New Huanggang Port Open Next Year

The new Huanggang Port, located on Huanggang Road in Shenzhen, is set to become Hong Kong’s first border crossing to implement a "cooperative inspection, one-stop clearance" system. With its main structure expected to be completed by the end of 2025 and operations potentially starting as early as next year, the port aims to significantly enhance cross-border travel efficiency between Hong Kong and mainland China.

The Huanggang Port building, spanning 674,700 square meters across ten floors, is nearing completion. The top two floors will house passenger immigration facilities, featuring 134 self-service channels and 68 manual counters. The innovative clearance system will allow travelers to queue once and present a single document—Hong Kong residents will use their Home Return Permit when traveling northbound and their identity card when returning to Hong Kong.

This streamlined process is expected to reduce clearance times from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes. The port is projected to handle at least 200,000 passengers daily, with the capacity to increase to 300,000 after the North Shenzhen Metro Ring Line opens.

The port’s design and construction are managed by Shenzhen contractors, with all related costs covered by the Shenzhen municipal government. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will pay a symbolic annual rent of 1,000 CNY. However, Hong Kong will seek approximately HKD1.58 billion from the Legislative Council to fund its border facilities, including closed-circuit television systems.

During a Legislative Council Panel on Security meeting, concerns were raised about the potential for "seamless" or "touchless" clearance systems. Election Committee member Chan Yuet-ming asked whether the new port could adopt contactless clearance trials, similar to those at Shenzhen Bay Port. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung noted that Hong Kong and mainland China’s touchless technologies currently differ, requiring card-based clearance for now. However, he added that aligning technological standards is under exploration for future enhancements.

The HKSAR and mainland authorities are discussing the adoption of the "cooperative inspection, one-stop clearance" model at other ports. Tang indicated that the upcoming Sha Tau Kok crossing is planned to use this system, while the Lotus Pond/Heung Yuen Wai Port, with its spacious layout, is being considered for similar implementation. Shenzhen Bay Port’s suitability is also under review, though older crossings like Lo Wu may face challenges due to spatial constraints.

The two governments will seek approval from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress to implement "one-place, two-inspections" at the new Huanggang Port. Real Politics Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien, representing New Territories Northwest, inquired about the feasibility of adopting the clearance model at Shenzhen Bay, citing its relatively wide layout. Tang reiterated the government’s commitment to exploring this option.

The new Huanggang Port represents a significant advancement in Hong Kong’s cross-border infrastructure, promising faster, more convenient travel for residents and visitors. As the HKSAR government and mainland authorities continue to refine clearance technologies and expand the one-stop model, the port is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening connectivity between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.