Hong Kong experienced a significant surge in border crossings as the public holiday festivities commenced on December 25, marking the first day of the holiday period where many residents traveled across the border.
According to the Shenzhen Entry and Exit Border Inspection Station, the Futian Port saw over 130,000 travelers processed from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Among these, inbound travelers from Hong Kong comprised the majority, showcasing the strong ties and mobility within the Greater Bay Area.
The early hours of the morning, particularly from 8:00 AM onwards, demonstrated particularly high traffic as families and individuals began crossing the border for holiday celebrations. Notably, the peak period revealed nearly 70,000 travelers entering, including over 64,000 from Hong Kong alone during the busiest hours.
To effectively manage this influx, border authorities implemented various strategies. They opened 28 manual inspection channels and 52 fast-track channels to expedite processing times, ensuring the experience remained smooth for all travelers. The border control staff were also on-site assisting travelers with queries, thereby minimizing any potential wait times.
One representative from the Shenzhen Border Inspection Station stated, "On December 25 at 6:30 AM, the Futian Port welcomed numerous inbound travelers from Hong Kong," highlighting the coordination required to maintain systematic procedures during the peak travel times.
Given the comprehensive efforts to facilitate traffic through Futian Port, the border control agencies collaborated closely with the Hong Kong Immigration Department. This cooperation was key to addressing the considerable number of passengers expected throughout the public holiday.
Long wait times and congestion can be challenging during peak travel seasons, but proactive measures have ensured a more manageable flow, allowing families to reunite and individuals to celebrate without excessive delays. This operation indicated not only the resilience of the cross-border travel system but also the increasing consumer confidence as policies rebound with incentives and promotions during the holiday period.
Overall, the busy border crossings at Futian Port served to highlight the dynamic exchange within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, showcasing how public holidays can stimulate travel and economic activity. With the implementation of favorable policies and the promotion of tourism, the region is expected to continue benefiting from increased connectivity and engagement, sustaining its growing market vitality.
