Hong Kong is bracing for a surge in cross-border travel during the New Year holiday as the National Immigration Administration projected daily inbound and outbound traffic to exceed 2.1 million people during the holiday.
The figure represents a 22.4 percent increase compared with the same period last year, with the busiest days expected to be New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Authorities said large-scale events across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, including light festivals, concerts and countdown galas, will fuel heavier flows at land checkpoints.
Daily passenger volumes are forecast to reach 240,000 at Shenzhen’s Luohu checkpoint, 230,000 at Futian, 180,000 at Shenzhen Bay, 110,000 at Liantang, and 100,000 at the West Kowloon High Speed Railway Station.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is expected to handle about 95,000 travelers daily.
Bars in Hong Kong anticipate another boost of up to 20 percent on New Year’s Eve after Chin Chun-wing, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association, reported a 10 percent increase in business over Christmas.
Chin noted that while dining options in Shenzhen and other nearby cities may offer better value, Hong Kong remains attractive as a convenient entertainment hub for locals and visitors.
He added that some mainland youth are likely to cross the border to experience the city’s festive atmosphere.
The catering sector, however, expressed concern about New Year’s Eve sales, citing extended operating hours at border checkpoints, including 24-hour opening at Shenzhen Bay, which may encourage residents and tourists to spend the night outside Hong Kong.
Jonathan Leung Chun, the incoming catering sector lawmaker, said restaurants had hoped for strong demand but faced setbacks as fireworks displays were canceled.
He explained that eateries with views of Victoria Harbour reported cancellations of up to half their holiday packages.
The city has already seen heavy traffic during the Christmas holiday, with nearly six million arrivals and departures recorded between December 24 and 28.
About 2.32 million residents left Hong Kong, a 10 percent increase from last year, with 1.75 million heading to the mainland, up by 11 percent.
Mainland visitor arrivals reached 512,000, also up 11 percent, while other international arrivals totaled 237,000, a nine percent rise.
For those who would like to celebrate an artfully-blended season in an open-style street zone with traditional Christmas trees and contemporary festive illuminations and interactive experiences, Macao has it all at “ZAPE Christmas Wonderland”, held from 4pm to 10pm from 6 December 2025 to 11 January 2026 in the area between Rua de Cantão and Rua de Pequim. Adding to the enchantment are game booths, workshops, live performances, Christmas parades, and Santa Claus meet-and-greet!
For details, please visit: https://wk.wkebcc.com/index/Christmas/index2?lang=en
