Hong Kong checkpoints to handle 7.44 million passenger trips for National Day break

Hong Kong’s checkpoints are expected to handle about 7.44 million passenger trips over mainland China’s National Day “golden week” break, while people movements are anticipated to peak this weekend.

The Immigration Department said on Monday that the figure would include inbound and outbound trips by Hongkongers and visitors travelling via the city’s sea, land and air control points between October 1 and 7.

The department also said it anticipated that the most popular control points would be those at Lo Wu, the Lok Ma Chau Spur line and Shenzhen Bay, but added that none of the city’s checkpoints would have their service hours extended.

Authorities earlier said they expected the city would welcome 1.29 million mainland visitors over the break. Last year’s figure reached 1.4 million thanks to a longer holiday period of eight days that included the Mid-Autumn Festival.

To mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, Hong Kong will host a 23-minute fireworks show along Victoria Harbour. Police anticipate the event will attract 260,000 revellers.

The event is expected to cost about HK$18 million (US$2.3 million) and is being sponsored by insurance provider Sun Life Hong Kong.

Chief Inspector Cheng Chun-kit of the force’s West Kowloon traffic enforcement and control division said road closures would be gradually implemented in parts of Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Central from 5pm on Thursday.

Cheng said large crowds were expected near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui and suggested that revellers head further along the waterfront there or instead watch the show from the West Kowloon Cultural District or Hung Hom promenade.

On Hong Kong Island, areas near Golden Bauhinia Square and the Convention and Exhibition Centre are expected to be the most popular.

But new hotspots such as the East Coast Park Precinct in Fortress Hill and Victoria Park Road could also prove to be crowd favourites.

“Based on past experience, about 260,000 people are expected to watch the display along both sides of Victoria Harbour, and we expect to handle a similar flow of people this year,” Cheng said.

The Marine Department will enforce marine traffic control and step up the inspection of spectator vessels on Thursday to ensure safety requirements are met.

Chief Inspector Lau Chun-ho of the force’s Hong Kong traffic enforcement and control division also reminded visitors to pay attention to public transport operating hours and prepare accordingly after the show had ended.