Wallis Wang

Shenzhen is planning to build more border control points between the mainland and Hong Kong, according to Liu Weixiang, chief of the office of port of entry and exit of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government.

Liu said Shenzhen currently has 16 major border checkpoints, making it the city with the highest number of ports and functions, as well as the most customs clearance in the mainland.

Liu also said Shenzhen is currently updating and rebuilding some of its older border checkpoints.

"For example, the Huanggang port and Sha Tau Kok control point both require reconstruction, while the Luohu port needs to be upgraded," he said.

"Also, we plan to build new border checkpoints, including one designated for the Lok Ma Chau Loop area and another one for the Qianhai area."

Liu said these new ports will "strongly support the development of the two major areas."

The functions of some existing ports will also be adjusted, Liu said, specifying that "the cargo inspection function at the Sha Tau Kok and Huanggang ports will be canceled, and the fresh freight service at the Man Kam To control point will be moved to the Liantang port to better facilitate cargo flow and utilize the city's traffic layout."

Shenzhen authorities will also introduce cross-border helicopter services at the Shekou checkpoint to build the first air-sea complex port hub on the mainland, he added.

According to mainland media reports, Shenzhen's border checkpoints recorded 134 million crossings as of August 4 this year, including over 67 million inbound visits and 66 million outbound visits.

To accommodate travel needs, especially during festivals and large-scale events, authorities from Shenzhen and Hong Kong have extended the opening hours of the border ports.

Liu also reminded cross-border travelers to monitor the traffic conditions at various border checkpoints using the Shenzhen government's mini program on WeChat.

"The statistics of passenger flow are updated every three seconds. If a border control point's icon is in green, it means the traffic is smooth within the port," he said.

The program also offers over 70 other services, and the authorities plan to continue improving its functionality.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com

Shenzhen currently has 16 major border checkpoints. Sing Tao

More Shenzhen-HK border checkpoints are in the pipeline