Mainland tourists to Hong Kong 18x more than before

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The travel industry in Hong Kong has experienced explosive growth over the past 20 years. From 1997 to 2016, the number of mainland tourists to Hong Kong increased from 2.36 million to 42.77 million.

Better-off and more fashion conscious people between the ages of 26 and 35 are more likely to visit Hong Kong. That group accounts for 37 percent of the total, the highest percentage among visitors to Hong Kong. Female visitors with a stronger buying capacity make up 63 percent of the total, according to Tuniu Corporation, a travel service provider.

People from Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Shenzhen, Wuhan, and other cities love to visit Hong Kong the most.

Most tourists choose to visit Hong Kong in May, July, August, and October, because lots of festivals are concentrated in those months. Because traditional Chinese culture is well established in Hong Kong, many people nowadays choose to spend their holidays there.

Independent travel is another emerging option for tourists who are interested in shopping or experiencing Hong Kong's food, culture, and entertainment.

One in four international flights departing from mainland cities will transfer in Hong Kong, which will reduce airfare by 10 to 20 percent, according to Alibaba's Fliggy. Last year, 14 percent of the people visited Hong Kong twice. Hong Kong has become the first place that mainland tourists will consider to revisit.

Recently, the tourism department of Hong Kong announced plans to hold more than 530 activities at major scenic sites to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.