1,500 Hong Kong residents tour revamped Huanggang Port border crossing

More than 1,500 Hong Kong residents toured the revamped Huanggang Port border crossing on Sunday as authorities pushed ahead with preparations for its opening.

A Security Bureau spokesman said that participants took franchised buses or cross-boundary coaches from various districts to reach the crossing and were shown the new port building in groups.

“The event effectively enhanced participants’ understanding of the public transport arrangements, immigration and customs clearance and passenger-friendly facilities at the port building,” the spokesman said.

City authorities conducted four drills in August, testing facilities and simulating emergency situations at the revamped checkpoint between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. A source previously said that authorities were aiming to open it as early as October 12.

Residents were first taken to the public transport interchange at the crossing to learn about various links for travelling to and from the checkpoint. Afterwards, they were invited to connect to the building’s free Wi-fi.

Unlike other free government Wi-fi services, users do not need to visit a landing page to log in when connecting to the wireless network at the revamped crossing.

Volunteers from the Fire Services Department and the Correctional Services Department led Sunday’s group tours. Members of the public were introduced to the design of the building and could visit the departure and arrival halls.

Authorities also introduced the “joint inspection” clearance system to participants, which will be available at 134 e-channels at the checkpoint.

Unlike traditional clearance models, which require a passenger to complete departure and arrival processes at different counters, the joint inspection model allows a passenger to complete both departure and arrival clearance by presenting one identity document required by their destination.

The revamped Huanggang Port crossing will be the first to adopt the new model.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung previously announced that both Chinese and non-Chinese residents holding a valid mainland travel permit could use that and their Hong Kong identity cards interchangeably for the joint inspection clearance.

Tang met participants on Sunday’s tour. His bureau’s spokesman noted that many residents had responded positively to the tour.