Weekend getaways to Shenzhen are becoming a popular trend among Hong Kong families, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. Chiu Yu-ho, a resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, shares his family's monthly routine of driving to Shenzhen. Their days are packed with visits to popular spots like Sam's, Costco, and Hema Fresh for morning shopping, followed by meals at upscale restaurants. In the afternoons, they enjoy time at Happy Valley or the Shenzhen Safari Park before returning home in the evening.
Chiu has observed a significant increase in Hong Kong residents spending weekends in Shenzhen. \"My son is very interested in the Happy Valley, and I notice a lot of Hong Kong parents with their kids here, as well as at Children's Paradise Park,\" he explains. The availability of free parks and spacious hotels in Shenzhen makes it an ideal destination for family travel.
The surge in cross-border travel can be attributed to the \"Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles\" scheme, launched on July 1 last year. Since its implementation, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has seen a remarkable influx of private cars from Hong Kong entering Guangdong Province. Official data reveals that by March 9, over 500,000 trips had been made by private Hong Kong cars through the bridge check station, with daily exits and entries peaking at 18,400 on March 31.
According to Hong Kong-based newspaper Ta Kung Pao, approximately 53.34 million Hong Kong residents traveled to Guangdong in 2023, representing 74 percent of the region's overall outbound travel. This statistic translates to an average of 7.2 trips per Hong Kong resident annually, highlighting the strong connection between the two regions.
The Greater Bay Area continues to thrive as a dynamic hub for families seeking diverse experiences and convenient travel options. With the ongoing growth in cross-border activities, Shenzhen remains a favored destination for Hong Kong's young global citizens looking to explore, connect, and enjoy quality time with their loved ones.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
