On March 2, Hengqin Port commenced a multi-phase expansion of its passenger inspection halls, launching a strategic infrastructure project designed to nearly double the facility's daily clearance capacity.
By the time the project reaches completion in the third quarter of 2026, the port will feature a total of 113 inspection channels, a move aimed at accommodating the surging flow of travelers between the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and Macao.
The ambitious construction plan involves a comprehensive reconfiguration of both the first and second floors of the existing inspection halls. According to the project blueprint, several older manual lanes will be replaced by a significantly larger array of high-tech checkpoints.
On the first floor, which handles departures from Hengqin to Macao, manual channels will increase from six to ten, while the number of joint inspection e-channels—which allow travelers to complete both sides of the border check in a single stop—will nearly double from 24 to 47.
A similar expansion is slated for the second floor's Macao-to-Hengqin arrivals, where e-channels will also increase to 47 to ensure a balanced and fluid traffic flow in both directions.
Beyond physical space, the upgrade represents a major leap in border-crossing intelligence. Every new cooperative fast-track channel will be equipped with advanced facial recognition technology, enabling a fully automated smart clearance process.
Data projections suggest that these enhancements will boost the port's daily capacity from its current limit of 114,900 to nearly 220,000 trips. For the average commuter, this technological shift is expected to reduce peak-hour waiting times by approximately 45%, drastically improving the efficiency of the "one-hour living circle" between Zhuhai and Macao.
The upgrade is more than just a logistical necessity; it is a foundational step in the broader "Macao + Hengqin" integration strategy. By modernizing its hardware and intelligence systems, the port is positioning itself as a world-class platform for high-level opening-up and seamless regional connectivity.
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Hengqin Online
