Crowds build up at Hong Kong border crossing as 3-day long weekend ends

Crowds built up at Hong Kong’s busiest border checkpoint, Lo Wu, on Sunday afternoon following a three-day long weekend, with many residents bringing back delicacies such as hairy crabs and consumer goods.

Tens of thousands were making their way back to Hong Kong from tomb sweeping across the border, short breaks and shopping in Shenzhen, after a net outflow of 416,709 trips was recorded from Thursday, the eve of the Chung Yeung Festival, to Saturday.

The Immigration Department said the number of trips was similar to the corresponding period last year, where a net outflow of 428,903 was logged between October 20 and 22.

Many of those returning on Sunday were carrying luggage, with some enticed along the way by vendors hawking hairy crabs at 100 yuan (US$57) for four.

Jennifer Wong, 45, owner of a yoga studio in Fo Tan, bought eight crabs on the way home with her husband, spending about HK$5,000 for their weekend getaway, which included a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen.