Hong Kong’s East Dam draws thousands for ‘golden week’ as lawmaker floats entry fee
Tourists opt for ecotourism over traditional shopping after Unesco geopark receives widespread publicity on mainland Chinese social media
Thousands of visitors have flocked to Hong Kong’s East Dam to view its rare volcanic rock columns at the start of the five-day Labour Day “golden week” holiday, prompting a lawmaker to suggest charging an entrance fee to maintain the Unesco global geopark.
Drawn by the city’s natural scenery and well-established hiking trails, which are being heavily promoted on mainland Chinese social media, many tourists are increasingly trading traditional shopping sprees for ecotourism at the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung on Friday.
By 2pm, authorities reported that visitor traffic at the East Dam had already reached a “very busy” level. Citywide, the government anticipates about 980,000 mainland visitors during the holiday period, a 7 per cent year-on-year increase.
The East Dam attracted a diverse crowd of mainland tourists, overseas visitors and local residents – including domestic helpers – who arrived in groups to rest and dine around the pavilions.
Visitors showed they were mindful of environmental protection, and many praised police and other government officers for maintaining order.
Many also found the mobile network acceptable and came prepared with their own supplies, opting to wander leisurely without setting budgets.