Hong Kong Sets First-Ever Visitor Quota for Sai Kung Coastal Trail
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong authorities have announced the city's first-ever visitor quota system for a countryside trail, capping daily access to the Po Pin Chau section of the High Island Geo Trail at 2,000 people starting September 5. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will require real-name registration through the Klook platform, dividing visitors into four two-hour time slots of 500 spots each during weekends and public holidays. Officials say the measure aims to protect the narrow trail from excessive wear and address capacity saturation during peak periods.
Key Points
- The Po Pin Chau trail within the UNESCO Global Geopark at Sai Kung East Country Park will limit access to 2,000 visitors daily
- Four two-hour time slots will be offered with 500 spots each; East Dam and Biu Tsim Kok remain accessible without bookings
- Booking slots open at 11am on August 24 via Klook; no fees or penalties for no-shows initially
- The roughly 1km-long trail features dramatic hexagonal volcanic rock columns jutting from the sea
- Director Mickey Lai Kin-ming stated sudden holiday surges pushed certain sections near saturation
Why It Matters
This pilot system represents a significant shift in Hong Kong's approach to balancing outdoor recreation with environmental protection, potentially serving as a template for managing other overwhelmed countryside attractions across the city .
This pilot system represents a significant shift in Hong Kong's approach to balancing outdoor recreation with environmental protection, potentially serving as a template for managing other overwhelmed countryside attractions across the city .