Hong Kong will extend the operating hours of two border checkpoints on New Year’s Eve, when 380,000 people are expected to gather in Tsim Sha Tsui for a 12-minute fireworks display and performances by local boy band Mirror and Canadian duo Crash Adams.
The government said on Friday the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint would operate around the clock amid the celebrations, while the Lo Wu border crossing would remain open until 2am on Wednesday. Both checkpoints typically close at midnight.
Local bus companies and the rail operator also revealed special transport arrangements, including overnight bus services to the Shenzhen Bay checkpoint.
According to the Immigration Department, 13.07 million people were expected to either enter or exit Hong Kong during the Christmas to New Year holiday period, averaging 1.1 million people per day.
“January 1 is a public holiday on the mainland and in Hong Kong. We believe that the number of outbound travellers on that day will increase compared with the estimation,” Ng Yun-ming, section commander for operations for the Lo Wu section, said.
The Tourism Board, which is hosting the activities, said that alongside the fireworks, New Year’s Eve would be celebrated with musical and dance performances at the Cultural Centre’s viewing deck, including appearances by Mirror, girl group Collar and Crash Adams.