Over 300,000 tourists visit Hong Kong on first day of National Day Golden Week

A total of 306,544 visitors from mainland and other countries entered Hong Kong on National Day, Oct.1, according to Immigration Department statistics.

Despite scorching midday temperatures exceeding 34 degrees, tourists flocked to streets in Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Central, many adorned with National flags and celebratory banners.

Two tourists from Jiangsu, visiting Hong Kong for the first time, said even more national flags were hanging around where they came from. 

“Basically, every road is decorated with national flags, even in less-populated areas,” said Alina Shan, one of the tourists.

The duo said they had long bookmarked Hong Kong after seeing recommendations on Xiaohongshu (RedNote). 

In Central, Liza Erata, 56, was hanging out with her daughter, enjoying their day off as local domestic workers. 

She said National Day felt like any other holiday, as she always has Sundays off. “We stayed here too long already, that’s why we got used to it.”

Two Australians on a business trip, Max Penny, 18, and Sam Penny, 50, were walking with miniature national flags they got for free on the Star Ferry. 

Max said the festive vibes had been pretty good so far, but he was not used to Hong Kong’s heat, as it is currently winter in Australia. 

The Immigration Department estimates that more than 7.44 million, including Hong Kong citizens and visitors, will pass through the border during the seven-days National Day Golden Week.