Peering across the border feels surreal at Lok Ma Chau Control Point. This is where Hong Kong meets mainland China. This is more than just a checkpoint. It is a gateway to another world.
Lok Ma Chau Control Point stands as a vital hub. It facilitates the flow of people and goods between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Opened in 1989, it was the third road crossing between Hong Kong and mainland China. Man Kam To and Sha Tau Kok were the first.
Initially, Lok Ma Chau Control Point provided limited service. It only used the Eastern Bridge with two lanes. The Western Bridge opened in 1991, adding two more lanes.
Business leaders wanted 24-hour operation. Villagers feared noise and dust. Overnight crossings began in November 1994. 24-hour passenger clearance started in January 2003. Lok Ma Chau Control Point became the only Hong Kong control point with 24-hour service to Shenzhen.
The control point connects to Huanggang Port in Shenzhen. The Lok Ma Chau Bridge spans the Sham Chun River. This river marks the border. In 2004, a new four-lane bridge opened to handle increasing traffic.
COVID-19 caused a temporary closure. Lok Ma Chau Control Point closed in February 2020. It reopened in February 2023.
In 2015, Lok Ma Chau Control Point processed 37 million people. This made it the second-busiest road control point in Hong Kong. The Shenzhen Bay Control Point was the busiest. The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line rail crossing handled 61.9 million.
Reaching Lok Ma Chau Control Point requires a permit. Vehicles travel along San Sham Road. Police checkpoints ensure security.
Public transport options are plentiful here. Shuttle buses connect to Huanggang Port and San Tin Public Transport Interchange. Franchised buses and green minibuses serve San Tin PTI. From there, you can reach many destinations in the New Territories. Non-franchised buses run directly to various destinations. These include Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, and Jordan.
The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point links to the Lok Ma Chau station. A pedestrian footbridge connects to Futian Port in Shenzhen. This offers railway access. The control point opened with the KCR Lok Ma Chau Spur Line in 2007. The double-deck bridge spans the Sham Chun River. The lower deck is for those heading to Futian Port. The upper deck is for those coming to Hong Kong.
Immigration facilities are inside the station building. Hong Kong’s jurisdiction ends at the bridge’s midpoint. The control point operates from 6:30 to 22:30. The nearby vehicle Lok Ma Chau Control Point offers 24-hour service.
Despite being called a railway crossing, it is a pedestrian crossing. Unlike Lo Wu Control Point, buses, taxis, and minibuses can reach it. Most users are train passengers. However, you can reach the Lok Ma Chau pedestrian crossing by various means.
The Lok Ma Chau transport interchange is east of the station. Footbridges connect them. Police guard the area. It lies within the Frontier Closed Area.
Lok Ma Chau Control Point embodies Hong Kong’s connection to mainland China. It has evolved to meet growing demands. It stands as a testament to cross-border travel. It ensures efficient and secure passage.