Luohu's Liantang port sees record high of daily passenger traffic
On May 15, during Hong Kong’s public holiday for Buddha’s Birthday, the Liantang Port witnessed a record high passenger traffic of 100,000 people in a single day. This marked the eighth time in 2024 that the port broke its daily passenger flow record, operating at 3.3 times its designed capacity of 30,000 people per day. This surge underscores Liantang Port's role as a bustling hub for cross-border travel.
Data from the Liantang Border Checkpoint on May 15 highlighted several significant trends. The peak period for incoming travelers lasted five hours in the morning, while the outgoing peak lasted four hours in the evening. Between 7 AM and 2 PM, 35,100 people entered Hong Kong, setting a new record. The highest hourly traffic recorded was over 7,400 entries and 7,000 exits, both all-time highs for the port. A significant number of visitors were families, including seniors and children. Additionally, the number of 144-hour visa-free foreign tour groups entering via the port increased by 32% compared to the daily average in April.
To manage the high volume, the Liantang Border Checkpoint implemented several measures. Mobile inspection zones were created for more efficient processing, staff channels were temporarily converted to passenger channels, and passengers were redirected from the main hall to smaller vehicle inspection areas.
These steps doubled the number of inspection channels available at peak times, significantly enhancing processing efficiency. Continuous updates on passenger flow were broadcast to encourage off-peak travel. Adequate staffing and open inspection channels were maintained, with additional support provided for families and tour groups. Collaboration with Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities ensured smooth crowd management and maintained order, prioritizing safety and efficiency at the border crossing.