Hundreds of Hongkongers tour newly opened border town of Sha Tau Kok on New Year’s Day
- Tourists were first group to enter restricted town in its second phase opening, which commenced on Monday
- Authorities earlier announced that applications for a permit to visit the area had opened for up to 1,000 people a day starting on January 1
Hundreds descended on the Hong Kong border town of Sha Tau Kok to taste local delicacies, enjoy the sights and wave at mainland Chinese residents just steps away, as the area further opened up to visitors on the first day of the year.
The tourists were the first group of people to enter the restricted town in its second phase opening, which commenced on Monday.
Authorities had earlier announced that up to 1,000 people a day could apply for a Closed Area Permit to visit the area, except for Chung Ying Street, starting January 1, 2024, with 700 slots reserved for tour groups and 300 for individuals.
Security chief Chris Tang Ping-keung last month said most of the slots for the first several weekends and public holidays had already been filled weeks in advance.
Tang made an appearance at around 10.30am on Monday, and slipped into the restricted Chung Ying Street for about 30 minutes before emerging to tour the rest of the town with members of the public.
The street, which is not open to tourists, is an avenue in which Shenzhen and local authorities share jurisdiction and where residents of both places can run shops and visit it at the same time.
Tang said public transport services had been increased with buses and minibuses arranged to handle the influx of visitors. He reminded the public they could not drive their own vehicles into the area.