Mainland Chinese travelers flood into Hong Kong as the 'Golden Week' vacation commences, with an estimated 213,000 tourists.
Holler for the Golden WeekDazzling Drone Display
Data from Hong Kong's Immigration Department revealed a staggering 253,200 visitors flooding the city by 9 pm. With 213,181 of them hailing from the mainland, it was a noticeable leap compared to the 181,400 for the entire day last year. Over 281,000 local residents also embarked on journeys elsewhere.
Bustling crowds gathered in Wan Chai as early as the afternoon, eagerly awaiting the 12-minute Labour Day drone spectacle at 8 pm. This spectacular event witnessed 1,000 drones dancing through Victoria Harbour, transforming into striking displays like firecrackers, enchanting qilin – mythical beasts, and traditional buns, paying homage to the Cheung Chau Bun Festival.
In the sea of spectators, there was Zhang Hui, a businesswoman from Shenzhen, who had arrived with her 17-year-old daughter for a three-day escapade starting on Thursday.
Hong Kong's tourism sector appears to be on a roll, with the city aiming to entice more travelers and elevate its cultural allure. Here's a glimpse of what's brewing:
- Lights, Camera, Action: The evening drone show is just one of the strategies to diversify nighttime attractions, following recent openings such as the Kai Tak Sports Park and Ocean Park's adorable giant panda twins[1][2], both expected to magnetize family tourists[2][3].
- Visitors Galore: The projected number of mainland arrivals during the five-day May 1–5 spree is expected to range from 800,000 to 840,000, marking a 5–10% increase year-on-year[2][3]. Total crossings could peak at a whopping 5.7 million, anticipating mainland authorities to oversee 2.15 million daily cross-border trips - a hefty 25% surge from 2024 figures[2]. Furthermore, arrivals from international markets, like Japan and Australia, experienced an 18% year-on-year growth[5].
- Managing the Masses: To cater to the predicted influx, the city is preparing for 600 inbound mainland tour groups and bolstering immigration staffing[2][4]. These moves align with Hong Kong's "Cultural Beat" campaign (April–June 2025), which showcases traditional festivals and arts events to sustain the momentum after Golden Week[5].
The delicate dance of drones and targeted attractions aims to propel tourism towards experiential bliss, luring travelers to stretch their stays and spending. With early 2025 data already revealing a 9% year-on-year rise in Q1 arrivals (12.2 million in total), events such as Art Basel and LIV Golf Hong Kong have played significant roles[5].
- During the Golden Week event in Hong Kong, Zhang Hui, a businesswoman from Shenzhen, attended the dazzling drone display with her 17-year-old daughter as part of a three-day trip.
- Overcrowding is evident in Hong Kong's tourism sector, as the city plans to attract more visitors and boost its cultural appeal, with strategies such as the evening drone show paying tribute to the Cheung Chau Bun Festival.
- The city anticipates an influx of up to 840,000 mainland visitors during the May 1–5 spree, marking a 5–10% increase year-on-year, along with an 18% year-on-year growth in arrivals from international markets.
- To accommodate the predicted tourism surge, Hong Kong is preparing for 600 inbound mainland tour groups and augmenting immigration staffing, with plans for a "Cultural Beat" campaign showcasing traditional festivals and arts events from April to June 2025.
- The objective of these tourism strategies is to create an experiential lifestyle in Hong Kong, encouraging travelers to prolong their stays and spending, ultimately benefiting the local economy.
