Thousands visited Hong Kong’s East Dam at High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung during the start of the Labour Day 'Golden Week' holiday, continuing the surge seen over Easter. A lawmaker has suggested an entry fee to help maintain the UNESCO Global Geopark amid rising ecotourism popularity.
Following high turnout during the Easter holidays—where daily visitors averaged 1,400 despite bad weather—thousands more flocked to Hong Kong’s East Dam of the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung on the first day of the five-day Labour Day “Golden Week”. Drawn by natural scenery, volcanic rock columns, and hiking trails promoted on mainland Chinese social media, tourists favoured ecotourism over shopping.
By 2pm Friday, authorities rated the site “very busy”. Citywide, about 980,000 mainland visitors are expected during the holiday, up 7 per cent year-on-year.
The crowd included mainland tourists, overseas visitors, locals, and domestic helpers picnicking around pavilions. Visitors were environmentally conscious, praised order maintained by police, and came prepared with supplies despite acceptable mobile coverage.
The repeated high turnout has prompted a lawmaker to propose charging an entrance fee to sustain the UNESCO Global Geopark.
