Hong Kong media warn of record 980,000 daily crossings at Shenzhen land ports during National Day Golden Week

Lifestyle outlet HK01 reported on 30 September that combined forecasts from Hong Kong’s Immigration Department and Shenzhen Port Office point to single-day passenger volumes exceeding 980,000 at seven land boundary control points between 3–4 October. The Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Shenzhen Bay checkpoints are expected to carry the heaviest loads, with average daily flows of 220,000, 190,000 and 150,000 travellers respectively. The article provides practical advice for northbound Hong Kong residents, including the best hours to avoid queue peaks and a table of each port’s operating times—information mobility coordinators can forward to employees commuting to Mainland offices. It also lists additional high-speed rail departures from West Kowloon Station to Futian and Shenzhen North, added specifically for the holiday window. For companies managing cross-boundary staff, the key takeaway is that clearance times could exceed 90 minutes during the evening of 3 October. Employers with time-sensitive cargoes or service calls should either book earlier departures or use 24-hour ports such as Huanggang. Hong Kong Immigration’s mobile app now publishes live wait-time data, allowing real-time diversion decisions. The surge underscores the return of Mainland leisure spending in Hong Kong and vice-versa after the relaxation of pandemic controls. It also highlights infrastructure pressure points: Shenzhen Bay Bridge is expected to see vehicle flows rise by 30 %, and temporary traffic controls will be in place on the Hong Kong side. Corporations should advise drivers to carry printed copies of cross-boundary vehicle permits, as digital copies are not yet accepted at all booths. While the forecasts focus on holidaymakers, business travellers transiting immediately before or after Golden Week will also be affected. Travel managers should consider re-routing through the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, which typically experiences lighter foot traffic and has extended bus services during the holiday.