Smooth sailing as border pier opens

A new pier at Sha Tau Kok has seen smooth operations of local tours over the weekend after opening on Friday.

Sha Tau Kok rural committee chairman Lee Koon-hung yesterday said the new tourist spot, which is located in the restricted area of the border with Shenzhen, can now cater to not more than 180 guests in six groups per day, but said he looks forward to boosting the number of tourists per day to 500 in September.

Following the opening of the restricted area, a number of travel agencies have begun operating tours, including China Travel Service (Hong Kong), Wing On Travel Service, Hong Thai Travel Services, EGL Tours and Arrow Travel Agency. The tours come in half- and full-day options, with tour fees ranging from HK$299 to around HK$500 per person.

Lee said operations at the pier over the past three days have been smooth with minimal impact to local residents, who generally welcomed its opening.

Saying many visitors have been asking when Chung Ying Street will be opening, he said he expects that its opening will not be included as part of the second phase as negotiations between the two governments will take time.

Lee said the pilot scheme would last for six months and he hopes that the entirety of Sha Tau Kok Market can be opened in six to 12 months.

Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, said the Shenzhen Yantian people's government is also keen to develop tourism on Chung Ying Street.

Chui hopes the street can open up at a later stage so that Hong Kong residents can visit it through local tours, which would enrich the itinerary for tours of Sha Tau Kok and outlying islands.

Many enterprises and organizations have made inquiries about package tours, as have many people through travel agencies.

Tours offered by different agencies include various itineraries with attractions such as "Cape of Sha Tau Kok" and boat trips from Sha Tau Kok Pier to nearby scenic spots such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau. Spaces are reserved for residents of Sha Tau Kok, who can be the first to experience the unique history and culture of the area.

From June to August, there will be 15 designated days for the public to sign up for tours during the holidays. Applications can be made on the official websites of travel agencies or by phone.