https://www.scmp.com/rss/507849/feed Latest news, analysis, explainers and updates on policy announcements, corporate developments and investment opportunities focused on this particular city under the Greater Bay Area (GBA) initiative in southern China’s Pearl River Delta. The coverage includes politics and policies, business, lifestyle and culture and useful to-do guides about living, working and studying in the GBA. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Traffic at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge reached peak levels during the first two days of the extended holiday, with checkpoint queues sometimes exceeding an hour, raising concerns about whether clearance arrangements can handle surging demand. Passenger flows exceeded 192,000 over Friday and Saturday, while vehicle numbers surpassed 30,000, marking one of the busiest periods at the cross-boundary bridge in recent years, Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349123/queues-stretch-past-hour-traffic-jams-hit-mega-bridge-during-easter-ching-ming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349123/queues-stretch-past-hour-traffic-jams-hit-mega-bridge-during-easter-ching-ming?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:13:10 +0000 Liu Zhen Liu Zhen China’s military canine robots have evolved into intelligent “wolf packs” with specialised roles and a shared “brain” to coordinate complex tasks in urban warfare, according to state media. Compared with earlier models deployed and tested by the People’s Liberation Army, these “robot wolves” have achieved a transformational leap from a “single-soldier support system to a coordinated swarm combat platform”, state broadcaster CCTV said in a documentary series episode that aired on Thursday. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3348167/rise-wolf-pack-chinas-canine-robots-evolve-think-one-urban-combat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3348167/rise-wolf-pack-chinas-canine-robots-evolve-think-one-urban-combat?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:01:18 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s Baptist University plans to spin off its School of Continuing Education (SCE) as a private university of applied sciences (UAS) next year, according to its president. Unveiling the plan at a media briefing on Thursday, Professor Alexander Wai Ping-kong said a private institution would be more agile and responsive to societal changes than public universities, which often face lengthy funding approvals. “HKBU [Hong Kong Baptist University] will spare no effort to ensure the success of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3347998/hong-kong-baptist-university-turn-one-its-schools-private?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3347998/hong-kong-baptist-university-turn-one-its-schools-private?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:40:44 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong customs officers have seized 986 smuggled live turtles worth about HK$1 million (US$127,620) from a private car attempting to leave the city, arresting the driver and a passenger. Officers discovered the turtles hidden in seven black plastic bags in the vehicle’s boot at the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge control point on Tuesday. A 42-year-old driver and a 50-year-old passenger were arrested, a spokesman of Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department said on Wednesday. Both men were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347060/hong-kong-customs-seizes-nearly-1000-smuggled-turtles-worth-hk1-million?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347060/hong-kong-customs-seizes-nearly-1000-smuggled-turtles-worth-hk1-million?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:45:22 +0000 Luna Sun Luna Sun Richard Liu, founder of China’s retail giant JD.com, has launched a nautical brand to build out the country’s yacht industry, riding a wave of policy support to tap a fast-growing domestic market and make the vessels – traditionally associated with affluence and luxury – accessible to “everyday consumers”. Liu’s brand, Sea Expandary, signed a strategic framework agreement on Tuesday with the coastal cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai in Guangdong, China’s southern powerhouse province, for a high-end... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3344583/boat-every-dock-chinese-billionaire-unveils-plan-mass-yacht-production?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3344583/boat-every-dock-chinese-billionaire-unveils-plan-mass-yacht-production?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:30:07 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong’s Correctional Services Department has launched exchange tours to mainland China for former young offenders convicted of crimes related to the 2019 social unrest to boost their understanding of national development and culture. Rounding up the department’s work over the past year, Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing said on Monday that Project PATH, a rehabilitation programme for offenders jailed for 2019 protest-related activities, would be extended to cover those... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344358/hong-kong-protests-former-young-offenders-sent-mainland-china-exchange-tours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344358/hong-kong-protests-former-young-offenders-sent-mainland-china-exchange-tours?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:36:15 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Some among hundreds of Guangdong motorists who have signed up for a southbound travel scheme have driven into Hong Kong’s urban areas during the Lunar New Year holiday for offbeat sightseeing and festive shopping. Authorities said bookings under the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme were “favourable”, with about 500 cars expected to enter the city in the early days of the holiday. Visitors were spotted in left-hand drive vehicles with FT-prefixed number plates. Among them were a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343960/how-guangdong-drivers-are-celebrating-lunar-new-year-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343960/how-guangdong-drivers-are-celebrating-lunar-new-year-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:00:01 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Harvey Kong Connor Mycroft,Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s visitor numbers on the first two days of Lunar New Year are at least 8 per cent higher than in 2025, with Wednesday’s fireworks display boosting momentum further as tens of thousands of spectators lined both sides of Victoria Harbour for the show. The huge crowd gasped in awe as the 23-minute spectacle to celebrate the Year of the Horse lit up the night skies above Victoria Harbour with 31,888 shells, including pyrotechnics forming the shapes of gold ingots and horseshoes. Chief... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343928/tens-thousands-eagerly-waiting-hong-kong-lunar-new-year-fireworks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343928/tens-thousands-eagerly-waiting-hong-kong-lunar-new-year-fireworks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:39:56 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow Hong Kong welcomed 10 per cent more visitors on the first day of Lunar New Year against a year ago, with crowds continuing to flock to hiking trails and tourists packing border crossing checkpoints. The latest Immigration Department data showed that 153,383 visitors arrived in the city on Tuesday, representing a 10.4 per cent increase compared with the first day of Lunar New Year last year. Of these, more than 120,000 came from mainland China. Inbound trips over the first two days of Lunar New... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343899/hong-kong-marks-start-lunar-new-year-surge-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343899/hong-kong-marks-start-lunar-new-year-surge-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:11:15 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong will welcome the Year of the Horse with a 23-minute Lunar New Year fireworks display on Wednesday, showcasing vibrant elements inspired by the energy and spirit of horses. Themed “Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong”, the fireworks show is solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, at a cost of HK$19 million (US$2.4 million). The South China Morning Post takes a closer look at the highlights of the extravaganza and the best spots to watch it from. 1. What are the highlights of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343790/how-hong-kong-galloping-towards-prosperity-lunar-new-year-fireworks-spectacle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343790/how-hong-kong-galloping-towards-prosperity-lunar-new-year-fireworks-spectacle?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:26 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Transport authorities have warned of heavier traffic on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge from Sunday because of the combined effect of a key link’s suspension in Zhuhai and increased travel over Lunar New Year. A temporary link between the mega bridge’s Zhuhai Port and Qinglu South Road will be closed for repairs from Sunday until further notice, with Hong Kong’s Transport Department urging users to plan ahead and use public transport as far as possible. Drivers could access the Zhuhai Port via... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343592/hong-kong-users-warned-heavier-mega-bridge-traffic-zhuhai-link-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343592/hong-kong-users-warned-heavier-mega-bridge-traffic-zhuhai-link-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:31:53 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong plans to test a new clearance channel using facial recognition at one of its checkpoints by June to cut processing time to five seconds, with immigration authorities handling a record 335 million people entering and leaving the city last year. Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung said at an annual press conference on Friday the city handled 12 per cent more passengers overall than in 2024. “Last year’s record high immigration figures mean that our immigration clearance work in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343530/hong-kong-immigration-authorities-handle-record-335-million-passengers-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3343530/hong-kong-immigration-authorities-handle-record-335-million-passengers-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:44:04 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong lawyers should not think of competing head-on with mainland counterparts in the Greater Bay Area, but instead position themselves as common law specialists and collaborators in cross-border legal teams, Hong Kong Bar Association chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet has said. His comments came during a fireside chat on the sidelines of the China Conference: Greater Bay Area event hosted by the South China Morning Post in Shenzhen on Thursday. Recent policy measures allow Hong Kong lawyers to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340061/hong-kong-lawyers-should-not-aim-just-compete-specialise-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340061/hong-kong-lawyers-should-not-aim-just-compete-specialise-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:11:20 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu If Hong Kong’s Transport Department couldn’t see that road signs needed to be at eye level when it opened the Yau Ma Tei section of the Central Kowloon Bypass, it makes sense that it couldn’t anticipate the increased demand for test-free driving licences with the launch of the southbound travel scheme. Under the scheme, drivers of Guangdong vehicles can enter via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge to either park at a designated car park – transferring to the airport for a flight or to local... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3339383/hong-kongs-driving-licence-bottlenecks-undermine-its-car-travel-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3339383/hong-kongs-driving-licence-bottlenecks-undermine-its-car-travel-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words Much has been said in recent weeks about responsibility and accountability following the Tai Po tragedy. I would like to offer a different perspective – not to comment on the incident itself, but to reflect on why lapses of this kind feel both shocking and, unsettlingly, familiar... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3337514/why-lapses-tai-po-tragedy-are-both-shocking-and-familiar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3337514/why-lapses-tai-po-tragedy-are-both-shocking-and-familiar?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Dec 2025 03:30:08 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong authorities will extend the operating hours of Lo Wu and Shenzhen Bay checkpoints while stepping up public transport to manage cross-border passenger flow after the New Year countdown next week. Under special holiday arrangements, the Lo Wu checkpoint will remain open from New Year’s Eve until 2am the next day, while passenger and vehicle checkpoints at Shenzhen Bay will operate overnight, according to a government spokesman. “The government will closely monitor the situation and take... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3337741/hong-kong-extend-lo-wu-and-shenzhen-bay-checkpoint-hours-new-years-eve?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3337741/hong-kong-extend-lo-wu-and-shenzhen-bay-checkpoint-hours-new-years-eve?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:27:29 +0000 Denise Tsang,Harvey Kong,Oscar Liu Denise Tsang,Harvey Kong,Oscar Liu Tens of thousands of people were stuck for hours at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge early on Christmas Day, while the number of outbound trips by Hongkongers as of Thursday night saw an about 16 per cent rise from last year. Hong Kong police and the MTR Corporation also warned on Thursday morning that Shenzhen Bay, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control points were crowded and that travellers could expect longer waiting times to cross the border. Immigration Department figures showed Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3337697/thousands-stuck-hours-hong-kong-zhuhai-macau-bridge-christmas-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3337697/thousands-stuck-hours-hong-kong-zhuhai-macau-bridge-christmas-day?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 07:40:16 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong customs has intercepted more than 83,000 counterfeit items worth about HK$36 million (US$4.62 million) as part of a recent crackdown, warning that criminals are using the heightened seasonal demand as a “smokescreen” to move illicit goods to Europe and the Americas. The Customs and Excise Department said on Wednesday that the operation ran from December 8 to 19 and was conducted in response to a surge in cross-border logistics activities during the peak year-end shopping season. During... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3337639/hong-kong-customs-seize-counterfeit-goods-worth-hk36-million-crackdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3337639/hong-kong-customs-seize-counterfeit-goods-worth-hk36-million-crackdown?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:08:29 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu A new scheme that allows private cars from Guangdong province to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas has brought business opportunities for some, with users of a popular online platform selling courses on how to drive in the city or one-stop application services for mainland Chinese motorists. Local businesses are also offering perks to drivers using the scheme, ranging from parking discounts to accommodation packages. Under the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into Urban Area)”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337548/hong-kong-firms-hoping-new-southbound-travel-scheme-will-drive-more-business?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337548/hong-kong-firms-hoping-new-southbound-travel-scheme-will-drive-more-business?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:30:12 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong More than 700 mainland Chinese drivers have applied to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas under a new scheme starting on Tuesday, with transport authorities stressing that vehicles arriving through the policy will not worsen traffic conditions. Hong Kong’s Transport Department said on Thursday that the mainland car owners were among the 1,700 winners of a ballot that allowed them to apply for the scheme and was conducted by Guangdong authorities on November 23. “The booking quota is now set at 100... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3336872/over-700-mainland-chinese-drivers-apply-enter-hong-kong-under-travel-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3336872/over-700-mainland-chinese-drivers-apply-enter-hong-kong-under-travel-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:50:04 +0000 Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Hong Kong authorities have received more than 100 permit applications on the first day from mainland Chinese car owners seeking to drive directly into the city’s urban areas after bookings opened under a much-awaited cross-border entry scheme. The applications for the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme came from among 1,700 winners of a November 23 ballot conducted by the province’s authorities, which drew 2,388 registrations, the Transport Department said on Wednesday. After... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3335883/100-guangdong-drivers-apply-cross-border-entry-hong-kong-bookings-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3335883/100-guangdong-drivers-apply-cross-border-entry-hong-kong-bookings-open?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:01:05 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei China’s unmanned reconnaissance and strike helicopter tailored for deployment in plateau areas is ready for critical combat testing. The new multipurpose medium-sized helicopter was displayed on November 27 at an air show in Zhuhai, in southern China, where the next stage of testing was announced by its developer. The Moyujian was exhibited at the second Asia General Aviation Exhibition (Aero Asia), held from November 27 to 30. Aero Asia, jointly organised by the German General Aviation... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3335223/chinas-unmanned-moyujian-strike-helicopter-ready-plateau-combat-tests?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3335223/chinas-unmanned-moyujian-strike-helicopter-ready-plateau-combat-tests?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:00:39 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Nearly 2,400 mainland Chinese drivers have applied for 1,700 spots under a much-awaited special scheme that allows them to drive their cars directly into urban areas of Hong Kong, according to Guangdong authorities. The Traffic Management Authority of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department said on Sunday that 2,388 drivers had submitted applications earlier this month for the first round of balloting. The 1,700 successful applicants selected by computer ballot on Sunday can expect... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3333989/nearly-2400-guangdong-drivers-apply-cross-border-entry-scheme-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3333989/nearly-2400-guangdong-drivers-apply-cross-border-entry-scheme-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:51:50 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong has recorded two more imported cases of the mosquito-borne viral disease chikungunya involving a man and a woman who had both recently travelled to mainland China. The latest cases pushed the total number of confirmed infections in the city to 70 so far this year, of which four were locally acquired, the Centre for Health Protection said on Sunday. The man, 69, lives in Yuen Long. He visited Yunnan province with three other friends between November 9 and 16. According to preliminary... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3333864/chikungunya-strikes-two-hong-kong-travellers-infection-count-rises-70?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3333864/chikungunya-strikes-two-hong-kong-travellers-infection-count-rises-70?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:42:18 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen More than 3,000 mainland Chinese and Macau drivers have registered for a scheme that allows them to leave their vehicles near Hong Kong airport before boarding a flight, with the city’s transport chief hailing the opening of a car park for the policy as “a milestone”. The “Park and Fly” scheme’s automatic car park, situated near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, welcomed its first batch of cross-border users on Saturday. The policy allows users to leave their vehicles at the facility so they... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3332917/3000-mainland-chinese-macau-drivers-join-hong-kong-park-and-fly-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3332917/3000-mainland-chinese-macau-drivers-join-hong-kong-park-and-fly-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Nov 2025 07:16:24 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Travel convenience is fundamental to Hong Kong’s integration with the mainland. The need to further enhance travel has become more important under an intensifying drive to accelerate the pace of development within the Greater Bay Area. Thanks to the advances in technology in recent years, visitors can breeze through immigration by simply showing their face to a reading machine. Those who have experienced the hassle-free arrangement would appreciate the efficiency, especially when they are caught... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3331593/steps-make-hong-kong-mainland-travel-more-efficient-are-welcome?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3331593/steps-make-hong-kong-mainland-travel-more-efficient-are-welcome?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 22:45:09 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will be closed to both public and private transport for several hours on Saturday for a National Games road cycling event, and journeys to the city’s airport could face delays of up to 30 minutes due to the race. The 231.8km (144-mile) men’s individual road cycling event will be held across three cities on Saturday, with 55.8km of the race taking place in Hong Kong. The other segments of the race will be held in Zhuhai and Macau. “To facilitate the overall... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3331663/hong-kong-mega-bridge-close-national-games-cyclists-hit-road-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3331663/hong-kong-mega-bridge-close-national-games-cyclists-hit-road-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:07:21 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong airport authorities have received about 400 applications for new automated parking facilities opening next week, which will allow mainland Chinese visitors to leave their vehicles and arrive at the check-in counters for overseas flights within half an hour. The Airport Authority on Wednesday showcased its fully automated “Park and Fly” car park located within the restricted area of the city’s port at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The five-storey facility, offering 1,800 parking... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3331586/hong-kong-airport-gets-400-mainland-chinese-applications-park-and-fly-services?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3331586/hong-kong-airport-gets-400-mainland-chinese-applications-park-and-fly-services?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:30:05 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hongkongers will be able to use facial recognition fast lanes at more mainland Chinese checkpoints, while professionals from additional regions across the border will be granted longer stays in the city under new policies announced by national immigration authorities on Monday. The Hong Kong government welcomed the new measures, saying it would continue to liaise closely with mainland authorities to facilitate exchanges through more innovative policies and enable the city to further integrate... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3331300/faster-border-access-hongkongers-under-new-mainland-chinese-immigration-policy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3331300/faster-border-access-hongkongers-under-new-mainland-chinese-immigration-policy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:48:05 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong reported two imported cases of chikungunya on Saturday, both of whom were hospitalised and are now in stable condition, bringing the total number of cases this year to 54, according to health authorities. The first case involved a 32-year-old woman living in Sha Tin who had travelled to India between October 9 and 23. She developed a rash and joint pain on the last day of her trip, followed by a fever the next day. She first consulted a private doctor on October 29 and later went to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3331188/hong-kong-reports-2-imported-chikungunya-cases-bringing-total-54-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3331188/hong-kong-reports-2-imported-chikungunya-cases-bringing-total-54-year?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:11:51 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Motorists from four Guangdong cities will be able to apply to enter Hong Kong under a new travel scheme from Saturday, while applications to drive into urban areas will open on December 9, the government has announced. The government said on Friday that applications for the “Park and Fly” car park at the airport would open at 9am on November 1, with operations commencing at midnight on November 15. Both sides also agreed that eligible mainland Chinese applicants could submit applications from... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3331060/hong-kong-expands-cross-border-access-guangdong-motorists-under-new-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3331060/hong-kong-expands-cross-border-access-guangdong-motorists-under-new-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:22:56 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing On a recent weekend, the members-only Lantau Yacht Club in Hong Kong hosted a high-profile boat show, with Rolls-Royce limousines, luxury Jacob & Co timepieces, drones and live music all part of the package to tempt well-heeled guests. The privately owned yacht club, in Lantau’s Island’s resort-like Discovery Bay neighbourhood, was a pioneer in reconfiguring operations to target high-end superyachts in 2020 and has 148 wet berths and associated facilities. Franklin Mak, executive vice-president... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3330963/hong-kong-has-set-course-join-yacht-club-asia-can-it-find-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3330963/hong-kong-has-set-course-join-yacht-club-asia-can-it-find-way?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:30:09 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Driverless vehicles will operate on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and in Kai Tak in November after transport authorities issued two more licences. The Transport Department said on Thursday that Baidu Apollo International and the Airport Authority were the latest companies authorised to pilot autonomous vehicles on designated routes from November 7 under the Road Traffic Regulation. The pilot licences are valid for five years. Baidu Apollo International, which already obtained two licences to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3330889/hong-kong-approves-driverless-vehicles-mega-bridge-kai-tak-november?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3330889/hong-kong-approves-driverless-vehicles-mega-bridge-kai-tak-november?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:43:00 +0000 Victoria Bela Victoria Bela Chinese scientists have unveiled what they say is the world’s first brain-like intelligent computer the size of a mini fridge, which has the capabilities of a room-sized supercomputer while using 90 per cent less power. The BI Explorer computing system, or BIE-1, was revealed by members of the Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology (GDIIST) at a forum held in the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in southern China on Friday. The device packs the capabilities of a... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3330383/china-unveils-mini-fridge-ai-server-uses-90-less-power-other-systems?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3330383/china-unveils-mini-fridge-ai-server-uses-90-less-power-other-systems?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Oct 2025 15:00:12 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong customs officers have seized HK$10 million (US$1.29 million) worth of suspected counterfeit sports and luxury shoes such as Nike, Adidas, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, believed to be intended for overseas markets to capitalise on a demand driven by global mega-events. “At mega-events such as sports shoes exhibitions, many collectors and enthusiasts will trade items on site, driving up demand for high-quality counterfeit sports shoes,” said Inspector Yeung Tit-fung of the Customs and Excise... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3329946/hong-kong-customs-seize-hk10-million-bogus-nike-adidas-shoes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3329946/hong-kong-customs-seize-hk10-million-bogus-nike-adidas-shoes?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:36:22 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Cross-border trips have long become part and parcel of city life under the national drive for closer integration within the Greater Bay Area. While travelling via public transport is as easy as hopping on a bus or a train, access for private vehicles is still lagging behind. The much-touted reciprocal arrangement for Guangdong vehicles to head south is finally gearing up for implementation next month, after a northbound scheme has been in place for Hong Kong drivers for more than two years. The... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3329443/new-cross-border-driving-scheme-win-win-hong-kong-and-guangdong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3329443/new-cross-border-driving-scheme-win-win-hong-kong-and-guangdong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 22:45:14 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Shenzhen resident Angela Lyu was excited about the recent news that Guangdong motorists will be able to drive and stay in Hong Kong for three days under a cross-border travel scheme, but balked at the prospect of high parking fees and a required detour. The “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme is due to open for applications in November, and successful applicants will be able to drive into the city by the end of the year. In a post on mainland Chinese social media platform RedNote,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3329553/can-hong-kongs-southbound-travel-policy-motorists-be-tourism-driver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3329553/can-hong-kongs-southbound-travel-policy-motorists-be-tourism-driver?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 04:35:02 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Motorists from mainland China entering Hong Kong under a new travel scheme must abide by the city’s laws, the transport minister has warned. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Saturday that authorities would have systems in place to track drivers with unpaid penalties through their registered mainland payment methods. Under the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme, motorists from the southern Chinese province will be able to apply to drive into Hong Kong from... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3329506/guangdong-motorists-must-follow-hong-kong-laws-under-new-scheme-transport-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3329506/guangdong-motorists-must-follow-hong-kong-laws-under-new-scheme-transport-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 07:16:01 +0000 Jess Ma,Cannix Yau Jess Ma,Cannix Yau Guangdong motorists approved to drive in Hong Kong will be allowed to stay in the city for up to three days at a time under a new cross-border scheme, a government paper has revealed, with authorities set to roll out the plan next month. A paper submitted to the Legislative Council by the Transport and Logistics Bureau on Tuesday laid out details of the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme, including the duration of stay for mainland Chinese drivers in the city. “For entry into the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3329011/guangdong-drivers-get-3-day-stay-hong-kong-under-new-cross-border-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3329011/guangdong-drivers-get-3-day-stay-hong-kong-under-new-cross-border-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:12:49 +0000 Willa Wu,Jess Ma Willa Wu,Jess Ma Hong Kong’s leader has revealed that a torch relay route for the coming National Games is being planned to showcase the city’s culture, while authorities have said that a section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will be sealed off for a cross-border cycling race. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Tuesday that he had brought back the National Games’ torch after attending a flame-lighting ceremony in Nansha, Guangzhou, on October 9. “Early next month, the torch relay will be held... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3328955/national-games-torch-relay-hong-kong-highlight-citys-culture-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3328955/national-games-torch-relay-hong-kong-highlight-citys-culture-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:10:53 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities have dispelled rumours about the potential expansion of a scheme allowing local vehicles to enter mainland China to include more border checkpoints. A spokesman for the Transport Department also said on Sunday that it had referred the misinformation about the expansion of the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme to police for follow-up action. A screenshot of a WhatsApp message circulating on social media included claims that vehicles registered under the scheme... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3328707/hong-kong-dispels-rumours-more-checkpoints-open-northbound-travel-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3328707/hong-kong-dispels-rumours-more-checkpoints-open-northbound-travel-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Oct 2025 11:12:10 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong China’s largest courier, SF Express, has said that it is looking at offering cross-border drone delivery services between Hong Kong and four mainland cities. The company revealed its plan on Friday as Hong Kong’s transport chief stressed the need for a resilient logistics ecosystem with geopolitical tensions rising. Kenny Lau, chief technology officer at SF Express Hong Kong, said that the second stage of the company’s plan would be to expand the service to cover all cities in the Greater Bay... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3328586/sf-express-looks-drone-deliveries-between-hong-kong-4-mainland-chinese-cities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3328586/sf-express-looks-drone-deliveries-between-hong-kong-4-mainland-chinese-cities?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:23:44 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Hong Kong authorities have prepared transport and crowd control measures ahead of the National Day celebrations at key locations such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge and High Island Reservoir East Dam. The government revealed on Monday a string of targeted measures for the East Dam in Sai Kung, an attraction especially popular among mainland Chinese travellers but lacking in transport options. The Transport Department said minibus operators would extend weekday services during mainland... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327275/hong-kong-rolls-out-transport-crowd-control-measures-national-day-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327275/hong-kong-rolls-out-transport-crowd-control-measures-national-day-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:11:09 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei Workers in Guangdong province in southern China were still trying to restore communication networks and transport to several islands on Friday after the area was battered by Super Typhoon Ragasa. Ragasa made landfall in Yangjiang, western Guangdong, about 5pm on Wednesday, bringing torrential rain and strong winds that caused flooding and transport disruptions across cities in the province. The storm’s record strength delivered sustained wind speeds of up to 265km/h (165 mph) on Monday, making... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3326964/super-typhoon-ragasa-workers-southern-china-move-restore-communications-islands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3326964/super-typhoon-ragasa-workers-southern-china-move-restore-communications-islands?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:46:11 +0000 Alcott Wei Alcott Wei The southern Chinese province of Guangdong was mopping up on Thursday after a battering from Ragasa, a super typhoon that has since weakened into a tropical storm. Ragasa made landfall at Yangjiang, in western Guangdong, at around 5pm on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that caused flooding and disrupted transport in cities across the province. Despite the storm’s record strength – it became the world’s strongest typhoon so far this year with sustained wind speeds of up to 265km/h... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3326846/southern-china-cleans-after-lashing-super-typhoon-ragasa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3326846/southern-china-cleans-after-lashing-super-typhoon-ragasa?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:19:55 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng Cities in China’s southern provinces are bracing for Ragasa, the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year, with Shenzhen warning of “disastrous calamities” ahead and preparing to relocate hundreds of thousands of people. The National Meteorological Centre said on Sunday that Ragasa, the 18th typhoon this year, had intensified into a super typhoon on Sunday morning and was expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to wide areas of the country’s southern and eastern regions. It is... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3326357/super-typhoon-ragasa-china-braces-disaster-shenzhen-set-evacuate-400000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3326357/super-typhoon-ragasa-china-braces-disaster-shenzhen-set-evacuate-400000?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:19:55 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong will expedite its push into the autonomous driving sector, with plans to expand vehicle testing to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port and the Kai Tak development area, the transport chief has said. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Sunday that three autonomous driving projects would enter the testing phase this year, as announced in last week’s policy address. Driverless vehicles would be trialled at SkyCity between the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3326306/hong-kong-expand-driverless-vehicle-testing-3-locations-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3326306/hong-kong-expand-driverless-vehicle-testing-3-locations-year?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:41:45 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Cathay Cargo has extended its services to include sending overseas perishable food and produce flown into Hong Kong to Greater Bay Area (GBA) clients by land, with an analyst saying the first-of-its-kind operation will fend off competition amid worsening geopolitics. The cargo arm of local flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways said it was the first airline to provide such services under a cross-border policy called the “Air-Land Fresh Lane” that expedited the transshipment of fruits as well as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3325774/hong-kongs-cathay-cargo-extends-services-cover-land-shipping-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3325774/hong-kongs-cathay-cargo-extends-services-cover-land-shipping-greater-bay-area?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:23:25 +0000 Geoffrey Chan,Brad Kininmonth Geoffrey Chan,Brad Kininmonth For cities around the world, hosting the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games is often seen as both a prestigious honour and a daunting economic burden. The need to construct sports complexes, modernise transport networks and expand accommodation capacity can saddle hosts with debt and infrastructure that often falls into disuse post-Games. But what if the host has the DNA for hosting a successful Olympics and can surmount this financial strain? What comes to mind is the Greater Bay Area – a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3324566/why-greater-bay-area-should-host-2036-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3324566/why-greater-bay-area-should-host-2036-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Fresh seafood and fruits arriving by air in Hong Kong for re-export can now be transferred directly to mainland China for clearance as one of several new measures to help the city remain competitive in a tariff-laden global trade environment, the customs chief has said. Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat also told the Post in an exclusive interview that mainland-made electric vehicles (EVs) exported to Hong Kong could now be stored for free at Nansha port in Guangzhou, with the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3321333/hong-kong-eases-seafood-fruit-and-electric-car-rules-tackle-us-tariff-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3321333/hong-kong-eases-seafood-fruit-and-electric-car-rules-tackle-us-tariff-war?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Aug 2025 13:21:29 +0000