https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/64655/feed The Chinese "golden week" refers either of the two week-long holidays around National Day on October 1, and the lunar calendar Spring Festival which usually falls in January or February of each year. Tens of millions of Chinese travel by air, train and road to family reunions, vacations or shopping centres during these holidays. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong authorities have stepped up publicity with mainland Chinese media ahead of a ban on possessing alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes, in public places, which will take effect before the Labour Day “golden week” holiday. Director of Health Ronald Lam Man-kin said on Sunday that the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office had conducted more than 11,000 inspections and issued about 2,200 HK$3,000 (US$383) fixed penalty notices so far this year. Of these, 23 were related to the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3351461/hong-kong-boosts-e-cigarette-ban-awareness-mainland-china-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3351461/hong-kong-boosts-e-cigarette-ban-awareness-mainland-china-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 06:12:33 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The Labour Day holiday is expected to live up to its “golden week” name by providing a welcome boost to the Hong Kong economy, but it will also test the city’s ability to balance an expected tourism surge with environmental conservation. Authorities must apply lessons learned from problematic high seasons in the past when the city sees visitor numbers rise. Arrivals from mainland China alone could hit 980,000, up 7 per cent from 2025, the Immigration Department said. The government plans to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3351283/do-more-preserve-hong-kongs-natural-heritage-amid-holiday-crush?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3351283/do-more-preserve-hong-kongs-natural-heritage-amid-holiday-crush?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong The number of inbound trips to Hong Kong by mainland Chinese visitors is expected to reach 980,000 for the coming Labour Day “golden week” holiday across the border, a 7 per cent increase from last year, with city authorities saying they will enforce environmental regulations around the clock at popular camping spots. The estimate from the Immigration Department on Monday came as the government revealed it had stepped up measures for crowd control, transport and tourism in anticipation of a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350752/mainland-chinese-make-980000-inbound-trips-hong-kong-labour-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350752/mainland-chinese-make-980000-inbound-trips-hong-kong-labour-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:12:29 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Wynna Wong Matthew Cheng,Wynna Wong Unreasonably low prices offered by some mainland Chinese tourist groups visiting Hong Kong are a major factor behind coerced shopping, industry leaders have said, urging authorities to step up random inspections during the coming Labour Day “golden week” holiday. The Travel Industry Authority announced on Monday that it had previously revoked the licence of Star Link Travel in connection with four suspected cases of coercing inbound mainland tourists to shop. Sara Leung Fong-yuen, a consultant... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349985/cheap-tours-blamed-coerced-shopping-hong-kong-tourism-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349985/cheap-tours-blamed-coerced-shopping-hong-kong-tourism-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:58:37 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong may introduce pilot schemes for booking campsites before the National Day holiday in October, as authorities revealed that 32 people were prosecuted for offences in Sai Kung’s country parks over the Chinese New Year holiday. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan told the Legislative Council on Wednesday that most of those prosecuted were non-locals charged with littering. Authorities had earlier said they were considering implementing a booking system and charging fees for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3347018/hong-kong-test-new-campsite-booking-system-amid-overcrowding-litter-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3347018/hong-kong-test-new-campsite-booking-system-amid-overcrowding-litter-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:54:53 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Excitement about an influx of tourists during the recent Chinese New Year “golden week” was tarnished by the sight of some rural Hong Kong beaches being turned into congested tent cities. It is good that the authorities are considering fees and other solutions to counter holiday rushes. The problem was obvious on beaches in Sai Kung, where more than 900 tents were pitched along Ham Tin Wan. At nearby Sai Wan, nearly half of the campers had illegally pitched shelters outside designated... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3344859/hong-kong-wants-ecotourism-not-overtourism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3344859/hong-kong-wants-ecotourism-not-overtourism?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Wynna Wong,Harvey Kong Wynna Wong,Harvey Kong Visitor numbers in Hong Kong rose about 14 per cent during the Chinese New Year holiday but more residents left the city, while local retailers reported bumper sales of gold products. Some retailers reported single purchases worth millions of Hong Kong dollars within categories such as watches and jewellery, even as the broader retail recovery remained uneven. Immigration Department figures showed trips made by visitors – from mainland China and elsewhere – rose about 14 per cent year on year to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344488/hong-kong-visitor-numbers-jump-chinese-new-year-holiday-gold-sales-shine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344488/hong-kong-visitor-numbers-jump-chinese-new-year-holiday-gold-sales-shine?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:05:37 +0000 Mandy Zuo Mandy Zuo China is gearing up to harness the extended Lunar New Year holiday to attract more spending by international tourists, as the country looks to shake off a recent economic slowdown and pivot towards consumption-driven growth. In a rare joint initiative by nine central government departments, Beijing announced plans earlier this month to turn the holiday – which this year began on Sunday and runs through February 23 – into a “consumption feast that links regions and engages everyone”. The move... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3343743/china-targets-foreign-tourists-lunar-new-year-consumption-feast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3343743/china-targets-foreign-tourists-lunar-new-year-consumption-feast?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:00:10 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow Hong Kong welcomed 10 per cent more visitors on the first day of Lunar New Year against a year ago, with crowds continuing to flock to hiking trails and tourists packing border crossing checkpoints. The latest Immigration Department data showed that 153,383 visitors arrived in the city on Tuesday, representing a 10.4 per cent increase compared with the first day of Lunar New Year last year. Of these, more than 120,000 came from mainland China. Inbound trips over the first two days of Lunar New... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343899/hong-kong-marks-start-lunar-new-year-surge-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343899/hong-kong-marks-start-lunar-new-year-surge-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:11:15 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong’s tourism sector is bracing for a 6 per cent rise in mainland Chinese visitors during the Lunar New Year holiday, as travel to the city regains momentum. Tickets for high-speed trains from major mainland cities to Hong Kong have been selling fast in the days leading up to the festive period – an upbeat sign for some hoteliers expecting a full house during the holiday. The Travel Industry Council, a federation of local travel trade associations, estimated that up to 1.4 million mainland... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3342144/hong-kong-set-lunar-new-year-tourism-bump-6-rise-mainland-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3342144/hong-kong-set-lunar-new-year-tourism-bump-6-rise-mainland-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow Hong Kong transport authorities have received more than 2,500 applications in the first month of a scheme allowing Guangdong drivers to enter the city’s urban areas, with a hotel industry leader saying he hopes that the policy’s daily quota can be expanded. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Friday that she looked forward to welcoming more mainland Chinese car owners, adding they could enjoy a series of Lunar New Year promotions set to be held next month in collaboration... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341033/hong-kongs-southbound-travel-scheme-1-month-old-are-people-signing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341033/hong-kongs-southbound-travel-scheme-1-month-old-are-people-signing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:02:25 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Willa Wu Elizabeth Cheung,Willa Wu Concern groups have called for a more concrete timeline and clearer details in an updated action plan for Hong Kong’s biodiversity strategy, which for the first time lists assessing the capacity of ecotourism hotspots as a priority. The government on Wednesday unveiled its updated Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which covers four strategic areas – nature conservation, deepening mainstreaming, capacity building and collaborative partnering. It lists 30 priority actions and 81... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338339/groups-welcome-updated-hong-kong-biodiversity-plan-call-more-details?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338339/groups-welcome-updated-hong-kong-biodiversity-plan-call-more-details?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 01:30:17 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong authorities will assess the capacity of some popular tourist hotspots and step up efforts to educate visitors, aiming to balance environmental protection with tourism, following incidents of visitors trampling on coral in a geopark during the “golden week” holiday. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed on Tuesday that his administration was conducting a study that would include ecologically important sites within marine park protected areas to strengthen coastal conservation. Lee... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3328914/hong-kong-review-tourist-capacity-and-marine-protection-amid-coral-damage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3328914/hong-kong-review-tourist-capacity-and-marine-protection-amid-coral-damage?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:33:44 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The National Day holiday week is traditionally one of the most lucrative periods for businesses. Coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival this year, the “super golden week” glittered more brightly, with some restaurants and retailers reportedly reaping bigger windfalls. Reassuring as it seems, the economic outlook remains uncertain. Those who just sit back and wait for another seasonal bonanza risk being outpaced by rivals who proactively reach out to customers with better offers. It is important... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3328583/hong-kong-businesses-must-adapt-new-tourism-and-spending-trends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3328583/hong-kong-businesses-must-adapt-new-tourism-and-spending-trends?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:45:11 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Ever since Hong Kong’s retail sector shook off 14 months of consecutive declines in May, analysts have been speculating whether the city’s landlords and developers can look forward to rental increases sooner rather than later. Hong Kong retailers such as Bakehouse and Korean food and beverage operator Seoul Recipe Group are more optimistic these days, as locals and tourists alike start to spend more in the city. However, a meaningful recovery in rents for high street shops and prime shopping... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/companies/article/3328623/hong-kong-retailers-cheer-sales-boom-shop-rental-hikes-may-not-follow-any-time-soon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/companies/article/3328623/hong-kong-retailers-cheer-sales-boom-shop-rental-hikes-may-not-follow-any-time-soon?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Oct 2025 02:30:08 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Damaged coral reefs in a Unesco-listed geopark in Hong Kong may take years to recover, environmentalists have warned after a government investigation found that an area of about four square metres (43 sq ft) had been affected. Thousands of tourists flocked to Sharp Island in Sai Kung during mainland China’s National Day “golden week” holiday earlier this month, with some trampling on corals while snorkelling and digging up marine organisms. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3328608/damaged-coral-reefs-hong-kong-may-take-years-recover-green-groups-warn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3328608/damaged-coral-reefs-hong-kong-may-take-years-recover-green-groups-warn?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Oct 2025 02:30:12 +0000 He Huifeng He Huifeng China logged a welcome uptick in spending on services during the just-concluded eight-day “super golden week” public holiday, as the country’s transport hubs handled record numbers of passengers. Chinese transport authorities logged 2.432 billion passenger trips – a record high and a 6.2 per cent year-on-year increase – during this year’s extended holiday, which combined the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. The surge was mainly driven by overlapping demand for tourism and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3328354/china-sees-uptick-super-golden-week-spending-amid-record-travel-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3328354/china-sees-uptick-super-golden-week-spending-amid-record-travel-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Oct 2025 08:02:49 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin More than 1.4 million mainland Chinese passenger trips were made to Hong Kong during the National Day “golden week” holiday, official data has shown, but the number still fell short of the city government’s expectations of nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels of 1.52 million. While Hong Kong retailers and caterers reported business growth of up to 20 per cent year on year during the break, a sector representative said on Thursday that tourists’ spending power had remained weak. According to the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328315/14-million-mainland-passenger-trips-made-hong-kong-over-golden-week-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328315/14-million-mainland-passenger-trips-made-hong-kong-over-golden-week-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:29:14 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong retailers and caterers have reported business growth of up to 20 per cent year on year during mainland China’s National Day “golden week” break, with one tourist spending a whopping HK$1 million (US$128,500) on international brands. Industry leaders said stores selling gold, jewellery and cosmetic products emerged as the big winners as the eight-day break wrapped up on Wednesday, while cha chaan teng were the top dining choice, followed by Chinese restaurants. Cha chaan teng are Hong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328273/hong-kong-retailers-caterers-enjoy-national-day-break-business-growth-20?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328273/hong-kong-retailers-caterers-enjoy-national-day-break-business-growth-20?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:20:13 +0000 William Zheng William Zheng China’s transport system braced for a massive travel surge on Wednesday as millions of people prepared to return to work at the end of the annual “super golden week” holiday. Transport authorities added hundreds of extra trains and additional temporary electric vehicle charging stations to manage the rush on the final day of the week-long break, which included National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Ministry of Transport said the total number of journeys during the eight-day break was... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/politics/article/3328213/chinas-golden-week-travel-hit-record-24-billion-trips-rail-ev-traffic-surges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/politics/article/3328213/chinas-golden-week-travel-hit-record-24-billion-trips-rail-ev-traffic-surges?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:46:27 +0000 Alyssa Chen Alyssa Chen The Chinese transport authorities are preparing for a major travel rush as millions take to the roads and railways at the end of the national “golden week” holiday. The annual holiday, which ends on Wednesday, is one of the busiest times of the year for travel. On Monday, the Ministry of Public Security noted that a significant increase in return traffic flow was expected on Tuesday, especially in four megacity clusters: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/politics/article/3328044/china-braced-travel-rush-millions-head-home-end-golden-week-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/politics/article/3328044/china-braced-travel-rush-millions-head-home-end-golden-week-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:09 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing The number of mainland Chinese visitors coming to Hong Kong for the first five days of the National Day “golden week” break rose by 5.1 per cent from last year, while business leaders have said cosmetics sellers and cha chaan teng enjoyed a boost in customers. Maurice Kong Chi-hang, chairman of the Institute of Dining Professionals, said that the National Day fireworks on October 1 served as a draw for visitors, helping to prompt a 10 to 25 per cent increase in business for restaurants. But he... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328051/which-hong-kong-businesses-came-out-top-over-national-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3328051/which-hong-kong-businesses-came-out-top-over-national-day-break?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:30:12 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Tourist hotspots overrun by holidaymakers has long been an issue of concern in mainland China. The problem has spilled over to Hong Kong. Most recently, hordes of visitors flooded the city’s Unesco Global Geopark in Sai Kung during the National Day “golden week” holiday, prompting calls for more vigorous law enforcement action against those who damage the fragile and much-treasured natural wonder. The government launched a joint operation on Sunday following extensive media coverage on the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3327994/hong-kongs-natural-beauty-needs-robust-protection-amid-tourism-boom?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3327994/hong-kongs-natural-beauty-needs-robust-protection-amid-tourism-boom?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 22:45:07 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Visitors and locals thronged popular Hong Kong locations carrying lanterns and other light decorations to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, with a full moon visible in the clear night sky and many restaurants enjoying a 10 per cent rise in revenue compared with last year. A tourism sector body said on Monday that various activities held across the city would attract visitors, creating a “very ideal” landscape for the industry. With rail giant the MTR Corporation running some services overnight,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327999/hong-kong-restaurants-set-enjoy-10-revenue-rise-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327999/hong-kong-restaurants-set-enjoy-10-revenue-rise-mid-autumn-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:04:38 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Overcrowding at a Unesco-listed geopark in Hong Kong during the National Day “golden week” holiday is not expected to have a “significant impact” on coral colonies, the city’s environment chief has said, stressing that authorities will assess the health of the reefs near an outlying island and review crowd control measures. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said on Monday that the damage to coral reefs off Sharp Island in Sai Kung was not extensive, after tourists were seen... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327961/crowds-outlying-hong-kong-island-wont-have-major-impact-corals-official?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327961/crowds-outlying-hong-kong-island-wont-have-major-impact-corals-official?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:01:49 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Thousands of people lined the narrow streets of Hong Kong’s Tai Hang neighbourhood in Causeway Bay on Sunday night to witness the annual fire dragon dance, with spectators calling the performance “unique” and “stunning”. Troupe members began the procession on Wun Sha Street at around 8.25pm, hoisting up the fire dragon straw frame adorned with more than 10,000 burning incense sticks as drums, gongs and cymbals were struck. Spectators cheered and hurried to snap photos as the 67-metre (200 foot)... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327931/unique-and-stunning-hong-kongs-fire-dragon-dance-draws-thousands-tai-hang?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327931/unique-and-stunning-hong-kongs-fire-dragon-dance-draws-thousands-tai-hang?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Oct 2025 14:22:54 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong will step up patrols at a Unesco Global Geopark for the rest of the National Day “golden week” break after hordes of tourists flooded the place, with some trampling on corals and starting fires. The Environment and Ecology Bureau on Sunday said that staff from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) together with officers from the police force and Marine Department launched a joint operation on Sharp Island, also known as Kiu Tsui Chau, in Sai Kung. It said that... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327926/hong-kong-steps-patrols-after-golden-week-tourists-overrun-sai-kung-island?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327926/hong-kong-steps-patrols-after-golden-week-tourists-overrun-sai-kung-island?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Oct 2025 11:44:34 +0000 He Huifeng He Huifeng In the run-up to National Day, a week-long celebration viewed as a litmus test for the strength of China’s domestic consumption, a fiery feud between a celebrity entrepreneur and one of the country’s best-known restaurant chains has drawn widespread attention to cost-saving practices in the food industry. The drama began on September 10, when influencer Luo Yonghao – a former teacher known for his outspoken views – blasted the popular Xibei restaurant chain on social media, claiming his... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327789/chinas-struggling-restaurants-feeling-queasy-debate-rages-over-pre-made-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327789/chinas-struggling-restaurants-feeling-queasy-debate-rages-over-pre-made-food?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 12:00:07 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Some tourists have been camping, cooking over open fires and removing marine creatures washed ashore in a Unesco-listed geopark in Hong Kong, potentially violating park rules and posing an ecological threat, the Post has found. Visitors who talked to the Post on Saturday were also split about how the park could be better protected – some suggested crowd control measures, while others questioned how authorities could balance such measures with the tourism experience. The Post’s visit followed... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327885/tourist-activities-hong-kong-geopark-island-potentially-violate-park-rules?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327885/tourist-activities-hong-kong-geopark-island-potentially-violate-park-rules?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 11:56:53 +0000 He Huifeng He Huifeng Early sales of mooncakes – a food traditionally distributed among families, workplaces and other social groups to celebrate China’s Mid-Autumn Festival – have softened compared to previous years, another sign the country’s domestic demand has yet to fully reenergise. Packages of mooncakes, typically round baked goods with a variety of dense fillings, are popular gifts during the holiday season, with luxury variants stuffed with premium ingredients like black truffle or Spanish ham serving as... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327788/mooncake-sales-wane-chinas-consumers-cut-back-non-essentials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327788/mooncake-sales-wane-chinas-consumers-cut-back-non-essentials?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 06:00:32 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong’s hotels recorded occupancy rates of more than 80 per cent in the first three days of the National Day “golden week” holiday amid a 6.3 per cent rise in visitor arrivals, but industry leaders have warned that the city’s success in managing mega-event crowds may create a new hurdle for tourism. They warned that the government’s focus on ensuring major events ended earlier at night to help with cross-border travel was undercutting demand for extended stays. “There has been a noticeable... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327861/hong-kong-hotels-packed-national-day-break-so-why-industry-worried?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327861/hong-kong-hotels-packed-national-day-break-so-why-industry-worried?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 04:00:18 +0000 Ralph Jennings,Mia Nurmamat Ralph Jennings,Mia Nurmamat Chinese tourism to South Korea has remained strong this week despite a rash of anti-China protests in Seoul, with no violence reported and tour groups taking advantage of a new visa-free policy – though analysts warn arrivals could dampen once the extended “super golden week” holiday ends. Scheduled flights between the two Asian countries are operating as expected, according to the regional head of an aviation intelligence firm. A travel marketing firm also said South Korea remains a top... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327799/south-koreas-anti-china-protests-fail-deter-tourists-fall-still-possible-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327799/south-koreas-anti-china-protests-fail-deter-tourists-fall-still-possible-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:00:10 +0000 Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Mainland Chinese visitors have continued to stream into Hong Kong for the National Day “golden week” holiday, with many heading to the horse races and enjoying discounts on movie tickets and free transport rides. According to the Immigration Department, 454,778 cross-border trips were made on the first two days of the eight-day holiday. A check of mainland social media and interviews with tourists showed which activities, events and places were proving to be popular. High on the agenda was the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327838/how-are-mainland-chinese-visitors-enjoying-hong-kong-during-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327838/how-are-mainland-chinese-visitors-enjoying-hong-kong-during-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:00:32 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Greenpeace has called for the Hong Kong government to put in place conservation-driven measures to protect outlying islands in Sai Kung from ecological damage caused by overtourism. The green group raised the alarm on Friday after it found a large number of visitors trampling corals and digging up marine organisms in the city’s Unesco Global Geopark area. A site inspection by Greenpeace found that 4,062 people landed on Sharp Island, also known as Kiu Tsui Chau, on Wednesday, the first day of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327810/hong-kong-urged-protect-sai-kung-islands-overtourism-ecological-damage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327810/hong-kong-urged-protect-sai-kung-islands-overtourism-ecological-damage?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:00:14 +0000 Sylvia Ma Sylvia Ma China’s tourism sector is off to a strong start as the extra-long “super golden week” holiday begins, with railway travel breaking records and tickets for many popular attractions selling out – a welcome sign for Beijing as it continues its efforts to spur domestic spending. On the first day of the eight-day holiday, created by an overlap of the week-long National Day celebration and the Mid-Autumn Festival, China’s railways carried 23.13 million passengers – a record single-day figure,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327772/chinas-super-golden-week-sees-record-breaking-travel-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327772/chinas-super-golden-week-sees-record-breaking-travel-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:00:08 +0000 Dewey Sim Dewey Sim China’s embassy in South Korea has warned its citizens to stay alert amid ongoing anti-Chinese protests in Seoul that it blamed on “far-right” forces. The demonstrations – involving hundreds of protesters and featuring slogans such as “China out” – have been taking place in the capital for months. In a statement posted on its website on Thursday, the embassy warned that a rally was scheduled for an unspecified location in downtown Seoul on Friday. “We regretfully note that certain South Korean... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/diplomacy/article/3327677/tourists-warned-surge-far-right-anti-chinese-protests-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/diplomacy/article/3327677/tourists-warned-surge-far-right-anti-chinese-protests-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:30:07 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong’s retail sales continued to improve in August, accelerating by 3.8 per cent year on year and for the fourth month in a row, as the city’s mega-event tourism drive provided a boost to consumer sentiment. Provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday showed sales reached HK$30.3 billion (US$3.9 billion) in August, the fourth month in a row of growth following 14 consecutive months of decline. The growth was the sharpest since December 2023 when it... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327630/hong-kongs-retail-recovery-accelerates-august-sales-rise-38?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327630/hong-kongs-retail-recovery-accelerates-august-sales-rise-38?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:46:36 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s Cheung Chau has emerged as a quiet haven for mainland Chinese visitors who want to avoid the city’s crowded urban neighbourhoods during the National Day holidays. Hundreds of tourists headed to the outlying island on Thursday morning, the second day of the mainland’s “golden week” break. They were among the 1.5 million visitors from across the border expected in the city during the eight-day holiday period. Donning sunglasses, floppy hats and sun protection clothing, the mainland... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327620/mainland-chinese-tourists-hong-kong-head-outlying-cheung-chau-avoid-crowds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327620/mainland-chinese-tourists-hong-kong-head-outlying-cheung-chau-avoid-crowds?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:00:45 +0000 Xinmei Shen Xinmei Shen Amap, Alibaba Group Holding’s answer to Google Maps, saw a record 360 million daily users on the first day of China’s “golden week” National Day holiday, as the company strengthens its local service offerings amid increasing competition with Meituan. On Wednesday, the first day of the extended eight-day break, Amap provided navigation for trips totalling over 9 billion km, also a record high, according to Alibaba, owner of the Post. Meanwhile, Amap’s new road safety alert system, Eagle Eye... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/tech/big-tech/article/3327598/alibabas-amap-hits-record-360-million-users-chinas-national-day-golden-week-begins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/tech/big-tech/article/3327598/alibabas-amap-hits-record-360-million-users-chinas-national-day-golden-week-begins?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Oct 2025 06:00:12 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s No 2 official has pledged to further improve travellers’ experience at High Island Reservoir’s popular East Dam by strengthening Wi-fi connectivity and bolstering traffic arrangements in the area. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki’s remarks came on Wednesday, the first day of the National Day “golden week” holiday, as more than 2,000 visitors descended on the site, with many expressing their approval of government measures to handle the surge in tourist numbers. “We have different... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327524/hong-kongs-no-2-official-vows-enhance-east-dam-travel-better-wi-fi-traffic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327524/hong-kongs-no-2-official-vows-enhance-east-dam-travel-better-wi-fi-traffic?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:59:29 +0000 Aidan Jones,Reuters Aidan Jones,Reuters From farms and factories to hotels, Thai businesses are feeling the bite of a strong baht, which is eroding export margins and raising fears that holidaymakers will seek better value destinations elsewhere in Asia. The surging currency has added to the pile of problems for Thailand’s economy, which has slowed after two years of political instability. The baht has gained more than 8 per cent against the US dollar this year, rising from 34 to the dollar on January 1 to a high of 31.70 on September... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3327518/thailands-rising-baht-weighs-heavily-economy-exporters-and-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3327518/thailands-rising-baht-weighs-heavily-economy-exporters-and-tourism?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:40:16 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu Hong Kong insurance companies and brokers from Wednesday are barred from paying excessive referral fees to unlicensed individuals, as the city’s insurance regulator bolsters efforts to curb misconduct and enhance customer protection. The city’s Insurance Authority has put a 50 per cent cap on commissions for referral fees in life insurance policies, a move that provides long-term life protection and dividends to policyholders, according to the regulator’s circular. The cap will not cover... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/article/3327432/hong-kong-regulator-puts-50-cap-referral-fees-insurance-sales?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/article/3327432/hong-kong-regulator-puts-50-cap-referral-fees-insurance-sales?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:10 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings Visa-free travel abroad and free toll roads at home are expected to fuel a surge in travel by Chinese citizens during an extra-long holiday starting this week, in what analysts call a boon for the service economy. Total trips outside mainland China are forecast to reach between 8 million and 8.4 million – more than double the 3.8 million recorded for the holiday in 2024 – according to travel marketing and technology company China Trading Desk on Monday. Demand is “surging” for visa-free... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327402/chinas-super-golden-week-forecast-spark-travel-boom-home-and-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327402/chinas-super-golden-week-forecast-spark-travel-boom-home-and-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 01:30:15 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong has marked National Day with a range of activities to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered a speech at a reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on Wednesday morning, with local and central government officials as well as leading... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327439/hong-kong-get-national-day-celebrations-under-way-flag-raising-ceremony?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327439/hong-kong-get-national-day-celebrations-under-way-flag-raising-ceremony?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:52:39 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial National Day is marked with pride and joy in Hong Kong and mainland China, although the atmosphere may be less flamboyant than during the 75th anniversary last year. But hopes are high that the longer-than-usual “golden week” holiday will give a stronger boost to consumption and tourism. Coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival this year, the eight-day break has been touted as a golden opportunity for the catering, retail and tourism industries to reap a bigger windfall. But there are also... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3327408/national-day-break-may-bring-more-relaxation-economic-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3327408/national-day-break-may-bring-more-relaxation-economic-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:15:13 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong has started its National Day celebrations with an upbeat message from President Xi Jinping, two visiting PLA warships thrilling onlookers in Victoria Harbour and the restaurant sector betting on a business bump of up to 20 per cent during the extra-long “golden week” holiday. In a speech in Beijing on Tuesday to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xi called on the nation to keep on working hard and to forge ahead with determination in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327438/hong-kong-gears-national-day-celebrations-xi-delivers-upbeat-message?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327438/hong-kong-gears-national-day-celebrations-xi-delivers-upbeat-message?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:36:01 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam Fireworks are set to light up the skies over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour at 8pm on October 1, in celebration of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. To get a great view of the National Day pyrotechnics and a fine meal with it, why not book yourself in at a top-tier restaurant overlooking the harbour. From fiery Northern Chinese flavours to a vibrant Mediterranean menu, here are five to choose from. 1. Hutong Chinese restaurant Hutong is the perfect spot to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3327342/5-top-restaurants-see-hong-kongs-national-day-2025-fireworks-october-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3327342/5-top-restaurants-see-hong-kongs-national-day-2025-fireworks-october-1?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:15:07 +0000 Ann Cao Ann Cao Amap, the online mapping service owned by Alibaba Group Holding, has joined hands with China’s official crisis management agency to launch an AI-powered technology designed to detect and prevent emergencies on the road, as the country expects 1.87 billion people to travel by car during one of its busiest holidays. The “Eagle Eye Guardian” alert system, which was launched on Sunday by the Alibaba unit and China’s Academy of Safety Science and Technology, an agency overseen by the Ministry of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/tech/tech-trends/article/3327372/alibabas-amap-teams-safety-agency-detect-road-emergencies-ahead-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/tech/tech-trends/article/3327372/alibabas-amap-teams-safety-agency-detect-road-emergencies-ahead-golden-week?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:00:09 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has modified a controversial Halloween installation after public concerns over its possible association with the Abby Choi murder case, with the park’s chairman calling it “a lesson learned”. Chairman Paulo Pong Kin-yee said on Monday that the park had adjusted its haunted house installation after the media preview and before the public opening to ensure visitors would not associate it with real crime cases. But he stopped short of revealing what details had been... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327199/hong-kongs-ocean-park-fixes-halloween-display-after-abby-choi-murder-reference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327199/hong-kongs-ocean-park-fixes-halloween-display-after-abby-choi-murder-reference?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:20:21 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Some Chinese skiers are travelling to an unexpected destination to take part in the winter sport: the hot and humid tech hub of Shenzhen in southern China’s Guangdong province, during next month’s eight-day National Day holiday, also known as the “golden week”. Qianhai Huafa Snow World, which is being touted as the world’s largest indoor ski resort, is set to open there on Monday as authorities look to tie the winter sports economy to efforts to boost consumption. The 10-hectare (24.7 acre)... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327002/why-shenzhen-chinas-balmy-southern-tech-hub-becoming-skiing-destination?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3327002/why-shenzhen-chinas-balmy-southern-tech-hub-becoming-skiing-destination?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Sep 2025 07:00:09 +0000