Hong Kong, historically known as a shopping mecca, has seen an interesting reversal in its relationship with Shenzhen, its mainland neighbor. Over the past few months, there’s been a notable spike in the number of Hong Kong residents traveling to Shenzhen for various leisure and consumer activities. This shift paints a broader picture of the evolving synergy between the two regions.
Positioned roughly an hour away by subway, Shenzhen has become an attractive destination for many from Hong Kong. Recent statistics from the Hong Kong Immigration Department reveal that, from July to August alone, Hong Kong residents made over 9 million trips to Shenzhen. Given Hong Kong’s population of 7.3 million, the figures imply that residents, on average, visited Shenzhen 1.2 times during this period. Between March and August, the trips exceeded 22.45 million, averaging around 900,000 weekly visits.
This cross-border movement isn’t just about boosting local demand. It signifies the rapidly growing integration of consumption, lifestyle, cultural, and business practices between Guangdong and Hong Kong. The rise in visits is shaping the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s connectivity. It seems the vision of a “one-hour living circle” between Hong Kong and Shenzhen is coming to fruition.
On weekends and holidays, it’s evident that nearly half of those frequenting Shenzhen’s night markets, malls, and eateries are from Hong Kong. Numerous posts on Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese social media platform, hint at Hongkongers “dominating” Shenzhen’s shopping zones.
Hong Kong locals relish not just the dining experience in Shenzhen but also its cultural offerings. Shenzhen’s innovative bookstores, packed with a vast array of titles, are a major attraction. Moreover, many from Hong Kong are also heading north to enjoy mainland Chinese films.
A study by Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, an international real estate services firm, observed that these frequent trips to Shenzhen are becoming routine, especially among the younger Hong Kong demographic.
The drivers behind this trend are multifaceted. They stem from the intertwined economic, trading, and lifestyle ties between the two cities. Ever since the border between mainland China and Hong Kong fully reopened in early February, interactions have surged.
Affordable prices, a broader range of options, superior service, and efficient transport links are among the primary reasons Hongkongers are drawn to Shenzhen. For instance, in January, a joint QR code system for subway networks was introduced between the two cities, streamlining commute even further.
Economic experts suggest that this upward trajectory in travel helps Hongkongers become more acquainted with mainland China. The cultural ties run deep, with many Hong Kong natives having roots on the mainland. For the younger generation, sampling the diverse culinary delights of the mainland offers a gateway into understanding its rich heritage.
Key stakeholders in Shenzhen believe that as this commercial and cultural amalgamation deepens, some lagging industries in Hong Kong, like online shopping and takeout delivery, will advance. Furthermore, as this symbiosis grows, many mainland brands are poised to become favorites among Hongkongers, potentially fueling their expansion.
In sum, as the information divide between mainland China and Hong Kong diminishes, the intrigue and allure of the mainland are drawing more Hongkongers to explore and embrace its offerings.
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