FUELED by China’s expanded visa-free transit policy, Shenzhen has seen a sharp increase in international travelers during the summer travel rush that began July 1, the city’s entry and exit administration said. Between July 1 and Aug. 7, some 127,000 international travelers passed through the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport checkpoint — a 32.3% year-on-year increase. Visa-free entries accounted for nearly 60% of inbound international arrivals, surging more than 145.3% year on year. Most visitors arrived with family groups, and the number of both children (aged 14 and under) and seniors (65 and over) rose by more than 46.4%. Meanwhile, cross-border traffic with Hong Kong has also surged. On a recent Saturday, land crossings between Shenzhen and Hong Kong topped 1 million entries and exits, a new single-day record. The recent surge in traffic was driven by strong summer demand from residents in both Shenzhen and Hong Kong for tourism, cultural events, and shopping, according to Chinese-language media reports. Mainland residents were flocking to Hong Kong for its urban atmosphere, distinctive retail offerings, and attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland and Victoria Harbour, while Hong Kong residents were heading north to explore Shenzhen’s tech parks, coastal and mountain scenery, and affordable culinary scene. Public transport has mirrored the uptick in travel. Shenzhen Metro recorded an average daily ridership of more than 9.6 million trips in July, surpassing last July’s 9.3 million and setting an all-time monthly high. Between July 1 and Aug. 9, the metro led the nation in daily ridership on six separate days. (Han Ximin) | 