(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Zhuhai's border checkpoints are preparing for a significant rise in cross-border traffic during the Qingming Festival holiday, with daily passenger flows expected to exceed 712,000—up 23.6% year-on-year, according to estimates from the Zhuhai Border Inspection Station.
The three-day holiday, running from April 4 to 6 in both the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, traditionally sees a surge in travel as residents return home for ancestral tomb-sweeping rituals, visit family, or embark on short trips. This year, demand is expected to be even higher due to enhanced travel policies allowing multiple-entry permits, and streamlined customs procedures that eliminate the need to present travel documents at certain crossings.
Among Zhuhai's busiest land crossings, Gongbei Port is forecast to handle 367,000 daily passengers, while the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Hengqin, and Qingmao checkpoints will see daily volumes of 123,000, 95,000, and 114,000, respectively. Maritime ports, including Wanzai, Zhongshan, and Jiuzhou, are also set to experience increased traffic. The peak travel day is expected to be April 5, with more than 750,000 border crossings—12% higher than a typical weekend in March.
Authorities are taking proactive measures to manage the surge, including full staffing at inspection booths, enhanced coordination with Hong Kong and Macao border officials, and deploying extra officers to assist travelers, particularly the elderly and those in need of special assistance.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
With a surge in cross-border travel expected over the Qingming Festival, authorities have provided detailed guidance on checkpoint operations and anticipated peak hours to help travelers plan their journeys.
Land Ports
Gongbei Port: Open from 6 AM to 1 AM the following day.
Outbound peak: April 4 (7:30–10:30 AM), April 5 (7:30–11:30 AM), April 6 (8:30–11:30 AM).
Inbound peak: April 4 (4:30–8:30 PM), April 5 (4:30–9:30 PM), April 6 (4:00–8:30 PM).
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (24-hour operation)
Zhuhai-Hong Kong Arrival and Departure Halls:
Outbound peak: 8–10 AM, 3–6 PM.
Inbound peak: 4–7 PM.
Zhuhai-Macao Arrival and Departure Hall:
Outbound peak: 8–10 AM.
Inbound peak: 4–6 PM.
Hengqin Port: Open 24 hours.
Outbound peak: 10 AM–2 PM.
Inbound peak: 4–6 PM.
Qingmao Port: Open 24 hours.
Outbound peak: 7–11 AM.
Inbound peak: 5–8 PM.
Additional surges: April 4 (10 AM–12 PM, inbound), April 6 (8–10:30 PM, outbound).
Ferry Terminals
Zhongshan Passenger Port: Open from 7:30 AM to 10 PM.
Ferry tickets available via the WeChat official account of“中港客运” or ticket counters.
Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port: Open from 8:30 AM to 9 PM.
Tickets can be purchased via the WeChat official account of“九洲港”or on-site.
Wanzai Port: Open from 7 AM to 10 PM.
Ferry tickets available via the WeChat official account of“澳门粤通船务”or at ticket counters.
Travelers are advised to check real-time updates and opt for off-peak hours where possible to ensure a smoother journey.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He
