Hong Kong Vehicle Scheme: 5.2 Million Crossings in 3 Years

Three years after its launch, the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” scheme has recorded over 5.2 million vehicle crossings through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Zhuhai port, marking a major milestone in cross-border connectivity between Hong Kong and mainland China. The milestone was reported by Xinhua News on the policy’s third anniversary.

A Policy That Opened the Road North

Launched on July 1, 2023, the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” (港车北上) scheme allows eligible Hong Kong private car owners to drive their vehicles across the HZMB into Guangdong Province without requiring separate mainland license plates. The policy was introduced six months after a similar scheme for Macau vehicles took effect in January 2023.

Over the three-year period, more than 170,000 drivers and 148,000 vehicles have registered with border inspection authorities, according to China News Service. The figures reflect strong and sustained demand from Hong Kong residents seeking greater mobility across the border.

Record-Breaking Growth in 2026

The momentum has only accelerated. From January 1 to June 30, 2026, border inspection authorities processed over 1.25 million “Northbound Travel” vehicle crossings — a year-on-year increase of over 23% compared to the same period in 2025, as reported by China News Service.

The HZMB Zhuhai port now handles approximately 7,000 “Northbound Travel” crossings per day on average, rising to about 9,000 on weekends and holidays. A single-day record was set on April 6, 2026, when over 17,900 “Northbound Travel” crossings were recorded, contributing to a total port traffic of 29,800 vehicles — both all-time highs since the bridge opened.

Passenger traffic has also surged. In the first six months of 2026, border authorities processed over 6.61 million Hong Kong passenger crossings via the HZMB, an increase of 10% year-on-year.

Policy Extended to 2031

On May 30, 2026, the Guangdong Provincial Government announced a five-year extension of the scheme, pushing its validity to June 1, 2031. The original policy was set to expire in June 2026. The extension, reported by People’s Daily Online, provides long-term certainty for Hong Kong residents and businesses planning cross-border activities.

The Bigger Picture: Greater Bay Area Integration

The “Northbound Travel” policies are cornerstone initiatives of China’s broader Greater Bay Area (GBA) development strategy, which aims to integrate Hong Kong, Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong Province into a world-class economic and innovation hub.

The HZMB — the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge at 55 kilometers (34 miles) — has become a critical transportation artery for the region. As of early 2026, the bridge had cumulatively processed over 107 million passenger crossings, while combined Hong Kong and Macau single-plate vehicle registrations have reached nearly 200,000.

The policy has driven significant cross-border activity. Hong Kong residents are increasingly traveling north for shopping, dining, leisure, and even daily commuting. Reports indicate a growing trend of Hong Kong residents purchasing property in mainland cities such as Zhuhai and Zhongshan, drawn by the convenience of the bridge and the cost-of-living differential.

As one Hong Kong resident, Mr. Huang, told local media: “Fast customs clearance, short distance — we are truly experiencing the convenience of the Greater Bay Area.” His family drove across the bridge to reach Zhongshan for ancestral worship in just 1.5 hours.

What to Watch

With the policy now secured until 2031, the trajectory points to continued growth. The shift from “trying out” to “regular visits” (从”尝鲜”到”常来”) represents a fundamental change in how Hong Kong residents relate to the mainland. Key questions ahead include whether the HZMB’s capacity can keep pace with rising demand, and how the increased northbound traffic will affect Hong Kong’s domestic economy.

For now, the 5.2 million crossing milestone stands as a clear signal: the road between Hong Kong and the mainland is busier than ever.