Hong Kong Expects 1.29 Million Mainland Visitors Amid Eco-Site Interest

Hong Kong is expecting about 1.29 million mainland arrivals during the October 1 to 7 National Day “golden week” holiday, while online travel chatter points to heavy interest in countryside and eco-sensitive attractions.

Eco-sensitive sites draw attention

A review of discussions on Chinese social media platform RedNote on Monday by the South China Morning Post found Po Pin Chau among the most talked-about sightseeing spots.

Po Pin Chau is known for its dramatic volcanic rock columns, making it one of the countryside destinations attracting attention ahead of the holiday period.

Cheung Chau and Sai Kung also appeared prominently in the discussions reviewed by the Post.

Wong Mau Chau, described as one of Hong Kong’s official coral zones, was also identified as an emerging site on travel itineraries.

The interest in such places has raised questions over whether Hong Kong can absorb crowds without overwhelming popular countryside and eco-sensitive sites.

Holiday crowds expected to rise

The city is bracing for a surge of mainland Chinese visitors to eco-sensitive areas during the National Day “golden week” holiday.

The daily average of mainland arrivals is forecast to rise by more than 5 per cent from last year over the October 1 to 7 period.

The expected visitor numbers matter because several destinations being discussed are not only sightseeing spots but also countryside locations and recognised sensitive areas.

Alongside countryside visits, travel itineraries also include the National Day fireworks, cycling from Sha Tin towards Tai Mei Tuk and the National Day horse racing.

The combination of a forecast increase in arrivals and strong interest in places such as Po Pin Chau, Cheung Chau and Wong Mau Chau has put attention on crowd pressure during the holiday.

Source: South China Morning Post