SCMP Originals
Hong Kong reopens: life after quarantine

Hong Kong mask manufacturer diversifies business as city lifts face-covering rule

Hong Kong face-mask manufacturers and retailers were quick to respond when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in 2020. But with the near three-year-long citywide mask mandate finally ending on March 1, 2023, the industry has been looking to adapt to a mask-less future.

March 2, 2023
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Hong Kong will end its indoor and outdoor mask requirements from March 1, 2023, according to the city’s leader. Chief Executive John Lee announced the move on February 28, the day after...01:47
Hong Kong reopens: life after...
Hong Kong to end mask mandate starting March 1
February 28, 2023
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Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced on February 28, 2023, that the city’s Covid mask mandate would be scrapped from March 1. Rules about wearing face coverings in some locations including...01:57
Hong Kong reopens: life after...
Hong Kong set to end mask mandate
February 28, 2023
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All checkpoints between Hong Kong and mainland China fully reopened on February 6, 2023, marking the full resumption of quarantine-free travel, without quotas and Covid-19 tests on either side....02:23
Hong Kong reopens: life after...
Hong Kong fully reopens border with mainland China
February 6, 2023
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Hong Kong has launched a HK$2 billion-plus (US$255 million) campaign to boost tourism, business and investment. The scheme, unveiled on February 2, 2023, by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, will...02:07
Hong Kong reopens: life after...
‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign to give out 500,000 airline tickets
February 2, 2023
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The first high-speed train from Hong Kong to mainland China departed on the morning of January 15, 2023, after the resumption of service following a three-year suspension because of Covid. Launched...02:32
Hong Kong transport
Hong Kong’s high-speed rail service to mainland China resumes
January 15, 2023
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Eager travellers descended on newly reopened border checkpoints between Hong Kong and mainland China early on January 8, 2023, as they headed to family reunions or made business trips for the first...01:54
Hong Kong reopens: life after...
Hong Kong-mainland China land border reopens
January 8, 2023
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From battling a fifth wave of Covid-19 to marking the 25th anniversary of its handover to China, Hong Kong underwent momentous events and challenges in 2022. Here’s a look back at the city’s...07:47
Hong Kong society
To hell and back: Hong Kong’s biggest news events of 2022
January 2, 2023
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang says Hong Kong has the country’s full backing for the city’s integration with the motherland. Li made the remarks in his meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee...01:04
Hong Kong politics
Hong Kong leader meets Chinese Premier Li Keqiang
December 22, 2022
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Hong Kong scrapped the use of its “Leave Home Safe” app and removed most of its Covid restrictions for incoming travellers, starting on December 14, 2022. Previously, all arriving passengers had...02:58
Hong Kong reopens: life after quarantine
Hong Kong's easing of Covid restrictions welcomed by travellers
December 14, 2022
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Hong Kong will scrap the use of its controversial “Leave Home Safe” app from December 14, 2022, and remove most restrictions on incoming travellers. Previously, all arriving passengers have been...02:33
Coronavirus Hong Kong
Hong Kong eases Covid curbs, ends use of controversial app
December 13, 2022
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As the global airline industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and more people are flying, airfares are hitting significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Passengers are also finding it...11:36
Aviation
Explainer: Why are airfares so expensive and when will they get cheaper?
July 29, 2023
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The 2023 “golden week” holiday period which includes May Day did more than just reveal how badly people in mainland China wanted to travel and visit tourist sites. Beijing-based reporter Luna Sun...27:15
China's economic recovery
274 million Chinese take a holiday: why ‘golden week’ 2023 was different
May 5, 2023
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As Hong Kong's international music and arts festival, Clockenflap 2023, returns after four years, several local bands have been eagerly awaiting their debut on the Clockenflap stage. Among the...04:26
Clockenflap Music Festival
What does it feel like to perform at Clockenflap?
March 5, 2023
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Four and a half years since Hong Kong’s last Clockenflap festival, the city’s largest outdoor music and arts festival is back, the first one to be held since the Covid pandemic. The 2023 edition,...02:33
Clockenflap Music Festival
Clockenflap back at Hong Kong harbourfront after 4.5-year-hiatus
March 4, 2023
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What does it take to maintain loving marriages that span decades? These 20 couples, aged 60 years or older, shared love secrets at a mass wedding04:59
Hong Kong society
The secrets to a long-lasting marriage
November 30, 2024
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Amid a boom in generative AI and the rise of apps like DeepSeek and ChatGPT, China’s adult toys industry is the latest to capitalise on the global trend. WMDoll, one of the biggest sex doll...05:38
DeepSeek
Chinese sex doll makers embrace AI
March 6, 2025
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As leaders gather for the annual ‘two sessions’ meetings, Beijing faces a tough task to boost the nation’s economy amid deflation risks and a real estate slump. Pledges have been made to stimulate consumption and jobs, but Shanghai business owners say targeted measures are needed  03:22
Two Sessions 2025 (Lianghui)
The small business concerns behind China’s ‘two sessions’
March 5, 2025
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The international event set for March 4-9 at the Kai Tak Sports Park will be the first sport’s first ranking tournament to be held in Hong Kong since 198901:52
World Snooker
Hong Kong to host snooker’s World Grand Prix
March 2, 2025
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PapaHome has over 10,000 furniture and home decoration items on display, allowing customers to get an up-close look before purchasing online01:37
Taobao
Taobao’s first physical store in Hong Kong
February 22, 2025
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Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest tea-producing countries and its economy is highly dependent on the tea industry. In 2024, the tea sector contributed 11 per cent to the island’s total...13:08
Eat Drink Asia
What makes Sri Lanka the tea island of the world?
February 22, 2025
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Volunteer groups say 49 pet dogs died after ingesting poison in 2024, a tenfold jump from the previous year05:10
Animal welfare in Hong Kong
Dog poisonings on the rise in Hong Kong
February 22, 2025
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The two cubs were born last year to the city’s resident giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le in Ocean Park01:55
Hong Kong’s pandas
New pandas ready to meet Hongkongers
February 15, 2025