The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) saw a historic surge in cross-border travel during the May Day holiday, with the Zhuhai Highway Port recording 348,000 passengers and 68,000 vehicles from May 1 to 3, marking year-on-year jumps of 54.2 percent and 39.8 percent, respectively.

The bridge's efficient customs clearance and panoramic views of the Lingdingyang made it a top choice for mainland tourists. Over 153,000 mainland travelers crossed during the period, including 85,000 on tourist visas, up 54.6 percent and 45.4 percent, respectively, from 2023.

Nighttime traffic surged as returning tour groups and northbound travelers exploring Hong Kong and Macao after dark overwhelmed the 24-hour port, with entry-exit figures far exceeding weekday levels.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Macao residents flocked north to experience mainland festivities. Highway toll exemptions and rainy weather boosted the number of people driving personal vehicles.

The holiday's first three days saw 64,000 cross-border minibuses processed at the port, accounting for 93.5 percent of total traffic. A total of 45,000 Hong Kong and Macao single-plate vehicles were recorded, a 48.4 percent spike from regular days.

Crowds pack the bustling checkpoint, awaiting clearance. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]