In a significant move to enhance regional connectivity, the ‘Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles’ plan was officially unveiled on Friday, allowing private car owners from Guangdong province to travel to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The initiative, announced by Guangdong’s provincial department of public security, aims to foster greater personnel exchanges and interaction between the two regions. The plan is structured in two phases: the first permits parking at Hong Kong border checkpoints, while the second allows vehicles to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas. Initially, the program will be available to residents of Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, and Zhongshan, with plans to expand to other Guangdong cities within six months. Starting November 1, eligible private car owners can apply for travel permits via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Approved vehicles will gain access to automated parking lots in border areas from November 15 and will be permitted to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas starting December 23. This initiative is expected to boost economic and cultural ties between Guangdong and Hong Kong, while also easing cross-border travel for residents.