Tourists flock to HK landmarks as summer travel boom continues

Amid Hong Kong’s bustling summer travel season, iconic landmarks like the historic Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station are drawing waves of enthusiastic visitors, many of whom are eager to relive the cinematic nostalgia of classic Hong Kong films.

Despite light rain and a tropical cyclone signal in effect, crowds of mainland tourists gathered outside the colonial-era building on Saturday (August 17), snapping photos and soaking in the atmosphere of what many consider a quintessential piece of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.

For visitors like Sun, a first-time traveler from Urumqi, the police station was a must-see stop on her three-day trip.

"I grew up watching Hong Kong crime films, so seeing this place in person feels special," she said, dressed in a carefully chosen outfit to match the "Hong Kong aesthetic."

She and her boyfriend also planned to visit Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront, another hotspot for picturesque backdrops.

The surge in tourism comes as direct flights from more mainland cities, including Urumqi, make travel more convenient.

Sun noted that while Hong Kong’s hotel prices were steep, the ease of access made the trip worthwhile.

Meanwhile, Zhao, another visitor from Shenzhen, said the police station’s appearance in movies like Infernal Affairs made it an unmissable destination.

"It’s exactly how I remembered it from the films—full of that old-school Hong Kong vibe," he said, adding that he and his girlfriend would next explore Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars.

Luxury shopping and concert tourism drive spending

Over in Tsim Sha Tsui, the rain did little to dampen the shopping sprees along Canton Road, where luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton saw long queues outside their doors.

Luo, a visitor from Shenzhen, said Hong Kong’s wider selection and favorable exchange rates made it a better shopping destination than the mainland.

"Some limited-edition items are only available here," she said, adding that she had no strict budget—"If I like it, I’ll buy it."

Meanwhile, Cheng, another Shenzhen tourist, combined her trip with a G.E.M. concert at Kai Tak Sports Park’s main stadium, praising the venue’s top-tier acoustics and comfort. "It’s one of the best arenas I’ve been to," she said, highlighting how Hong Kong’s mix of entertainment and retail continues to attract big spenders.

(Marco Lam)