Crowd Spots at Xin Hugang Ferry Terminal in the Late Night After Halloween Celebrations

After Halloween celebrations and multiple large events, Hong Kong saw heavy crowds on Sunday night. The Xin Hu Gang ferry terminal also experienced a surge in cross-border traffic, with travelers queuing up for 45 minutes to depart. A mainland traveler remarked that the terminal was more crowded at night than during the day, noting that it was even busier than a bar street.

On Halloween Eve, Hong Kong experienced a surge in crowds across various districts, with Lan Kwai Fong in Central being particularly bustling. As the night progressed into Sunday (Nov. 1), the new Huanggang Land Border Crossing experienced a similar level of activity, with some departing travelers waiting up to 45 minutes. A mainland traveler posted on Weibo, expressing surprise at the lively scene at midnight, quipping, "Everyone doesn't sleep at night, right?" Around 1 a.m., the crossing was reported to be very busy, leading to the suggestion that travelers bound for the north should depart by 2 a.m. to avoid long queues. Police also advised crowds, stating that traffic and crowd control measures were in place, with vehicles possibly waiting up to 15 to 30 minutes for access to the drop-off area. By around 2 a.m., the queue length had returned to normal, attributed to the high footfall associated with Halloween and other large events that evening.

Travelers departing at midnight faced longer wait times, around 45 minutes, while Hong Kong residents had to wait about 25 minutes to enter. Security Bureau data showed that as of 12:30 a.m., travelers departing Hong Kong at Huanggang faced a 45-minute wait, and residents had to queue for 25 minutes. Ye Ms., a mainland resident who frequently visits Hong Kong, expressed her delight at the convenience of the new crossing, noting it saves time compared to taking the "emperor shuttle." She chose the new crossing for her return journey and plans to visit for a Twins concert in December. A traveler posted on Weibo around 12:15 a.m., describing the crossing as significantly more crowded than daytime, with "more people at midnight than during the day, and more bustling than the bar street."

The increased activity at the Huanggang crossing reflects the vibrant nightlife and large-scale events that draw visitors to Hong Kong, particularly during holidays and special events. Authorities are advising travelers to choose alternative crossings or depart earlier to minimize the inconvenience of waiting times. Meanwhile, the vibrant scenes observed on the night of Halloween suggest that despite less usual nightlife, the Hong Kong experience continues to attract both residents and tourists looking for unique experiences and events.