https://www.scmp.com/rss/511174/feed Latest news and updates on the reopening of the border between Hong Kong and mainland China amid the coronavirus pandemic. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Julie Zhang Julie Zhang Hong Kong has welcomed a new wave of travellers combining business and leisure, who have revitalised the city’s luxury hotel sector, according to Benjamin Vuchot, the executive director and CEO of Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels (HSH), operator of The Peninsula Hotels. “The opportunity is primarily driven by business trips, but it evolves into leisure as well,” Vuchot said in an interview with the Post on Wednesday. “That’s a very important trend from a growth perspective.” He noted that what... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3320997/hong-kongs-peninsula-hotels-sees-bleisure-boom-after-pandemic-curbs-ceo-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3320997/hong-kongs-peninsula-hotels-sees-bleisure-boom-after-pandemic-curbs-ceo-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:44:35 +0000 When discussing Hong Kong’s and Singapore’s comparative advantages, pundits have often framed the narrative in Dickensian terms as “a tale of two cities”. Both economies are vibrant financial, trading and shipping hubs, and are in direct competition in many areas. Yet it would be delusional to hold Singapore up as Hong Kong’s chief rival. The supposed competition to attract touring pop stars and family offices distracts from fundamental differences in the structure and outlook of the two... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3305198/hong-kongs-economy-needs-lean-and-mean-civil-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3305198/hong-kongs-economy-needs-lean-and-mean-civil-service?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Apr 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li The number of people travelling in tour groups to mainland China via high-speed rail from Hong Kong may increase by 30 per cent this year, amid growing demand for the new transport mode, a leading travel agency has said. Wing On Travel released the findings of a survey about travellers’ interest in the high-speed rail service, predicting the number of people visiting the mainland during the Easter holiday next month would more than double compared with the same period last year. The survey,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3303155/group-travellers-taking-hong-kong-high-speed-train-mainland-may-rise-30?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3303155/group-travellers-taking-hong-kong-high-speed-train-mainland-may-rise-30?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Mar 2025 08:34:31 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Businesses in Hong Kong must catch up with their counterparts across the border as locals’ needs are not being met in the city, nightlife tycoon Allan Zeman has said following the busy opening of a mainland Chinese karaoke chain in Lan Kwai Fong. His comments were prompted by the official launch of Beijing-based karaoke chain Mei KTV’s first flagship location outside the mainland on Friday, with the company setting up shop on the fourth floor of California Tower in Central earlier this... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298868/mei-ktvs-hong-kong-launch-triggers-call-city-businesses-meet-locals-needs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298868/mei-ktvs-hong-kong-launch-triggers-call-city-businesses-meet-locals-needs?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Feb 2025 04:57:06 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu Hong Kong lenders, intent on enticing visitors from mainland China to open new accounts during the Lunar New Year festive period, are offering a bevy of perks including cash rebates, lucky draws, afternoon tea vouchers, hotel stays and dinners overlooking the Lunar New Year fireworks or horse races. As the Year of the Snake begins, the government expects the city to welcome about 1.43 million mainlanders during the “golden week” holiday, spanning January 28 to February 4. To compete for new... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3296603/year-snake-fireworks-cash-hong-kong-banks-vie-lure-mainland-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3296603/year-snake-fireworks-cash-hong-kong-banks-vie-lure-mainland-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:30:07 +0000 Oscar Liu,Wynna Wong Oscar Liu,Wynna Wong Dozens of mainland Chinese people are offering tour guide services in Hong Kong but many of them are believed to be unlicensed or potentially breaching their conditions of stay, fuelling calls for authorities to crack down on the illegal activity. The trend is under the spotlight after the Immigration Department said it had arrested eight mainlanders over the past week for working illegally in the city as tour guides known as dipei and cross-border couriers providing “reverse purchasing”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3295706/hong-kong-urged-crack-down-unlicensed-tour-guides-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3295706/hong-kong-urged-crack-down-unlicensed-tour-guides-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:30:16 +0000 In this series of stories to mark five years since Hong Kong recorded its first Covid-19 case on January 22, 2020, the Post looks at how some residents’ lives changed and examines the city’s readiness for the next global pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic is over, but Hongkonger Eunice To continues to cope with a severe skin condition and health issues she is convinced were triggered by vaccines. The 26-year-old has no proof, and doctors she saw were divided on whether the vaccines could be blamed.... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3295378/hongkongers-worsening-eczema-food-allergies-fuel-her-doubts-over-covid-jabs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3295378/hongkongers-worsening-eczema-food-allergies-fuel-her-doubts-over-covid-jabs?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2025 09:33:37 +0000 Some Hongkongers have embraced a festive twist this Christmas season by choosing to celebrate the holiday in mainland China, drawn by the open spaces and wallet-friendly options. While Christmas is not an official holiday on the mainland, many shopping centres joined in the festivities by setting up elaborate decorations and themed photo spots. In Nanshan district, MixC World mall offers a winter wonderland with snowscapes, reindeer and huge Christmas trees. The shopping centre features hourly... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3292183/christmas-mainland-hongkongers-opt-festive-fun-across-border?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3292183/christmas-mainland-hongkongers-opt-festive-fun-across-border?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:13:16 +0000 Cao Li Cao Li Rafting and hot springs are some of the activities Hong Kong residents indulge in when they travel to Greater Bay Area cities on the mainland, according to a survey. More than 30 per cent of Hongkongers who have been to the mainland at least three times in the past 12 months have tried rafting, 26 per cent have enjoyed hot springs, and some 22 per cent have experienced spa and massage treatments, according to a survey by Tongcheng Travel, an online travel agency. Skiing, golf and horse riding... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3291571/hongkongers-find-lure-greater-bay-areas-attractions-hard-resist-survey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3291571/hongkongers-find-lure-greater-bay-areas-attractions-hard-resist-survey?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Dec 2024 07:00:07 +0000 The return of multi-entry visas for Shenzhen residents will be crucial for Hong Kong’s tourism recovery and balancing out the impact of locals spending across the border, observers have said, while stressing the need for action from authorities and the business sector. Beijing announced on Friday that Shenzhen residents could apply for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong from December 1. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu had hinted on Thursday the city would soon have positive news to share over... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3288575/return-multi-entry-visas-crucial-hong-kong-tourism-recovery-observers-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3288575/return-multi-entry-visas-crucial-hong-kong-tourism-recovery-observers-say?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:30:07 +0000 Kahon Chan Kahon Chan Hong Kong newborns will soon be able to obtain permits to enter mainland China on the spot at four border crossings, replacing the current five-working-day waiting time. The new arrangement was revealed in a letter by the exit and entry administration to a lawmaker on Wednesday, but the implementation date remained unclear. The letter said parents of Hong Kong-born babies would be able to apply for permits issued on the same day for travelling to the mainland at the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3284436/hong-kong-newborns-get-mainland-china-entry-permits-spot-some-border-crossings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3284436/hong-kong-newborns-get-mainland-china-entry-permits-spot-some-border-crossings?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Oct 2024 06:14:42 +0000 The high vacancy rates of Hong Kong offices, in particular grade A offices, appear to show no sign of easing, according to recent data compiled by property consultancies CBRE, JLL, Savills and Cushman & Wakefield. I understand that this could be attributed to an increase in supply in grade A offices in the core business areas. While there are reportedly cases where companies relocated from noncore areas back to core areas, spurred by competitive rental adjustments in prime locations,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3284285/what-hong-kong-can-do-improve-its-office-occupancy-rate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3284285/what-hong-kong-can-do-improve-its-office-occupancy-rate?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Oct 2024 03:30:08 +0000 More polling stations could be set up near the border to help Hongkongers living or working in mainland China to vote in next year’s Legislative Council election, a minister has said. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai also reiterated on Sunday that more IT and technology would be used to improve efficiency in the election process, such as in voter registration and counting ballots. “In the coming Legco election, we will follow more or less the same line of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3284056/hong-kong-may-add-more-voting-stations-near-border-mainland-based-residents-legco-poll?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3284056/hong-kong-may-add-more-voting-stations-near-border-mainland-based-residents-legco-poll?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Oct 2024 08:49:26 +0000 Foreign business chambers in Hong Kong have hailed the relaxed multi-entry visa rules for non-permanent residents in the city travelling to mainland China, saying the move made the country more appealing as a destination for global professionals while reducing administrative hassles. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced in his annual policy address on Wednesday that foreign employees at overseas companies registered in Hong Kong would be eligible for multi-entry visas for cross-border... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3282805/business-chambers-hail-longer-5-year-mainland-china-travel-visa-hong-kong-expats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3282805/business-chambers-hail-longer-5-year-mainland-china-travel-visa-hong-kong-expats?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:30:12 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu Rich customers from mainland China and Asia prefer to deploy their wealth in Hong Kong as they seek wider investment choices and better returns, which in turn is driving Citibank’s international wealth-management business, according to a senior executive. Citibank, the wealth-management arm of Wall Street giant Citigroup, saw its high-net-worth international personal banking clients double in the first eight months this year from a year earlier, said Janus Wu, head of international personal... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3280301/hong-kong-magnet-asias-rich-diverse-investment-options-boost-citibanks-clientele?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3280301/hong-kong-magnet-asias-rich-diverse-investment-options-boost-citibanks-clientele?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Sep 2024 23:30:18 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong customs has warned cross-border shoppers against bringing uncooked food such as raw meat, poultry and eggs into the city, with authorities recording a 30 per cent increase in arrests related to such activities. Jacqueline Lee Lai-yee, the Customs and Excise Department’s deputy head of land boundary command, urged residents and visitors to refrain from bringing in restricted food items ahead of the National Day holiday. Cross-border grocery shopping in neighbouring Shenzhen has become... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3279885/hong-kong-customs-warns-cross-border-shoppers-not-bring-raw-meat-and-eggs-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3279885/hong-kong-customs-warns-cross-border-shoppers-not-bring-raw-meat-and-eggs-city?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:52:35 +0000 More than 10 million trips are expected to be made across Hong Kong’s borders during the National Day holiday period, with authorities saying land crossings to mainland China will be particularly congested. The Immigration Department said on Tuesday about 10.03 million people, including residents and tourists, would pass through the city’s sea, land and air crossings from Saturday to October 7. About 85 per cent of travellers are expected to use land crossings to Macau or neighbouring mainland... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3279802/hong-kong-expects-10-million-trips-border-crossings-over-national-day-holiday-period?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3279802/hong-kong-expects-10-million-trips-border-crossings-over-national-day-holiday-period?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:03:22 +0000 Hong Kong authorities striking off a tour guide for threatening mainland Chinese visitors to make them spend has shown that low-cost trips with shopping excursions are still rife, despite the city turning its focus to in-depth tourism. Tourism industry representatives told the Post on Saturday the revocation of tour guide Lam Chun-fai’s licence served as a warning that such behaviour was unacceptable. While some said the incident would not affect Hong Kong’s reputation as a tourist destination,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278531/tour-guide-struck-threatening-mainlanders-shows-low-cost-trips-are-rife-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278531/tour-guide-struck-threatening-mainlanders-shows-low-cost-trips-are-rife-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Sep 2024 08:23:22 +0000 A Hong Kong tour guide who was found to have threatened visitors to make them shop has been struck off for damaging the sector’s reputation. The Travel Industry Authority said on Friday it had revoked Lam Chun-fai’s tourist guide licence after investigating complaints by some members of a mainland Chinese tour group in February that he strong-armed them into shopping. Lam also berated those who were reluctant to spend and threatened the group that the trip could be affected if they did not buy... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278488/hong-kong-tour-guide-struck-threatening-mainland-chinese-reluctant-shop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3278488/hong-kong-tour-guide-struck-threatening-mainland-chinese-reluctant-shop?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:54:42 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Nina Hospitality, the hotel unit of Hong Kong-based private developer Chinachem Group, is looking to expand into mainland China and overseas markets such as the UK, Australia and Singapore within two years. The company is setting the goal following a 2021 rebranding effort helmed by its new managing director Simon Manning, who joined the company the same year. “Our goal in the short term is to be a leading hospitality group within Hong Kong,” Manning said in an interview with the Post. “But... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3277647/chinachems-nina-hospitality-eyes-uk-singapore-markets-while-hong-kong-regains-momentum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3277647/chinachems-nina-hospitality-eyes-uk-singapore-markets-while-hong-kong-regains-momentum?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Sep 2024 04:30:12 +0000 Salina Li Salina Li Spanish fast-fashion brand Mango has signed a three-year lease for a new shop in Central, Hong Kong’s prime retail district, at a discount of more than 50 per cent from its peak more than a decade ago. The outlet will occupy 14,000 sq ft over two levels at Asia Standard Tower in Queen’s Road Central. The lease runs from September 1 to August 31, 2027. The monthly rent for the premises is set at HK$1.25 million (US$160,220) in the first year and will increase by HK$50,000 in each of the next two... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3276148/spanish-retailer-mango-snags-prime-hong-kong-shop-50-discount-amid-retail-slump?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3276148/spanish-retailer-mango-snags-prime-hong-kong-shop-50-discount-amid-retail-slump?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Aug 2024 23:30:13 +0000 A home furnishing store group and a 70-year-old musical instrument chain have closed two stores each and one of the retailers said a trend towards shopping across the border and overseas had hit sales. Pricerite, which also sells electrical appliances, has shut its Kennedy Town and North Point branches, leaving it with only one shop on Hong Kong Island and 13 across the city. Tom Lee Music has also closed two shops, one in Kennedy Town and the other at Olympian City in West Kowloon. Pricerite... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3275771/hong-kong-home-store-chain-and-musical-instrument-retailer-shut-branches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3275771/hong-kong-home-store-chain-and-musical-instrument-retailer-shut-branches?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Aug 2024 10:42:03 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu AIA Group, Asia’s largest insurer, reported its best first-half profit in five years, as mainland Chinese customers continue buying policies in Hong Kong with an eye on better investment returns and as a hedge against a weakening yuan. Net profit rose 53 per cent on constant exchange rate in the six months to June to US$3.31 billion, or 29.53 US cents per share, according to a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange on Thursday. This exceeded analysts’ estimates of a 45 per cent increase in net... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3275399/aias-first-half-profit-jumps-53-amid-mainlanders-insurance-buying-spree-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3275399/aias-first-half-profit-jumps-53-amid-mainlanders-insurance-buying-spree-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Aug 2024 02:23:47 +0000 Eric Jiang,Xinyi Wu,Tom Shuai Eric Jiang,Xinyi Wu,Tom Shuai The Australia-themed, American restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse announced it will close nearly half its branches in Hong Kong, blaming high rents and weak sales, as the city’s consumers troop to mainland cities like Shenzhen for shopping and entertainment amid easier cross-border travel. Outback will shut nine of the 19 branches it operates in the city, affecting more than 300 of its staff, it said. The chain has outlets located across the city, from Hong Kong Island to New Territories, and... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3272264/outback-shuts-9-hong-kong-steak-houses-lays-300-staff-diners-head-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3272264/outback-shuts-9-hong-kong-steak-houses-lays-300-staff-diners-head-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jul 2024 05:30:09 +0000 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, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification I refer to the letter, “How Hong Kong can deliver on its brand promise as ‘Asia’s world city’” (July 12). Your correspondent should take heart from mainland China’s moves to expand visa-free access... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3271150/hong-kong-can-capitalise-mainland-chinas-tourism-moves?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3271150/hong-kong-can-capitalise-mainland-chinas-tourism-moves?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:30:09 +0000 Hong Kong retiree Donika Liu leaves her home in Tsuen Wan at 8am and starts a 90-minute train journey across the border to Shenzhen. At the University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital in Futian, she sees a doctor and collects a month’s supply of a targeted therapy drug for her cancer. She is done by noon, and then begins her journey home. “I make these long, arduous trips across the border to get life-saving medication I cannot afford in Hong Kong,” 59-year-old Liu said. Single and living alone,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3271269/hong-kong-patients-want-faster-cheaper-treatments-now-theyre-flocking-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3271269/hong-kong-patients-want-faster-cheaper-treatments-now-theyre-flocking-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jul 2024 01:00:18 +0000 Picturesque natural scenery, bargains and the chance to enjoy entirely new experiences have encouraged Hong Kong-based domestic helper Afolin Candaza to head to mainland China multiple times. The 41-year-old Filipino, who has worked in Hong Kong for 10 years, has joined three day-trip group tours taking helpers to neighbouring Guangdong province since August of last year. Candaza said she was eager to explore the mainland during her weekly day off on Sunday as she had already covered Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3271229/growing-number-hong-kongs-domestic-helpers-embracing-holidaying-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3271229/growing-number-hong-kongs-domestic-helpers-embracing-holidaying-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jul 2024 04:04:57 +0000 Yulu Ao,Salina Li Yulu Ao,Salina Li A tide of mainland Chinese retail brands expanding in Hong Kong appears to have ebbed, with several food and beverage chains ending their tenancies as their businesses have come under intense pressure. Newcomers need to think hard about the locations they select and how best to cater to local tastes to survive sky-high rents and fierce competition, analysts and industry insiders say. LMM (Ling Meng Meng), a lemon tea brand, closed its first shop in Hong Kong last week, less than a year after... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3267728/mainland-retailers-struggle-survive-hong-kongs-sky-high-rents-fierce-competition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3267728/mainland-retailers-struggle-survive-hong-kongs-sky-high-rents-fierce-competition?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Jun 2024 23:00:17 +0000 Salina Li Salina Li Hong Kong beauty products retailer Sa Sa International saw its profit jump almost fourfold in the last financial year as the number of mainland Chinese tourists returning to shop in the city continued to rise. The company said on Thursday it is cautious about opening new stores in the city, however, as the retail environment remains challenging in the absence of supportive government policies. The cosmetics chain reported a gain of 276 per cent in earnings to HK$218.9 million (US$28 million) for... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3267399/beauty-chain-sa-sas-profit-soars-mainland-tourists-return-shop-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3267399/beauty-chain-sa-sas-profit-soars-mainland-tourists-return-shop-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Jun 2024 11:34:07 +0000 Hong Kong authorities should work with their mainland Chinese counterparts to reduce severe traffic jams on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, according to a lawmaker who was stuck for four hours at the border crossing during the long weekend. Transport sector lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu on Wednesday urged Hong Kong authorities to work with the Macau and mainland governments to ramp up immigration clearance capacities at the border to improve traffic flow and avoid the bottleneck travellers were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3266282/lawmaker-calls-hong-kong-and-mainland-authorities-reduce-jams-border-bridge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3266282/lawmaker-calls-hong-kong-and-mainland-authorities-reduce-jams-border-bridge?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Jun 2024 06:18:17 +0000 Retired Hong Kong minibus driver Cheng Yee-man, 66, crossed the border and headed to a hospital in neighbouring Shenzhen to get a dental check-up in March. The journey by train and bus from her home in Ho Man Tin to Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital took about two hours. It was the second time she had made the trip there after receiving good service when she went to have a rotten wisdom tooth pulled last year. Cheng said she needed to get the work done before urgent knee surgery, but private clinics... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3265087/costly-hong-kong-dental-care-pushes-more-patients-visit-neighbouring-shenzhen-fill-service-gaps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3265087/costly-hong-kong-dental-care-pushes-more-patients-visit-neighbouring-shenzhen-fill-service-gaps?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Jun 2024 12:36:21 +0000 Life insurance sales in Hong Kong surged by 39 per cent in the first quarter thanks to a world record policy sold by HSBC Life and strong growth in the number of mainland Chinese visitors buying policies in the city, according to data from the industry regulator. New life insurance sales in the first three months rose to HK$65.3 billion (US$8.4 billion) from HK$47 billion a year earlier. Sales of policies to mainland visitors amounted to HK$15.63 billion, the Insurance Authority figures showed,... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3264869/life-insurance-sales-hong-kong-surged-first-quarter-thanks-world-record-policy-soaring-demand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3264869/life-insurance-sales-hong-kong-surged-first-quarter-thanks-world-record-policy-soaring-demand?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 May 2024 07:48:51 +0000 People from eight mainland Chinese cities in remote regions such as Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang and Tibet will be able to visit Hong Kong without the need to join group tours after Beijing announced it would further expand a solo traveller scheme to boost the tourism sector. The National Immigration Administration said on Saturday residents in the cities would be able to apply to visit from May 27. The eight cities are all provincial and regional capitals: Taiyuan in Shanxi; Hohhot in Inner... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3262295/beijing-adds-8-mainland-chinese-cities-hong-kong-solo-traveller-scheme-residents-parts-inner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3262295/beijing-adds-8-mainland-chinese-cities-hong-kong-solo-traveller-scheme-residents-parts-inner?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 May 2024 03:04:08 +0000 Hong Kong has readied traffic measures at border crossings and will extend train services on Thursday night as Taiwanese band Mayday wraps up its concert series after being forced to postpone a show last week due to bad weather and a huge LED sphere installation catching fire. The rock group will perform the rescheduled concert at the Central harbourfront at 7.15pm, with the Transport Department announcing the bolstered services would be in place to cope with an expected uptick in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3261975/hong-kong-steps-border-transport-measures-taiwanese-band-mayday-plays-last-show-series-after-rain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3261975/hong-kong-steps-border-transport-measures-taiwanese-band-mayday-plays-last-show-series-after-rain?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 May 2024 04:40:36 +0000 The tireless efforts the government is making to reboot Hong Kong’s economy will be futile if the city’s leaders fail to grasp the challenge of integration within the Greater Bay Area and come up with strategies to turn the challenges into opportunities. A framework agreement for deepening cooperation between Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macau was signed on July 1, 2017. Almost seven years on, development in the bay area plan is bringing about profound changes to Hongkongers’ lifestyle and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3259598/hong-kong-must-turn-greater-bay-area-integration-challenges-opportunities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3259598/hong-kong-must-turn-greater-bay-area-integration-challenges-opportunities?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Apr 2024 01:15:12 +0000 Hong Kong’s tourism sector has expressed optimism over their business prospects during mainland China’s Labour Day “golden week” holiday, with a representative saying the industry is hoping for a 30 per cent increase in the number of tourists from across the border compared with last year. The forecast came hours after Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu vowed on Tuesday to bring in more tourists during the five-day holiday starting on May 1 and showcase Hong Kong as a “city of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3259231/hong-kong-tourism-sector-optimistic-over-prospects-during-mainland-chinas-labour-day-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3259231/hong-kong-tourism-sector-optimistic-over-prospects-during-mainland-chinas-labour-day-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:51:59 +0000 Swire Properties is shutting down the group’s first ever hotel, The Opposite House in Beijing, after 16 years to make way for an “innovative retail landmark”, according to a spokesman. Located in the upmarket Taikoo Li Sanlitun (TLS) area in the Chinese capital, the 99-room hotel, which is known for its emerald glass architecture designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, will cease operations on June 30. “The latest plan represents Swire Properties’ long-term commitment to Sanlitun,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3258296/swire-properties-close-opposite-house-beijing-groups-first-hotel-it-eyes-redevelopment-retail?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3258296/swire-properties-close-opposite-house-beijing-groups-first-hotel-it-eyes-redevelopment-retail?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Apr 2024 02:38:36 +0000 South Korean Hannah Kim visited Hong Kong for three days this month with her boyfriend, and they made sure to stop at Gough Street in Central for the famous beef brisket noodles. It was her second trip to the city this year after visiting in January for four days with a group of girlfriends. “Hong Kong has this old city vibe, like New York City, but it’s much closer,” said the 28-year-old who works in her family’s business. “And the food is so good and diverse. We love to eat.” She said South... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3257143/what-drawing-tourists-hong-kong-koreans-seek-old-city-vibes-filipinos-eye-disneyland-and-thais-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3257143/what-drawing-tourists-hong-kong-koreans-seek-old-city-vibes-filipinos-eye-disneyland-and-thais-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Mar 2024 02:30:11 +0000 UK insurer Prudential reported a strong set of operating results for 2023 as the return of mainland Chinese visitors to Hong Kong boosted life insurance policy sales after the city eased the curbs imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Net profit, which Prudential calls IFRS profit after tax, reached US$1.71 billion in 2023, reversing a loss of US$1 billion on a constant exchange rate basis, the company said in a Hong Kong stock exchange filing on Wednesday. Operating profit, or income excluding... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3256042/prudential-back-black-us171-billion-profit-2023-return-mainland-china-visitors-hong-kong-drives-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3256042/prudential-back-black-us171-billion-profit-2023-return-mainland-china-visitors-hong-kong-drives-new?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Mar 2024 04:53:43 +0000 AIA Group’s policy sales in Hong Kong and mainland China continued to grow in the first two months of the year, indicating strong momentum from last year is carrying over in the insurer’s two major markets, according to its top boss. The company on Thursday reported a 15 per cent profit jump last year, benefiting from demand for insurance products from the return of mainland Chinese visitors to Hong Kong in search of better returns and as a hedge against a weakening yuan. “We are seeing good... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3255300/insurer-aias-profit-jumps-15-strong-policy-sales-mainland-chinese-visitors-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3255300/insurer-aias-profit-jumps-15-strong-policy-sales-mainland-chinese-visitors-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Mar 2024 02:16:30 +0000 The schedule of events at Hong Kong’s Convention and Exhibition Centre is filling up nearly to pre-pandemic levels, with a busy slate in 2024 and a large cryptocurrency gathering coming on board for early 2025, according to a top executive. The total number of events in the second half of last year hit 84 per cent of the level before the Covid-19 pandemic, and the outlook is promising, said Monica Lee-Müller, managing director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management). “Some... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3254976/hong-kongs-exhibition-centre-nears-pre-covid-numbers-trade-fairs-return-singapore-and-new-crypto?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3254976/hong-kongs-exhibition-centre-nears-pre-covid-numbers-trade-fairs-return-singapore-and-new-crypto?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:58:41 +0000 Spending by overnight visitors to Hong Kong plunged by nearly 40 per cent in 2023 and is expected to fall further this year, returning to 2019 levels, the Tourism Board has said. The board said on Friday that per capita spending by the group hit HK$9,700 (US$1,240) in the first quarter, but steadily declined to HK$6,100 by the end of the year, a 37 per cent drop. Tourism chiefs attributed the decline to the combined effects of a strong Hong Kong dollar, uncertain economic conditions and a change... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3253850/hong-kong-overnight-visitor-spending-dropped-37-during-2023-and-will-fall-further-2019-levels?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3253850/hong-kong-overnight-visitor-spending-dropped-37-during-2023-and-will-fall-further-2019-levels?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Mar 2024 10:32:26 +0000 Beijing will allow more mainland Chinese tourists to visit Hong Kong after expanding a solo traveller scheme that was first introduced two decades ago to help the financial hub recover from the economic shock waves of the Sars epidemic. The initial move in July 2003, which allowed residents of certain mainland cities to visit Hong Kong on an individual basis rather than in tour groups, boosted the economy and tourism but also sparked controversy. Authorities on Friday announced the scheme would... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3253120/what-newly-expanded-solo-traveller-scheme-and-how-will-hong-kong-benefit-analysts-unsure-over-repeat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3253120/what-newly-expanded-solo-traveller-scheme-and-how-will-hong-kong-benefit-analysts-unsure-over-repeat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Feb 2024 05:00:25 +0000 Mainland Chinese tourists spent HK$59 billion (US$7.6 billion) on insurance policies in Hong Kong last year, the Insurance Authority (IA) said. Policy sales have been boosted by the reopening of the mainland border, a weakening yuan and the interest rate gap between China and the United States, the IA added. But sales are expected to drop to the normal levels recorded between 2017 and 2019 of about HK$43 billion and HK$51 billion a year, as “pent-up” demand fades. “Sales to mainland visitors... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3252469/mainland-chinese-customers-spent-us76-billion-hong-kong-insurance-policies-last-year-sales-fall-pent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3252469/mainland-chinese-customers-spent-us76-billion-hong-kong-insurance-policies-last-year-sales-fall-pent?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:30:10 +0000 The stranding of mainland tourists after the New Year’s Eve fireworks has turned out to have a silver lining, prompting the authorities to extend the opening hours of two border crossings during Lunar New Year to avoid a repeat of embarrassing scenes. It all went smoothly, making a strong case for officials to not only repeat the extensions at the Shenzhen Bay and Lo Wu crossings, but also seriously consider adopting the measure at other checkpoints. This is one of the highlights of the holiday... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3251981/extended-hours-mainland-china-border-ease-hong-kongs-lunar-new-year-travel-woes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3251981/extended-hours-mainland-china-border-ease-hong-kongs-lunar-new-year-travel-woes?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Feb 2024 22:15:08 +0000 The Shenzhen Bay border crossing between Hong Kong and mainland China will operate around the clock over the Lunar New Year holiday and the Lo Wu checkpoint will extend its operating hours as residents and tourists are expected to make 7.5 million trips during the festive period, senior officials have said. The government on Tuesday said it expected Lo Wu to be the busiest control point during the holiday period between February 10 and 13, with cross-border and cross-departmental efforts put in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3249427/hong-kong-leader-says-shenzhen-bay-crossing-open-around-clock-over-lunar-new-year-holiday-lo-wu-will?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3249427/hong-kong-leader-says-shenzhen-bay-crossing-open-around-clock-over-lunar-new-year-holiday-lo-wu-will?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:09:59 +0000 It is noon and there are only three customers in HoKo Beauty, a cosmetics shop in Sheung Shui, a town just one train stop into the Hong Kong side of the border with mainland China. Over about 30 minutes, each spent less than HK$100 (US$18). Owner Yau Man, 40, sighed as she recalled better days before the Covid-19 pandemic, when her shop was packed with mainland Chinese visitors and bulk-buying agents, and the daily turnover could hit HK$100,000 on a good day. Yau said sales were down by almost... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3249242/10-days-sell-just-1-box-businesses-hong-kong-side-border-struggle-mainland-chinese-shoppers-parallel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3249242/10-days-sell-just-1-box-businesses-hong-kong-side-border-struggle-mainland-chinese-shoppers-parallel?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jan 2024 12:30:11 +0000 Hong Kong’s transport chief has expressed confidence that some border checkpoints will extend their operating hours during the Lunar New Year holiday amid ongoing negotiations with counterparts in mainland China. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung on Saturday said crossings with rail links would be targeted to boost passenger flow, with his update following a report by the Post a day earlier which suggested the Shenzhen Bay control point would run round-the-clock next month... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3249172/hong-kong-transport-chief-confident-some-border-checkpoints-will-extend-operating-hours-over-lunar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3249172/hong-kong-transport-chief-confident-some-border-checkpoints-will-extend-operating-hours-over-lunar?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jan 2024 05:48:59 +0000 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, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. I refer to the letter, “What Hong Kong should ask itself after New Year’s Eve transport chaos” (January 9). Your correspondent’s view that Hong Kong should ponder why mainland visitors prefer not... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3248730/hong-kong-still-worth-visiting-lets-sell-it-better?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3248730/hong-kong-still-worth-visiting-lets-sell-it-better?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:30:16 +0000 Hong Kong’s flagship carrier Cathay Pacific is cancelling an average of 12 flights per day until February to ensure normal operation for the Lunar New Year period. In early 2023, Cathay executives said the airline aimed to resume 70 per cent of its flight capacity by the end of the year and fully restore capacity by the end of 2024. However, the recent surge in cancelled flights not only threatens Cathay’s 2024 flight capacity goal but has also sparked concern among Transport and Logistics... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3248380/cathay-pacific-travel-chaos-shows-need-revisit-tourism-recovery-plans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3248380/cathay-pacific-travel-chaos-shows-need-revisit-tourism-recovery-plans?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:30:12 +0000