Hong Kong has launched its first countryside real-name reservation system, capping daily visitors to a popular trail in Sai Kung at 2,000 on select dates, with a lawmaker and a district councillor saying the move could gather data to help shape formal arrangements.
The trial reservation system for visits to the Po Pin Chau trail in Sai Kung East Country Park went live at 11am on Monday, offering the first batch of slots for September 5 and 6 via Klook’s website, app and WeChat mini-programme.
A check by a South China Morning Post reporter on Monday afternoon found that slots for all four time slots – 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm – for both dates were still available, with each permitting a maximum of 500 people.
To complete the booking, users need to submit all participants’ names, telephone numbers and identity documents, including passports, exit-entry permits for Macau and Hong Kong, or identity cards for mainland Chinese and local residents.
The contact information will also be required, and an e-voucher will be sent via email or can be viewed in Klook’s app or mini-programme after registration.
According to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s website, the reservation system covers weekends between September 5 and 20, the three-day weekend over the Mid-Autumn Festival starting on September 25, and the mainland’s National Day “golden week” from October 1 to 7.
