New Huanggang Port opens, achieving 30-second border processing

The new Huanggang Port officially commenced operations at 6:30 a.m. on Monday (Oct. 12). Adopting a "joint inspection, one-time clearance" model, the port has fully implemented 24-hour customs services. Throngs of Hong Kong residents made a special trip to experience the new clearance mode, praising its efficiency and the clean, modern environment.

The new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post

At approximately 6:00 a.m., Bastille Post reporters observed many residents waiting at the Shenzhen side of the port to cross into Hong Kong. Xue Huaming, Director of the First Division of the Port Office of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, stated that after multiple drills in the preparatory phase, customs clearance preparations are complete and facilities are operating normally. "Huanggang Port has finally opened its gates and will welcome visitors from all directions with an open and inclusive attitude," he said.

Xue Huaming, Director of the First Division of the Port Office of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. Photo by Bastille Post

Xue Huaming noted that the average daily passenger volume is expected to be between 40,000 and 50,000. As Monday marks the first day of operation, foot traffic is expected to be higher. He added that the peak passenger flow is anticipated to arrive this coming weekend, and preparations have been made accordingly.

The new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post

The new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post

The new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post

The new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post

Some Hong Kong residents crossed over from Hong Kong early in the morning. Ms. Wong, who commutes between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, came early to experience the new port to prepare for her future work routine. "I wanted to check out the route because I have to travel between the two cities for work and need to leave very early in the morning," she said. She found the overall clearance speed acceptable and believed that the 24-hour operation would be very smooth. "It opened at 6:30 a.m., and I was out by 6:40 a.m. It was very fast."

Ms. Wong. Photo by Bastille Post

Some students planned a trip to Guangzhou for dim sum. A student surnamed Chan, and his friends took a bus. The roughly hour-long trip, he said, was quite convenient. He mentioned they specifically came to try out the new port. When asked about the clearance experience, he let out a "wow," stating it was very quick. "It took less than 30 seconds to get through," he said. He described the new Huanggang Port as spacious, clean, and well-signposted. "Compared to Lo Wu Port, it seems like you don't have to walk as much."

Student Chan and his friends. Photo by Bastille Post

Some arrived fully equipped for sports. Mr. Kuang brought his beloved bicycle across the border. As a regular cyclist in Shenzhen, he came this time to experience the new port. "It took about 40 minutes by bus from Tuen Mun, and clearance was also very fast," he said. Meanwhile, Mr. Wu met friends for a round of golf. Traveling from Sai Wan Ho, he said, "I happened to have booked a golf course here, so I took the opportunity to experience the new port. Clearance was very quick, taking just over a minute."

Legislative Council member Michael Yiu. Photo by Bastille Post

Legislative Council member Michael Yiu pointed out that there were many staff members on site to prevent travelers from feeling "confused." Having pre-registered for the "joint inspection," he did not need to present physical documents. The entire process took about ten seconds, and clearance was smooth. "If travelers encounter other issues midway, staff will step in to assist and help them with registration," he said.

The redeveloped Huanggang Port will officially open on Monday (October 12), following an opening ceremony held at the Shenzhen side of the port on Sunday (October 11). Chief Executive Mr. John Lee attended and delivered remarks, highlighting three key implications of the port’s opening: implementing national planning, practising institutional innovation, and promoting cross-boundary flows.

The new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post

The opening ceremony of the new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. John Lee noted that the HKSAR Government published the first Five-Year Plan last month, proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to better integrate into and serve the country’s overall development. The Plan sets out the need to facilitate cross-boundary personnel exchanges and enhance port clearance efficiency. The opening of the redeveloped Huanggang Port is a concrete action by Hong Kong to align with national development strategies and deeply participate in Greater Bay Area development.

Chief Executive Mr. John Lee. Photo by Bastille Post

He pointed out that the new Huanggang Port implements the co-location arrangement and is the first land boundary control point between Hong Kong and Shenzhen to adopt the innovative “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode. Passengers using automated channels need only queue once, present their documents once, and verify their identity once to complete immigration procedures for both sides. Vehicle clearance time has been reduced from around 10 minutes to less than two minutes, while overall passenger clearance time has been cut from around 30 minutes to approximately five minutes. The new mode will significantly enhance the clearance experience and efficiency.

The new Huanggang Port implements the co-location arrangement and is the first land boundary control point between Hong Kong and Shenzhen to adopt the innovative “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode. Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. John Lee emphasised that the new Huanggang Port is the most important 24-hour passenger land boundary control point between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, with a designed daily throughput of around 200,000 passenger trips. Upon the opening of the MTR Northern Link spur line, throughput is expected to rise to around 300,000 passenger trips per day. As transport links between Hong Kong and Shenzhen are further strengthened, the flow of people, goods, capital and information between the two places will become more efficient, further driving deep integration within the GBA.

Mr. Xue Huaming, Director of Division I of the Port Office of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Xue Huaming, Director of Division I of the Port Office of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, stated that to ensure a smooth opening, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have completed over 200 comprehensive drills across all aspects, and all preparatory work is fully in place, with efforts made to ensure safe, orderly and efficient clearance in the initial period.

He anticipated a large number of residents visiting the port in the initial period to experience clearance and take photos, and that both sides have deployed peak response plans, passenger diversion and control measures, and strengthened security and on-site services.

The new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post

On future traffic volumes, Mr. Xue noted that the old Huanggang Port handled around 50,000 passenger trips daily. After the new port opens, traffic is expected to gradually increase, reaching 100,000 to 200,000 daily trips in the initial phase and potentially exceeding 300,000 in the long term.

He stressed that Huanggang Port is the first Shenzhen-Hong Kong port to implement the new “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mechanism, and expressed hope that further service optimisation will attract more travellers.

The new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post

The new Huanggang Port. Photo by Bastille Post