms. Pan (潘小姐) from Fujian visited Hong Kong for the first time with her family of 9, spending 2 days and 1 night
- Pan researched Hong Kong attractions through the Xiaohongshu platform and planned to visit Mong Kok, Victoria Harbour, and Central, hoping to try local cha chaan teng fare and egg tarts
Why It Matters
This travel pattern reflects the growing trend of Hong Kong retirees increasingly embracing mainland destinations as convenient and accessible travel options post-pandemic. The reciprocal flow of mainland visitors to Hong Kong during weekends demonstrates the city's continued appeal as a tourism destination despite not being an official holiday across the border.
This travel pattern reflects the growing trend of Hong Kong retirees increasingly embracing mainland destinations as convenient and accessible travel options post-pandemic. The reciprocal flow of mainland visitors to Hong Kong during weekends demonstrates the city's continued appeal as a tourism destination despite not being an official holiday across the border.