Quota set for visitors to popular Sai Kung coastal trail in first for Hong Kong
Hong Kong authorities will cap access to a popular Sai Kung trail overlooking hexagonal rock columns at 2,000 people per day during several stretches from next month and require real-name registration for visitors, marking the city’s first countryside crowd control measures of its kind. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department announced the arrangement on Friday for the Po Pin Chau…
Hong Kong's authorities will limit visitor access to a popular Sai Kung coastal trail, marking the city's first implementation of crowd-control measures in rural areas. The Po Pin Chau section of the High Island Geo Trail will permit 2,000 people per day from September, requiring real-name registration for entry. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department announced the policy in response to sudden visitor surges during holidays and the risk of environmental damage.
No fees are associated with the reservation system, and penalties for failing to appear are not yet in place. Director Mickey Lai explained that the quota aims to organize crowds, prevent overpopulation, and preserve the environment, including the trail's narrow pathway and the hexagonal volcanic rock columns. The reservation system will apply to weekends over the Mid-Autumn Festival (September 5-20) and other times, with slots available through the Klook booking platform.
Visitors must register their real names, and staff will check identification at the trail's start. Authorities will also monitor behavior and enforce penalties for environmental violations, following previous incidents of littering and trampling during golden weeks.
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