Mainland tourists flood Sai Kung trails ahead of Labour Day holiday rush

Mainland tourists began flocking to popular hiking destinations in Sai Kung on Wednesday to avoid the peak tourist rush as the Labour Day Golden Week commenced the following day.

The influx of mainland visitors to Po Pin Chau and the East Dam of High Island Reservoir surged significantly around late March, as many tourists shared their negative experiences on Xiaohongshu.

A group of seven tourists told reporters they arrived in Sai Kung before the holiday to avoid crowds and expected to complete the entire 100-kilometer MacLehose Trail in four days.

Regarding concerns about overcrowding damaging natural scenery, they believed that the authorities should not implement crowd control measures, as crowding is common at popular destinations.

The tourists added they believe most mainland visitors no longer litter due to improved public etiquette in recent years, and they also brought trash bags to carry away their waste. 

Meanwhile, a mainland tourist surnamed Zhou praised the efficient transport to the East Dam of High Island Reservoir, with orderly queues for both taxis and buses. 

However, she expressed concern that overcrowding could harm the environment and diminish visitor experiences, as she has witnessed littering at Po Pin Chau.