Liantang port finally welcomes travelers

More than 3,000 people entered the mainland via the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai control point, which was in service for travelers for the first time since 2020, while many queued for cross-border buses at the 24-hour Huanggang control point.

The Liantang port has been serving cargo transport since August 2020, and only opened to travelers yesterday.

Man Hok-him, a cycling enthusiast, was first in the queue before the port opened at 7am.

"It's about witnessing history," he said. "There might not be another new border checkpoint opening that I can be part of."

Liantang is now the city's first port to provide one-stop customs clearance for passengers and goods vehicles.

People may take public transport, private cars or walk through the pedestrian subway to reach the control point for immigration clearance. The port provides about 450 parking spaces.

Wong, who lives nearby, said it took him only 10 minutes to get from his home to the port.

"We had to go to Sheung Shui and take the train to Lo Wu before. It is so convenient for us villagers nearby now," he said.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung attended the opening ceremony of Liantang port.

It took reporters only 13 minutes to cross the border via Liantang, including filling out the mainland health declaration form.

Among the 3,072 Hongkongers crossing the border at the port by yesterday afternoon were the Wong couple, who joined a two-day group tour to Huidong in Shenzhen.

They said the HK$399 tour fee was cheaper than a massage and covered every schedule in the trip.

But only one convenience store was open in the mall at Liantang port. A restaurant was one of only four open shops. Owner Wang said news of the border reopening came too suddenly and many of the stores were still under renovation.

Meanwhile, travelers were seen queuing up outside the Huanggang port from midnight yesterday. But some passengers said there were fewer buses now than before the pandemic.

Passenger Leung said: "I have been waiting for all the requirements to relax. I don't have to do a PCR test.

"The bus came every five minutes before, but I have to wait for half an hour now."

New Hong Kong Bus, operator of the cross-border shuttle bus, said more than 1,400 people took the bus by am yesterday, while passengers can pay the HK$10 bus fare with newly added Alipay.

It said it will add buses depending on need.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com