Busy borders and trains mark start of Christmas holiday getaway

As the long Christmas weekend began on Thursday, police warned on social media that border checkpoints are crowded, with heavy pedestrian traffic at Shenzhen Bay and long vehicle queues on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, urging travelers to wait patiently.

Meanwhile, West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station was packed at midday, with many residents heading north to the mainland.

Tickets for some trains to Guangzhou South, Shenzhen North, and Futian were already sold out.

Around 12.30pm, MTR announced adjustments to select East Rail Line services due to high passenger volumes at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control point and crowd control measures.

Extra staff were deployed at stations to assist, and passengers were advised to check train destinations and allow extra travel time.