A New Trend: Hongkongers Flock to Zhuhai

In a surprising twist, Hong Kong residents are embracing Zhuhai as a new holiday hotspot, making waves in local tourism and daily life. With the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge facilitating easy access, hordes of visitors now venture north for leisure and shopping, providing a fresh injection of energy into Zhuhai's economy.

Social Media Outcry: Local Voices

However, not everyone is thrilled about the recent surge in visitors. Zhuhai locals are taking to the social media platform Xiaohongshu to vent their frustrations. One user highlighted how annoying it is to monitor Hong Kong's holiday calendar just to dodge the crowds when stepping out.

The Crowded Reality: Popular Destinations Overrun

Even after major holidays like Easter, the fallout continues, especially for families. A mother shared her struggles with navigating crowded attractions such as Sam's Club and the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, where lines stretch long even on weekdays. While she admires the beauty of Hong Kong's beaches, her envy of their numerous holidays underscores the challenges of living in a tourist hotspot.

Mixed Reactions: Economic Upsides vs. Local Grievances

Responses to her post were mixed. Some mainland residents welcomed the economic boost from Hong Kong's spending, viewing the influx as a gateway to GDP growth. However, a few voices from Hong Kong's side pleaded for a more appreciative reception towards visitors, arguing against the ingrained sense of ingratitude towards the booming tourism.

Record Numbers: Hong Kong’s Travel Statistics

The numbers tell a compelling story. During the recent Easter holiday, Hong Kong saw an impressive 2.46 million outbound trips, marking an increase of 180,000 from last year. A staggering 75% of those journeys were to mainland China, with Zhuhai being a prime destination. Meanwhile, 618,000 tourists flooded into Hong Kong, representing a 23% uptick from the previous year.

Looking Ahead: The Labour Day Rush

As the Labour Day holiday approaches, anticipation builds for another influx of Hong Kong visitors. With mainland China anticipating a 5-day break and Hong Kong's unique holiday arrangement of a '1-day-off, 5-day-holiday', hotspots like Zhuhai are bracing for another wave of excited holiday shoppers.