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Cross-border trips through Shenzhen's ports passed 100 million by May 2, 17 days earlier than last year. Foreign nationals made nearly 3 million entries and exits, up 28%, including about 700,000 visa-free entries, up 48%.
Overview
According to a CCTV News report on May 2, 2026, republished by Beijing Daily and other outlets, cross-border trips through Shenzhen's ports passed 100 million for the year as of May 2, reaching the milestone 17 days earlier than in 2025. Daily traffic averaged 825,000 trips, up 13.5% year on year.
Foreign nationals made nearly 3 million entries and exits, up 28%, and about 700,000 foreigners entered visa-free, up 48%. On 14 days so far this year, more than one million trips were recorded in a single day, with a peak of 1.092 million.
Background
Shenzhen borders Hong Kong by land and operates many crossings, including Huanggang, Futian, Luohu and Shenzhen Bay, making it one of China's busiest entry and exit hubs. Travel between Shenzhen and Hong Kong has become part of daily life for many people, with weekend and night-time trips on the rise. Work on the new Huanggang Port is also under way.
The report attributed the growth to several factors: 2026 is APEC's "China Year", with Shenzhen hosting the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November; visa-free policies have expanded, including 240-hour visa-free transit and mutual visa exemptions; and international interest in China continues to grow.
Under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, nationals of eligible countries travelling through China to a third country or region may stay without a visa for up to 240 hours, subject to conditions. Mutual visa exemptions are arrangements under which China and a partner country waive visas for each other's citizens. The expansion of these schemes has reduced the paperwork for foreigners making short trips for tourism or business meetings and has made cross-border travel more convenient.
Key points
| Item | Figure (2026, as of May 2) |
|---|---|
| Cumulative cross-border trips | Over 100 million (17 days earlier than last year) |
| Daily average | 825,000 (up 13.5%) |
| Days above one million trips | 14 |
| Single-day peak | 1.092 million |
| Foreign nationals' entries and exits | Nearly 3 million (up 28%) |
| Visa-free entries by foreigners | About 700,000 (up 48%) |
- Facial-recognition clearance: Six crossings, including Huanggang, Futian, Luohu and Shenzhen Bay, now have smart fast lanes, used by roughly one in three travellers. Overall clearance efficiency has improved by 37.2%.
- Night travel: At Huanggang, which operates around the clock, night-time traffic (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) rose 14.4% on weekdays and 7.1% at weekends.
- Holiday travel: The milestone was reached during the May Day holiday, reflecting strong demand for cross-border travel during the break.
What it means for Japan–Shenzhen exchange
The report does not give a breakdown by nationality, but a considerable number of Japanese business travellers and tourists reach Shenzhen via Hong Kong. Wider use of smart lanes and easier night-time crossings are likely to save time for staff of Japanese companies who work across Hong Kong and Shenzhen, as well as for business visitors.
The sharp rise in foreign entries and visa-free arrivals also points to Shenzhen's growing profile as an international business and tourism destination. With the APEC leaders' meeting approaching, attention is turning to whether travel for international conferences and exhibitions will increase further. Better travel conditions are expected to support people-to-people exchange between Japan and Shenzhen.
For Shenzhen companies, easier access for overseas customers and partners may create more opportunities for international contact through trade fairs and factory visits. At the same time, crossings can become crowded during holidays and major events, so allowing extra time when planning trips is likely to remain important.
Outlook
Shenzhen is scheduled to host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November. Further information on port development, including when the new Huanggang Port will open, is awaited from the authorities.
From the Association
The Association will continue to follow changes in the rules and conditions affecting travel between Shenzhen and Japan. We will keep sharing information with members and providing opportunities for exchange between the two.
This article is based on publicly available information and is provided for reference only; accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed.