Visitors from the mainland began arriving in Hong Kong on Wednesday – a day ahead of an official three-day New Year holiday – hoping to avoid an expected rush of visitors.

With the break running from January 1 to 3, many tourists told RTHK they had taken an extra day off to beat the crowds.

One Shenzhen visitor who arrived at West Kowloon Station, surnamed Chen, said she initially planned a day trip but might stay overnight if she joins the New Year’s Eve festivities in Central.

Chen said she will stroll around the city, and do some shopping in Causeway Bay and Mong Kok first.

"I might buy some cosmetics or skincare products, as they might be a bit cheaper here and some items may not be available on the mainland," she said.

"I also feel like doing some city walks in Hong Kong, exploring the streets and alleys in a more in-depth way, especially in Central, in a more relaxed manner."

A student from Nanjing, surnamed Wang, seized the chance to arrive early for mainland singer Zhou Shen’s two-day concert at Kai Tak Stadium.

"I'm really happy to celebrate the New Year with Zhou Shen. It's also his first time holding a New Year's concert, and I'm glad to be a part of it," she said.

"It seems like there will be a live broadcast on Weibo, and this will be the last song before the New Year. I'm looking forward to the surprises at the concert."

Wang said she's also looking forward to seeing Kai Tak Stadium.

"This venue is relatively new. It's been designed for quicker crowd dispersal. I hope this special design will help me catch the train back to Shenzhen more easily."

Another traveller, from Changsha, took special leave to come early and plans to hike the MacLehose Trail on New Year’s Day.

She said she has already packed her sports gear and looks forward to seeing the scenic side of Hong Kong.