Hong Kong's scenic hiking trails saw an influx of mainland Chinese visitors as the Labor Day Golden Week holiday began Thursday while traffic remained smooth in the vicinity.
Dozens of hikers gathered at Heung Yuen Wai control point by 8 am, boarding buses to Sai Kung's trails.
Beijing visitor Li, a repeat traveler to Hong Kong, planned to hike the MacLehose Trail before exploring Kowloon.
"I'll try some street food and take photos—no strict budget, just going with the flow," she said, though she noted her Tsim Sha Tsui hotel cost 50 percent more than previous visits.
The trend follows a surge in mainland visitors to Hong Kong's geoparks since late March.
Guangzhou tourist Zeng and friends arrived prepared with camping gear for Sharp Island, praising Hong Kong's well-developed campsites and convenient access.
"We'll shop for daily necessities before three nights of kayaking and snorkeling," she said. "Hong Kong has become a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts."
Local businesses reported stronger sales, with Sai Kung Pier vendors noting mainland tourists comprised about 60 percent of customers.
"Parents don't mind spending extra on children's toys or ice cream," said stall owner Siu.
Nearby restaurant owner Chow saw a 10 to 20 percent revenue increase, attributing it to both mainland and local visitors seeking relaxation.
“People aren't pinching pennies here," he said, expressing optimism about Hong Kong's economic recovery.
Transport operators added services for the holiday period, with 30 minibuses deployed on the Pak Tam Chung-to-East Dam route, transporting about 300 passengers within two hours.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department staff also patrolled hiking hotspots, reminding visitors to stay on marked trails and remove trash.
(Ayra Wang)
