Mainland tourists swarm North Point for National Day escapes

As China's National Day holiday kicks off, throngs of mainland visitors are pouring into Hong Kong, transforming bustling areas like North Point into hotspots for seaside strolls, shopping excursions, and Instagram-worthy snapshots, signaling a welcome rebound in cross-border tourism.

Reporters from Sing Tao Daily, the sister publication of The Standard, ventured through North Point's malls and the scenic Eastern Corridor waterfront this afternoon, capturing scenes of families browsing boutiques, groups posing against the harbor's glittering skyline, and tour parties boarding ferries for short jaunts.

Many raved about the area's coastal charm, describing the panoramic views as picture-perfect backdrops for their holiday albums.

One family from Chongqing, led by a woman surnamed Du, arrived with plans for a five-day getaway to explore the nation's diverse landscapes during the festive break. 

With their itinerary mapped out by a friend, they embraced a laid-back approach, prioritizing spontaneous adventures over rigid schedules. 

Eager for rare glimpses of the ocean—scarce back home—they headed straight for the waterfront to snap photos and later hopped on a ferry.

While mulling over potential buys like medicines or mooncakes in districts such as Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok the next day, 

Du acknowledged the steeper costs compared to the mainland, where a bottle of mineral water might run just a couple of yuan versus six to ten dollars in Hong Kong. 

Still, she viewed the premium as tolerable for this exploratory trip, vowing to craft a more in-depth plan for future visits focused on immersive experiences.

A first-time visitor surnamed Ip from Fujian, staying with relatives in North Point, echoed the enthusiasm for the locale's stunning vistas, which she found exceptionally photogenic. 

Opting for a three- to four-day trip centered on sightseeing, she mapped out stops in Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and even Disneyland, sidelining shopping altogether on the grounds that souvenirs are readily available nationwide.

Meanwhile, a group of friends from Shenzhen, lodged at a local hotel, timed their outing around the anticipated National Day fireworks display. 

They savored the waterfront's serene beauty through leisurely photos and a ferry cruise, appreciating the refreshing scenery without delving into retail therapy. 

With a return trip looming the following day, they deferred any purchases, saving them for a subsequent excursion when leisure aligns with leisure spending.