Immigration authorities expect 11 million people crossing the border during CNY holidays

The Immigration Department expects land border crossings reached a peak today ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays.

But some residents said they are choosing to spend the holidays in the city.

Scores of residents have already started their long vacations with just days until the start of the Lunar New Year holidays.

There were scenes of large crowds gathered at the West Kowloon Station earlier today with many of them hoping to celebrate the new year with their families across the border.

Most high speed rail tickets were already sold out.

This man said he is planning to return to Dongguan to visit his relatives, and hopes to enjoy a festive meal with them, while this man said he will go back to Fujian to have a 10-day gathering with nine extended families.

But not all travellers were northbound, as Hong Kong remains a popular new year destination for mainland residents.

This Guangzhou tourist said she loves the city and looks forward to spending her holidays here, having already planned on joining a celebrity meet-up and participating in government-organised activities.

Immigration authorities earlier forecasted that between Saturday and the 23rd of this month, some 11 million people will cross the border with the majority passing through checkpoints such as Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau.

Many local residents have also chosen to remain in the city during the holidays, with new year markets already packed with eager buyers of festive products.

This woman said the market situation remains positive this year while prices remain largely the same as before, while this man said the market is more atmospheric than before.