(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
One year since the launch of the multiple-entry permits for Macao-Hengqin tour groups, over 120,000 tourists have made cross-border trips between the two regions using the special group permits arrangement, according to data released on May 6 by the Hengqin Border Inspection Station under the Zhuhai General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.
The scheme, aimed at deepening integration between Macao and Hengqin through tourism, has experienced rapid growth. Monthly visitor numbers have surged from around 4,000 in early 2024 to more than 20,000 by 2025, highlighting the increasing appeal of joint travel experiences across the border.
To ensure the smooth operation of the initiative, the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin introduced detailed guidelines for organizing these group tours. The policy outlines procedures for forming tour groups, managing border crossings, and establishes qualification standards for travel agencies.
The number of group permits issuances has also jumped fivefold—rising from just over 1,000 per month in 2024 to more than 5,000 per month in 2025. Notably, 86% of travelers used the permits to enter Macao at least twice during its validity period.
Currently, more than 50 travel agencies are authorized to organize Macao-Hengqin tours, with over 11,000 group trips conducted and nearly 40,000 participants involved. The program has become a key driver in merging the cultural and tourism industries across the two regions.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He
