Approximate Border Location
Wait Times
Cars 10-45m; peaks 45-180m
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Operating Hours
07:00 AM-10:00 PM
Crossing Types
Cars,buses; some freight; controls
Border Type
Land crossing via road+metro/rail
Peak Times
Sat-Sun 10:00 AM-06:00 PM
Daily Crossings
20,000-90,000/day
Currency Exchange
CNY; HKD at terminal; ATMs
Safety Information
Busy at peaks; follow signage
Languages Spoken
Cantonese, Mandarin, English
Accessibility Features
Accessible ramps; step-free halls
About Liantang & Lok Ma Chau Spur Line
The Liantang-Lok Ma Chau Spur Line border crossing represents one of the most modern and strategically significant land connections between mainland China and Hong Kong, serving as the primary rail and road gateway in the northeastern New Territories. You typically choose this crossing when traveling by high-speed train from Shenzhen North or Guangzhou toward Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station, or when using cross-border coaches or private vehicles from Shenzhen’s Longgang or Luohu districts toward Fanling, Sheung Shui, or Kowloon. Alternative names include Liantang Port (China side), Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point (Hong Kong side), or simply the Liantang-Lok Ma Chau crossing.
Location and Basic Connection
Liantang Port occupies a state-of-the-art terminal complex in Shenzhen’s Longgang District, adjacent to the Shenzhen-Hong Kong boundary along the Sham Chun River. The Hong Kong Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point sits in the North District, near the village of Lok Ma Chau and integrated with the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line (a dedicated branch of the East Rail Line). The crossing features separate high-speed rail platforms, road vehicle lanes, and a public transport interchange. It connects Shenzhen’s extensive high-speed rail network (CRH lines) to Hong Kong’s MTR East Rail and West Rail extensions, creating seamless rail continuity. Road access links Shenzhen’s G94 Pearl River Delta Ring Expressway to Hong Kong’s Route 9.
Historical Background
The border traces the 1898 Second Convention of Peking, leasing the New Territories to Britain. The Lok Ma Chau area remained a quiet rural crossing until the 1980s Shenzhen boom increased demand. The original Lok Ma Chau crossing handled limited rail and road traffic, but capacity constraints led to planning for a new facility. Construction of the Liantang-Lok Ma Chau Spur Line began in 2013 as part of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link project, opening in 2020 after years of coordination between the two governments. The crossing symbolized deepening integration post-1997 handover, providing faster rail access between Shenzhen and Hong Kong under “one country, two systems.” Recent upgrades in the 2020s added electronic clearance and expanded capacity to handle growing commuter and tourism flows.
Current Operating Status
As of early 2026, the rail crossing operates daily from 06:30 to 22:30 (both sides align to UTC+8), with the road portion available 24 hours. Both sides maintain full immigration, customs, and quarantine facilities. China requires valid entry permits or visas for most foreigners; Hong Kong offers visa-free entry for many nationalities (90 days for most). The rail link handles high-speed trains from Shenzhen North, Guangzhou South, and other cities directly to West Kowloon Station. The road crossing sees heavy private car and coach traffic. No major closures reported recently, though peak holiday periods cause extended processing. Confirm real-time status via official immigration websites or apps.
Practical Crossing Procedures
You cross by high-speed train or vehicle (private car, cross-border coach). For rail passengers, disembark at Liantang Port in Shenzhen, complete China exit formalities (e-channel scans, stamps, customs), then board the same train or shuttle to Hong Kong’s Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. Hong Kong entry involves immigration counters (e-channels for eligible travelers), questions, and possible luggage checks. Bring passport, any required documents, proof of onward travel or accommodation, and declare goods exceeding duty-free allowances. The rail process averages 20-40 minutes during normal periods. For vehicles, follow similar exit/entry procedures in dedicated lanes. The process remains efficient due to co-located facilities and electronic systems.
Wait Times and Peak Periods
Rail clearance typically takes 15-30 minutes on weekdays. Weekends, public holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day Golden Week, Hong Kong festivals), and evening rush hours push waits to 45-90 minutes or more. Vehicle lanes see similar patterns, with holiday peaks reaching 2-3 hours. Early morning or late-night rail departures offer shorter waits. Electronic channels and pre-registration have reduced times significantly since the 2020s.
Transportation Options
High-speed trains from Shenzhen North, Guangzhou South, or other cities arrive directly at West Kowloon Station via the Spur Line. Cross-border coaches run frequently from Shenzhen Bay Port, Futian, or Longgang to Hong Kong destinations (Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories). Private vehicles cross with valid permits and insurance. No pedestrian crossing exists here; pedestrians must use Luohu-Lo Wu. On the Hong Kong side, MTR East Rail or buses connect to broader networks. Arrange coach or train tickets online or at terminals for reliability.
Scams and Safety Warnings
Scam attempts concentrate on the Shenzhen side: touts offering “fast track” help, fake currency exchange, or overpriced private cars; ignore them and use official lanes or licensed coaches. Pickpocketing risks rise in crowded queues. The crossing remains safe and heavily policed, with clear signage and security. Exercise standard caution with valuables, especially during peak crowds. No major safety incidents reported recently, though traffic congestion can frustrate drivers.
Road Conditions and Scenery
The crossing occurs within modern terminals and elevated roadways, with limited scenic views. Shenzhen’s approach features expressways and urban skyline. Hong Kong’s side connects to Route 9 with glimpses of Shenzhen Bay, Deep Bay wetlands, and New Territories hills. Both sides maintain excellent paved roads, with congestion the main issue during peaks.
Seasonal Variations and Weather Impacts
Year-round operation continues, but typhoon season (June-September) can cause temporary closures or delays on the Hong Kong side. Extreme heat in summer increases indoor crowding. Holiday surges (Chinese New Year, National Day) dramatically increase waits regardless of season.
Nearby Attractions
Shenzhen Bay Port connects to Futian and Nanshan with shopping malls, electronics markets, and theme parks. On the Hong Kong side, the crossing links to Yuen Long wet markets, Ping Shan Heritage Trail, Hong Kong Wetland Park, and Mai Po Nature Reserve. The area suits cross-border business, shopping, or access to Hong Kong’s northwestern New Territories more than nature tourism.
Cultural and Economic Role
The crossing drives massive daily economic integration: Shenzhen residents access Hong Kong for work or shopping, Hong Kong businesses operate in Shenzhen, and cross-border commuters sustain both economies. It supports the “one country, two systems” framework, facilitating millions of crossings annually and symbolizing the close interdependence of Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Final Planning Tips
Book high-speed train or cross-border coach tickets in advance during holidays, carry HKD and RMB cash, downloaded translation apps, and Octopus card for Hong Kong transport. Check real-time wait times via official apps or websites. Arrive early or late to avoid peaks. With preparation, you navigate the crowds and experience one of Asia’s most efficient modern border crossings.
Wrapping Up the Crossing
Liantang-Lok Ma Chau Spur Line delivers seamless high-speed rail and 24-hour vehicular access between mainland China and Hong Kong. Time your journey carefully, stay alert in queues, and it opens effortless movement between Shenzhen’s dynamism and Hong Kong’s distinct world. Safe travels.
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