Local merchants anticipate continued holiday cheer as Christmas shifts to Lunar New Year

A warm market welcomed by local merchants during the Christmas holiday is expected to continue until the upcoming Lunar New Year, according to Starry Lee Wai-king, the city's sole delegate of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

While some Hongkongers may choose to travel overseas or visit relatives on the mainland, various events -- including a fireworks display and float parade -- are anticipated to attract mainland tourists.

Lee emphasized the importance of hospitality, urging the SAR government to extend the opening hours of border checkpoints during the holiday season.

She also expressed hope that the central government would expand the multiple-entry arrangement to more mainland cities, prioritizing Guangzhou due to its closer ties with the SAR.

(Wallis Wang)