Revamped Huanggang Port opens with joint clearance after six-year redevelopment

‘Satisfactory’ opening for revamped Huanggang crossing

The revamped Huanggang Port has officially opened after six years of redevelopment, introducing a “joint clearance” system for immigration at the border.

It is the first border checkpoint between Hong Kong and mainland China to use the arrangement, with immigration procedures for both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen sides integrated within the building.

The facility opened at 6.30am on Monday, replacing the old Huanggang Port in Shenzhen.

The old port had served city residents through a shuttle bus ride from the San Tin public transport interchange or through private vehicles via the Lok Ma Chau control point.

Clearance time expected to fall

Authorities have said the integrated system will cut clearance time for travellers on foot from 30 minutes to five minutes.

For vehicle drivers, the stated reduction is from 10 minutes to two minutes.

The new arrangement brings the Hong Kong and Shenzhen immigration procedures together within the same facility, making the location and process different from the system used at the old port.

A traveller described the redeveloped building as “really bright and spacious overall”.

Officials attend opening ceremony

Senior officials from Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangdong province took part in an opening ceremony at the new facility on Sunday.

The ceremony preceded the facility’s opening at 6.30am on Monday.

The opening completes six years of redevelopment and places joint immigration clearance at the centre of operations at the Huanggang crossing.

Source: South China Morning Post