Key facts
- Non-Chinese residents in Hong Kong are using a new travel permit to visit mainland China.
- Activities like visiting ski resorts, water parks, and restaurants in Shenzhen are popular weekend draws.
- The permit has made border crossing easier and faster for these residents.
- Some mainland Chinese immigration staff still do not recognize the permit, causing issues.
- The scheme has been in place for two years.
A special travel permit for non-Chinese residents in Hong Kong has significantly altered weekend activities for this demographic, making trips to mainland China, particularly Shenzhen, more accessible. Activities such as visiting indoor ski resorts, water parks, and dining at dim sum restaurants have become popular weekend excursions. Residents praise the permit for streamlining the border crossing process. However, despite the scheme being in place for two years, some challenges persist. Representatives of non-Chinese residents and foreign businesses have noted that certain mainland Chinese immigration officials still do not recognize the permit, leading to occasional difficulties.