During the National Day holiday (Golden Week), Hong Kong has been buzzing with activity. According to the HKSAR Government's Immigration Department, as of 9 p.m. last night, over 430,000 mainland visitors had arrived in HK in the first two days of the holiday. On the first day alone, the number of visitors increased by 5% compared to the same period last year.
Fanny Yeung, Executive Director of Travel Industry Council of HK, stated yesterday (Oct. 2) that more than half of mainland visitors during the National Day holiday are staying overnight. The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by a series of National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, such as the Fire Dragon Dance in Tai Hang, which has attracted numerous tourists. Yeung predicts that the number of visitors will continue to grow.
Nowadays, travelers coming to HK are no longer solely focused on shopping. Many are influenced by HK's TV dramas and creative industries. For example, tourists are flocking to iconic filming locations of HK's police and crime dramas, such as the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), to take photos and experience the city's cinematic charm.
The HKSAR Government recently announced nine key tourism projects, including industrial brand tours and the "Four Hills" hiking trails. Many visitors expressed interest in these offerings. Some stated their desire to bring their children to visit HK's industrial brand factories, considering it a valuable educational experience.
Over 207,000 mainland visitors on second day of Golden Week
By 9 p.m. yesterday, the second day of Golden Week, over 207,000 mainland visitors had entered HK, primarily through the West Kowloon Station, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, and Lo Wu Control Point.
HK's unique blend of culture and entertainment has drawn mainland visitors to various locations for deeper exploration. Among the popular destinations is the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, frequently seen in TV dramas and films.
Queues for police memorabilia
At the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station yesterday morning, dozens of tourists were seen queuing to take photos. Many posed with hand gestures mimicking pistols in front of the station's signage. On the side of the station, another line was formed for purchasing police-themed memorabilia.
A Shanghai-based tourist, Ms. Ji, visited HK with her family, including her two seven-year-old children, to experience the National Day festivities. She admitted that her family, all born in the 1980s, are avid fans of HK TV dramas, particularly police and crime series such as "Detective Investigation Files", "Lives of Omission", and "Armed Reaction."
They also spent over HK$1,000 on souvenirs, including airport police models. After learning that the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station will soon be open to the public, Ms. Ji expressed her eagerness to return for another visit.
In addition to TV dramas, many visitors showed interest in HK's industrial brand tourism initiatives, hoping to tour local factories. Ms. Ji noted that in Shanghai, schools often organize industrial tours to places like chocolate or beer factories during weekends. She hopes to provide her children with a similar educational experience in HK.
Ms. Wang, a tourist from Shandong, mentioned that industrial brand tours are rare in her region, where such visits are typically reserved for corporate collaborations and not open to the public. She expressed her enthusiasm for HK's industrial tourism offerings, particularly as a family-friendly activity. During her two-day trip with her family, they visited both Disneyland on National Day and the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station the following day. Regretting the lack of time, she plans to return to explore areas like Central and Causeway Bay for a more immersive urban experience.
Nature tourism attracts visitors
HK's natural attractions have also become a major draw for tourists. For instance, the High Island Reservoir East Dam saw large crowds yesterday. The Transport Department issued a midday alert about heavy traffic on Sai Kung Man Yee Road and arranged for minibus operators to increase services to meet demand.
Mr. Leung, a tourist from Xinhui, visited the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station yesterday and expressed interest in HK natural landscapes, including Po Pin Chau. He was intrigued by the government's plan to promote the "Four Hills" tourism routes (covering Victoria Peak, Lantau Peak, Tai Mo Shan, and Sai Kung's Inner Port Shelter) and plans to experience them during his next visit.
Yeung estimated that over half of the National Day Golden Week visitors are overnight tourists. She noted that the combination of National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations has created a vibrant holiday atmosphere, with HK's unique fireworks display over Victoria Harbour as a standout highlight.
Many visitors remarked that HK's fireworks are more spectacular and immersive compared to those in mainland cities. Additionally, cultural activities such as the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage event, have been a significant draw. Held over three consecutive nights during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the event has effectively turned the eight-day Golden Week into two mini-holidays, offering tourists extended opportunities to explore HK.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Zhang Xian; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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