Hengqin Port, a key border crossing in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, adjacent to Macao, saw a noticeable rise in traffic volume from Tuesday to Thursday, the first three days of the eight-day Spring Festival holiday.
The surge in passenger and vehicle traffic was driven by travelers heading out to visit family and friends or embarking on cross-border trips.
According to the Hengqin Border Inspection Station, from Tuesday to Thursday, the crossing handled around 198,000 passenger entries and exits and 18,000 vehicle trips, marking year-on-year increases of 32 percent and 50 percent, respectively.
The authorities at Hengqin Port have taken proactive measures to ensure a smooth and efficient border-crossing experience.
"Hengqin Border Inspection Station has developed a special work plan, strengthened police deployment, scientifically adjusted duties, and fully opened all available channels in advance. We have also collaborated with Macao’s entry-exit department to enhance monitoring and analysis of passenger and vehicle flows, making every effort to ensure smooth and orderly customs clearance at Hengqin Port," said Zhang Xin, deputy head of the Border Inspection Department at Hengqin Border Inspection Station.
For many travelers, Hengqin Port serves as a convenient gateway to Macao, offering easy access to its attractions and experiences. Tourist Chen, eager to explore Macao's vibrant urban life, shared his reasons for choosing this route.
"I chose to go through Hengqin Port so I can take Macao’s light rail. I want to enjoy the sea views, do some shopping in Macao, and try some local snacks," said Chen.
Hengqin Port sees noticeable traffic surge in first days of Spring Festival holiday
China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong has completed a significant upgrade and started underwater trials, according to the country's Ministry of Natural Resources.
The China-made underwater ship, named after a mythical sea dragon, is capable of diving to depths exceeding 7,000 meters. It has completed over 300 dives since its maiden mission in August 2009 and explored waters in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.
This latest upgrade, which began in November last year, aims to enhance its capabilities and support more frequent deep-sea missions.
According to the National Deep Sea Base Management Center, the upgrade focuses on critical components like the propulsion system and battery packs.
The propulsion system has been adjusted structurally to increase the speed from 2.5 to over three nautical miles per hour, with the replacement of three-bladed propellers with more efficient four-bladed versions.
The zinc-silver battery pack has been replaced with high-energy-density flexible lithium battery pack, which aims to improve the power reserve and reduce diving costs.
The submersible's observation capabilities have also been enhanced. An array of cameras, including high-definition video cameras and powerful lighting systems, are equipped to facilitate underwater exploration and resource assessment.
Further upgrades include two more LED light arrays at the front and three more lights at the rear and bottom, expanding the submersible's detection range and improving its ability to locate specific targets.
"This upgrade prioritizes enhancing our operational tools. We've upgraded the electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical components, observation, and communications equipment to cater to the needs of deep-sea exploration and improve operational efficiency," said Qi Haibin, a submersible pilot.
Following the underwater trials to test its stability, Jiaolong will undergo sea trials in the South China Sea in March to validate its enhanced capabilities.
"Jiaolong will be sent to the South China Sea to conduct deep-sea equipment verification. After completing the process, there will be extensive missions ahead of us," Qi said.
The submersible is scheduled for further scientific expeditions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans later this year.
China's manned deep-sea submersible completes major upgrade, prepares for exploration
