Mainland tourists are flocking to Hong Kong as the National Day Golden Week holiday begins on Thursday, with many coming in through West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station.

A man from Huizhou, Guangdong, said he came to the SAR to see the National Day fireworks display at Victoria Harbour.

“We will head over early to secure a spot. I am prepared for several backup locations – if the first one is too crowded, I will switch to another,” he said.

“My top choice is Golden Bauhinia Square. I want to find a spot closer to the front. I’ve heard we have to get there as early as 4pm or 5pm to grab a good position.”

Other tourists also said they planned to visit popular tourist districts such as Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Central as well as Hong Kong Disneyland.

Heading the other way was a woman who said she is planning a three-day trip to Guangzhou and Zhongshan.

A family said they would be visiting relatives in the mainland.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan, who inspected operations at the West Kowloon station, said it was expected to see passenger flow of more than 130,000 on National Day.

“In the coming days until October 3, we expect not just southbound visitor flows but also northbound travellers – there will be two-way traffic,” she said.

“We have just observed the situation at the arrival gates for inbound travellers. We have put queue and crowd-diversion arrangements in place, added many signs as well as deployed staff to handle travellers’ enquiries.”

Hong Kong Tourism Association executive director Timothy Chui said Hong Kong was expected to receive 100 to 200 tour groups on Thursday.

He expects the number to further increase in the coming days.


Edited by Aaron Tam