Can Hong Kong protect its eco-sensitive sites amid ‘golden week’ overtourism fears?

Hong Kong is bracing for a surge of mainland Chinese visitors to its eco-sensitive areas during the National Day “golden week” holiday, as strong interest in countryside attractions raises questions over whether the city can absorb crowds without overwhelming popular sites.

A review of discussions on Chinese social media platform RedNote on Monday by the South China Morning Post found Po Pin Chau, famed for its dramatic volcanic rock columns, among the most talked-about sightseeing spots, alongside Cheung Chau, Sai Kung and emerging sites such as Wong Mau Chau – one of the city’s official coral zones.

Also popular on travel itineraries are the National Day fireworks, cycling from Sha Tin towards Tai Mei Tuk and the National Day horse racing.

Hong Kong is expecting about 1.29 million mainland arrivals over the October 1 to 7 holiday period, with the daily average forecast to rise by more than 5 per cent from last year.