First Guangdong Cars Drive Into Hong Kong Under New Scheme

Published at: 23/12/2025
Modified at:23/12/2025

In a groundbreaking moment for cross-border mobility, the first batch of private cars from Guangdong province successfully entered Hong Kong through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, marking the launch of the innovative “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme. This exciting development opens up new possibilities for personal travel between mainland China and Hong Kong.

A series of buses and vehicles travel on a newly constructed road near the water, with traffic signals and signs indicating cross-border driving regulations in Hong Kong.

The inaugural crossing occurred just after midnight, with the first vehicle entering at 4:42 a.m. driven by a driver named Peng. His experience highlighted the scheme’s smooth implementation, with efficient border clearance processes on both the mainland and Hong Kong sides. Peng, who had waited approximately a month to secure a spot in the program, planned to explore the city with his family, embodying the personal travel opportunities this initiative creates.

Multiple cars, including a white minivan and a black SUV, are parked and moving through a border crossing at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, with some people walking across the crosswalk and others approaching the terminal building.

The scheme introduces several key features that make cross-border driving more accessible. Vehicles from Guangdong now receive special “FT”-prefix license plates, allowing them to access Hong Kong’s urban areas and stay for up to three days per trip. The initial quota includes 1,700 available spots, with over 700 applications already received – representing about 40 percent of the total capacity.

Early participants shared overwhelmingly positive experiences. Yang, a passenger in the second vehicle, contrasted her new self-drive experience with previous tour coach trips. She appreciated the ability to enjoy scenic routes and noted the streamlined border crossing process. At the mainland checkpoint, passengers opened car windows and used a dedicated clearance channel. The Hong Kong checkpoint proved even simpler, requiring only document submission without passengers needing to exit their vehicles.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge spans across the water, with several vehicles visible on the bridge and a few ships sailing underneath, set against a backdrop of mountains and a partly cloudy sky.

The first batch of vehicles originates from four Guangdong cities: Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, and Zhongshan. Authorities plan to expand the scheme within the next six months, potentially including more cities and increasing the number of eligible drivers.

A cityscape featuring the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge over the water with a cluster of modern skyscrapers and residential buildings in the foreground.

Electric vehicle owners like Zhang found additional convenience in the new program. He demonstrated the practicality of cross-border travel by charging his electric car in Zhuhai before beginning his journey, showcasing the scheme’s flexibility for modern transportation needs.

This initiative represents more than just a transportation program – it’s a significant step in enhancing connectivity between Guangdong and Hong Kong. By facilitating easier personal travel, the scheme promises to foster closer ties and provide more personalized travel experiences. Visitors can now explore the city at their own pace, free from the constraints of organized tours or public transportation.

The smooth implementation and enthusiastic response from early participants suggest a promising future for this cross-border driving program. As more cities become eligible and more drivers participate, the scheme could fundamentally transform how people move between mainland China and Hong Kong.

For travelers and transportation enthusiasts, this marks an exciting new chapter in regional mobility. The “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme not only simplifies travel but also symbolizes the increasing integration and mutual accessibility between these two dynamic regions.

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