Hong Kong residents tour revamped Huanggang crossing before opening

More than 1,500 Hong Kong residents visited the revamped Huanggang Port border crossing on Sunday as authorities continued preparations for its opening. A spokesman for the Security Bureau said participants travelled by franchised buses or cross-boundary coaches from districts across Hong Kong. They were taken through the new port building in groups and shown its transport, immigration and customs facilities.

The tours included visits to the public transport interchange, departure halls and arrival halls. Residents were also introduced to the building’s free Wi-Fi service, which does not require users to open a landing page before connecting. Authorities demonstrated a new joint-inspection clearance system that will be available at 134 electronic channels.

Under the system, travellers will be able to complete departure and arrival clearance through one process by presenting an identity document accepted by their destination. The refurbished crossing will be the first checkpoint to use the joint-inspection model. Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung has said that Chinese and non-Chinese residents who hold valid mainland travel permits may use those permits and their Hong Kong identity cards interchangeably under the arrangement.

Volunteers from the Fire Services Department and Correctional Services Department led the tours. The Security Bureau spokesman said many participants responded positively to the event. Authorities conducted four drills in August to test the facilities and simulate emergencies at the checkpoint, which connects Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

A source previously said the crossing could open as early as October 12, although the material does not confirm a final opening date. The event was intended to familiarise residents with transport arrangements, clearance procedures and passenger facilities before the revamped port begins operations.