The first traveller from Hong Kong to Shenzhen through the redeveloped Huanggang Port received flowers on Monday morning as the crossing opened to the public.
The passenger, identified by HK01 as Mr Wong, said he was excited and had not expected to be first through. He had caught the first bus from Yuen Long after learning about the opening online.
The new port began operating at 6.30am on 12 October, offering round-the-clock clearance for passengers and passenger vehicles.
A floral welcome
Mr Wong told HK01 that his clearance through a staffed channel took less than a minute. He praised the convenience of the new arrangements and said he would recommend the crossing to friends.
Recalling a previous visit two or three years earlier, when he had needed a shuttle bus, he said the new crossing felt considerably quicker.
His experience is an individual account, rather than a measure of typical waiting times across the port.
Two sides, one crossing
The redeveloped port brings Hong Kong and mainland clearance facilities together under a co-location arrangement. Its new collaborative inspection system allows eligible travellers to complete both sides’ immigration checks through a combined process.
At Sunday’s opening ceremony, the Hong Kong government said the new clearance arrangements would reduce the process from around 30 minutes at the former crossing to approximately five minutes. That is the government’s estimate; actual journey times will depend on queues and individual circumstances.
Passenger clearance services between Shenzhen’s temporary Huanggang terminal and Hong Kong’s former Lok Ma Chau Control Point were suspended when the new port opened.
Plan before travelling
The Transport Department has announced seven franchised bus routes, six green minibus routes and five short-haul cross-boundary coach routes serving the new port, with daytime and overnight arrangements.
Travellers should check their chosen route’s operating hours and allow extra time while becoming familiar with the new layout.
Eligible Hong Kong residents can register in advance for the collaborative inspection automated channels through the HK e-Channel mobile app. Officials have also advised travellers to consider other land and rail crossings according to their needs during the initial opening period.
Sources: HK01’s opening-day report, joint opening notice, government opening ceremony statement, transport arrangements.
