Huanggang Port Reopening: What It Means For Families Crossing Into Shenzhen
One Queue, One Building, Open 24/7
Updated: October 14, 2026
If you usually walk across at Lo Wu or Futian, you know the routine: queue for Hong Kong immigration, walk across with the stroller, then queue again on the mainland side. The rebuilt Huanggang Port, which opened on October 12, 2026, gives you another option. It’s the first land crossing between Hong Kong and the mainland where you queue and show your documents just once.
Click here for more information on Huanggang Port
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What’s new Kids and the gates Getting there from Hong Kong Quick Q&A Tips for parents What’s next Before & after
What’s new?
Hong Kong and mainland immigration are now in one nine-storey building, so there’s no more shuttle bus between checkpoints. There are 134 automated channels and 68 staffed counters. The Security Bureau says clearance should take about five minutes, down from around 30 at the old crossing. It’s also the only passenger land crossing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen that’s open around the clock.
Kids and the gates (Hong Kong residents)
- Under 7: Use a staffed counter.
- Ages 7 to 13: Can use the automated channels with a travel document. Parents can register them in advance.
- 14 and over: Can also use face-scan clearance.
Getting there from Hong Kong
By bus (single adult fares; buses stop right inside the port)
- Hong Kong Island: Citybus B13 from Siu Sai Wan via Central
- Kowloon: Citybus B14 from Kai Tak
- New Territories:
- KMB B10 from Kwai Tsui Estate
- KMB B11 from Tin Shui Wai and Yuen Long
- NLB B12 from Ma On Shan and Tai Po
- Citybus B15 from Tuen Mun, weekends and public holidays only
- Disneyland: Wonderland Shuttle coach, daytime only
By taxi: Red and green taxi ranks, plus a pick-up area for app-booked fleet taxis.
Heading home late at night: Bus NB73 to Sha Tin, and minibuses to Tin Shui Wai, Tuen Mun and Mong Kok.
On the Shenzhen side: Metro Line 7, taxi or bus.
Quick Q&A: Huanggang, Lok Ma Chau or Lo Wu?
Where exactly is it?
The port building is in Futian, Shenzhen, just across the river from Lok Ma Chau. You reach it by road from the Hong Kong side. You come out in Futian, Shenzhen, on Metro Line 7. That’s handy for COCO Park and UpperHills.
Is it the same as the Lok Ma Chau MTR crossing?
No. The Lok Ma Chau MTR station takes you to Futian Checkpoint. Huanggang is a separate crossing nearby. Its old Hong Kong side was called the Lok Ma Chau Control Point, which is why people mix them up.
Can I take the MTR there?
Not yet. Take a bus, minibus, taxi or cross-border coach, and you’ll be dropped inside the port building.
Can I drive?
Only with a licensed cross-boundary vehicle. There’s no public car park.
Why use it instead of Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau MTR?
You clear immigration once instead of twice, it should take about five minutes, and it’s open 24 hours. Direct buses also run from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. If the MTR is easier for you and you’re crossing in the daytime, the other crossings still work as they always have.
Can grandparents or our helper come in to see us off?
No. Only people who are crossing can enter the port, so say your goodbyes before you get there.
Tips for parents
- Register for the automated gates to save time. You can do it in the HK e-Channel app before you go, or at kiosks in the port. Parents can register kids aged 7 and over (in the app or at a kiosk). You’ll also need the mainland e-Channel registration. Not registered? Just use the staffed counters.
- Check bus days and times before you set off.
What’s next?
Once the MTR’s Northern Link Spur Line opens, there will be a direct train link to the port. A Shenzhen-Dongguan-Guangzhou intercity railway is also due to connect to it.
Details are correct at the time of writing. Check the Transport Department and Immigration Department websites for the latest.
Huanggang Port: before and after
| Before (Lok Ma Chau Control Point) | After (new Huanggang Port) | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Passengers and cargo | Passengers only |
| Opening hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| How you clear | Two separate buildings, one for each side | Both sides in one building |
| Shuttle bus between checkpoints | Yes | No |
| Queues | Two, one on each side | One |
| Automated channels | 39 e-Channels | 134 automated channels |
| Staffed counters | 45 | 68 |
| Car and coach clearance kiosks | 20 | 26 |
| Typical clearance time | About 30 minutes | About 5 minutes |
Source: Hong Kong Security Bureau
Planning a trip across the border? Read these next:
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Anyone who's crossed the border with kids knows the hard part isn't the trip, it's everything in between. Huanggang cuts most of that out. The bus drops you inside the port, you queue once, and you're through in about five minutes. You don't have to get everyone off a shuttle bus or wait in a second line with a tired toddler. With fewer steps, there's less chance of a meltdown before you've even reached Shenzhen. And because the port is open 24/7, you don't need to rush dinner to make it back.
Who It's Perfect For:
Pretty much everyone. It's great for spur-of-the-moment trips, like a Saturday morning shopping run, a family lunch in Futian or a last-minute plan for the weekend. With direct buses from across Hong Kong and no shuttle transfer, it's easy to just go. It also makes a big difference for people who cross regularly, such as commuters, students and anyone who lives on one side and works on the other. For them, five minutes at the border instead of 30 adds up quickly.
Where To Find It:
- Huanggang Port
- Huanggang Port, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- https://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/hg/introduction.ht
Marya Saidi
Marya is the Regional Editor for Little Steps Asia. Originally from Lebanon and raised in London, she moved to Hong Kong with her husband in 2014 and now calls it home. With a background in mental health research and experience working with NGOs, she brings a thoughtful perspective to her writing. When she’s not exploring the latest restaurant openings or events, you’ll find her building sandcastles with her son on Repulse Bay Beach or strength training at her favorite gym.
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