The Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection at Luohu reported a significant increase in border crossings during the May 1st to May 5th holiday period. According to statistics, more than 840,000 people passed through the Luohu port during the five-day May Day holiday, a 44% increase compared to the same period last year, making it the busiest checkpoint among all Shenzhen ports.

Luohu Border Inspection Station has focused on streamlining procedures and optimizing crossing services to support the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the "Dual Zone" development strategy in Shenzhen.

A Bridge of Two-Way Exchange and Integration

With its convenient transportation connections linking Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, and serving as a gateway to the Pearl River Delta, the Luohu border is the busiest land checkpoint in Shenzhen, playing a crucial role in facilitating the movement of talent, business cooperation, and other essential activities.

This year, daily crossings peaked at 242,000 people. The vibrant activities on both sides of the border during the holiday encouraged cross-border tourism and consumer demand.

To ensure smooth and safe border crossings, Luohu Border Inspection Station upgraded its software, optimized crossing services, adjusted work schedules, extended service hours, closely monitored real-time border flow, and coordinated with local media to inform travelers to avoid peak times.

Foreign Tour Groups' Preferred Border Crossing

"Luohu's seamless connection with the Hong Kong MTR and frequent train services make it a convenient crossing point. Besides, Luohu Border Inspection Station has established a pre-registration system for tour groups, allowing for quick and efficient processing. We often bring tour groups through Luohu because of this," said a representative from Baochun International Travel Group Co., Ltd. During the May Day holiday, various travel companies saw a surge in bookings for 144-hour visa-free foreign tour groups and domestic cross-border travel groups.

From May 1st to May 5th, Luohu Border Inspection Station handled over 140 "144-hour" tour groups, totaling nearly a thousand people. Given the high demand for crossing services, the station established a pre-registration system, adopted a "dedicated waiting and processing area" model, and ensured ample staffing and inspection lanes to manage peak times effectively.

A Popular Cross-Border Transit Hub for Foreign Nationals

The "144-hour" visa-free entry for foreign tour groups and new measures to facilitate foreign nationals' visits to China have contributed to a noticeable increase in foreign travelers at the Luohu border. Since the beginning of 2024, the station has processed over 250,000 foreign travelers. Additionally, Shenzhen has seen a rise in foreign visitors participating in various cultural, exchange, and educational activities. Many of these visitors, including tourists, business people, and those visiting family and friends, are particularly drawn to traditional Chinese culture, cuisine, and the country's scenic beauty.

During this year's May Day holiday, coinciding with the Canton Fair, daily foreign border crossings surpassed 2,400. To ensure a smooth experience, Luohu Border Inspection Station deployed self-service information collection machines, dispatched additional officers fluent in English, German, and Spanish for guidance and consultations, and strengthened services through the Luohu Border Inspection Volunteer Service Station.

The Luohu border is a dynamic hub connecting the "One-Hour Living Circle" in the Greater Bay Area, driving integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and providing an open gateway to international opportunities. The Luohu Border Inspection Station remains committed to new responsibilities and innovative approaches to meet the evolving demands and expectations of the new era.