Po Pin Chau Booking Sees No-shows During Golden Week

On the first day of the mainland Golden Week, visitors say crowds around the usually-packed High Island East Dam have been manageable.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Director Lai Kin-ming says he will review the Po Pin Chau booking arrangement to deal with the no-shows.

Po Pin Chau in Sai Kung implements a seven-day booking system for the National Day Golden Week, and most timeslots are full.

The system offers four sessions daily from 9am to 5pm, with a total quota of 2,000.

Some Shenzhen tourists, unable to secure a booking, wake up at 6am to reach Po Pin Chau before 9am.

Amanda from Shenzhen says it is frustrating for those who cannot get the slots, adding that the government should penalise no-shows by suspending their booking rights.

With many online bookings turning into no-shows, the department opens standby quotas.

Some tourists successfully book on-site, but the process is difficult.

Mr. Wang from Shenzhen says the quota is tight, and the system forces users to restart the entire process if a booking fails.

Under the heat, some visitors take rests, especially those who did not bring enough water.

Not far from Po Pin Chau, the High Island Reservoir East Dam, which does not require a booking, also sees visitors.

Ms. Zhang from Hebei says the crowd is smaller than expected.

Around noon, some taxis leave the area empty.

During the Golden Week, minibus increases its frequency reserving at least 30 minibuses with backup drivers.

AFCD Director Lai Kin-ming inspects the site and reminds frontline staff to handle bookings flexibly.

He says staff will accommodate walk-ins if space allows, as visitor safety and experience remain top priorities, the department will conduct an overall review later.

Currently, the booking system does not allow cancellations within 48 hours of the visit.

Lawmaker Steven Ho recommends relaxing the arrangement to free up more slots.