Pilgrimage to higher learning

Mainland tourists flocked to University of Hong Kong's Pok Fu Lam campus despite heavy rain on the first day of their Labor Day golden week holiday after HKU announced it would impose a visitor quota starting today.

HKU said tourists must book in advance online to enter the campus between 8am and 6.30pm on weekdays and Saturdays, but added they are free to walk in on public holidays and Sundays.

The university has also implemented tourist-flow measures, with enhanced security seen near popular photo-taking spots.

Most tourists yesterday said they were aware of the policy, which was "reasonable," while some hoped HKU would deploy more people to provide assistance to the curious.

A tourist named Ren, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, came with his wife and young daughter. They chose yesterday to visit as they did not need to register beforehand, with the other days on their holiday filled with other activities.

"We came here to see the historical buildings and to let our daughter feel the atmosphere," Ren told The Standard.

He said it was understandable to ask tourists to book ahead as many mainland attractions and universities are doing the same.

"The university is not simply an attraction but a place where students study and live. We don't want to cause too much trouble," he said.

Another mainlander named Tan, a university student, came with his friends to get a feel of a local university's atmosphere.

He said the arrangement was acceptable as "it would bring a more comfortable experience to both visitors and students."

Tan also suggested the university assign more people, including student volunteers, to assist tourists.

To enter, tourists need to register their name and e-mail address on the university's online reservation platform. They will need a QR code and personal identification document to enter and exit the campus.

Some HKU students said the measure would help reduce overcrowding, but others said it would not help much.

One student, Liu, said the arrangement could help make the campus less crowded during class hours.

She said the increased number of tourists has led to longer waiting times for lifts to the campus from the MTR station. She added: "It's quite annoying when you have to rush to a class and find a long line waiting for the lift."

Another student, Sophia, said the policy would not stop tourists flocking to the campus and the university should take more effective measures like installing gate machines at entrances that only let students in and out, while others need to register on site.

The university said it would launch guided tours and make online adjustments if needed.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com