A Growing Trend: Guangdong Motorists Explore Hong Kong by Car
For many Guangdong motorists, the Lunar New Year holiday has become an opportunity to explore Hong Kong in a unique way. With the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme allowing approved private cars from the mainland to enter Hong Kong directly via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, hundreds of drivers have taken advantage of this new travel option. This initiative has opened up a fresh avenue for offbeat sightseeing and festive shopping, drawing attention from both locals and visitors alike.
The scheme, launched in late December 2025, permits approved vehicles to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas for up to three days, with a daily quota of 100 vehicles. Authorities reported that bookings under the program were “favourable,” with about 500 cars expected to enter the city during the early days of the holiday. The initiative is part of broader efforts to boost cross-border tourism and economic activity between Guangdong and Hong Kong.
Exploring Hong Kong on Four Wheels
Among those taking advantage of the scheme are car enthusiasts like Harry Liu, a 29-year-old Guangzhou resident who owns a Mercedes-Benz. Liu recently drove into Hong Kong for a one-day trip, eager to experience the city’s car culture firsthand. “I’m a fan of Hong Kong’s car culture, so I wanted to see how local owners modify their vehicles and chat with them about cars,” he said.
Liu arrived in the afternoon and visited the scenic village of Shek O before stopping by a second-hand car shop in Central to browse vintage cars. He also visited a Mercedes-Benz showroom to compare models available on both sides of the border. To save money, Liu opted to stay overnight in Zhuhai instead of Hong Kong, but he plans to return for future trips.
Mainland Chinese authorities have waived tolls on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and other expressways during the Lunar New Year holiday, making it more cost-effective for drivers to make the trip. Liu estimated that he could save about 600 yuan (U$86) in tolls for a round trip from Guangzhou. He also expressed interest in visiting the Chinese University of Hong Kong campus and Kennedy Town in the future.
Convenience and Safety in Hong Kong Driving
Another visitor, Eason Chong, a 32-year-old Guangzhou resident working in the automobile industry, took advantage of the scheme to buy Lunar New Year gifts. He and his family of four spent about 20,000 yuan on shopping, meals, and accommodation during their two-day trip in February. Chong described driving in Hong Kong as a pleasant experience, noting that drivers strictly follow traffic rules, pedestrians do not run red lights, and there are no electric bikes weaving around.
Electric bikes are highly popular in Guangzhou, with their numbers reaching into the millions. However, they are widely seen as a road safety hazard. Chong said he planned to drive to Hong Kong again for future holidays, citing the convenience and ease of navigating the city.
The Future of Cross-Border Travel
The Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme has been well-received by both travelers and officials. In a reply to the South China Morning Post, the Transport Department stated that it expected about 500 Guangdong vehicles to enter urban areas in the first few days of the holiday, with about half staying in Hong Kong for one to two days. The department also noted that more than 3,000 applicants had obtained eligibility to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas, and over 1,500 had already traveled to the city since the scheme’s launch.
As the scheme continues to gain popularity, it is likely to become an increasingly common way for Guangdong residents to explore Hong Kong. Whether for car culture, shopping, or simply enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere, the ability to drive directly across the border offers a convenient and appealing alternative to traditional travel methods.
