An MTR employee assists travelers with health declaration forms on the train to Lo Wu checkpoint as cross-border travel fully resumes early on Monday. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
As staff opened the gates at Huanggang checkpoint — the only crossing between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland operating 24 hours a day — travelers from either side of the border started the first day of the full cross-boundary reopening on Monday.
With all checkpoints now back in service, hordes of commuters poured into the ports to enjoy their first quota-free and test-free cross-border journey since pandemic restrictions were introduced. What awaited them on the other side were their loved ones, gift bags and welcome signs, and communities revitalized thanks to re-established connections.
For residents living on either side of the border, full travel resumption is a significant step toward returning to social normalcy, rebooting cross-border exchanges, and regaining economic momentum.
Travelers pass Lo Wu checkpoint in the early morning on Monday. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
Travelers with suitcases pass Lo Wu checkpoint early on Monday. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
Travelers from Hong Kong enter Shenzhen via Lo Wu checkpoint. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
Staff members welcome travelers at Lo Wu checkpoint. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
Travelers wait in line to go through automated gates at Lo Wu checkpoint. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
Security officials open the gates at Huanggang checkpoint in Shenzhen. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)
Passengers get off a cross-border bus at Huanggang checkpoint. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)
