A large-scale drill was held at the Hong Kong port area of the new Huanggang Port with the authorities of Shenzhen on Saturday, with the participation of more than 10,000 civil servants from over 70 bureaux and departments and nearly 1,000 vehicles.

This was the first stress test to simulate peak season conditions and examine the border crossing capacity and the special administrative region's ability to handle passenger and vehicle flows in the port area.

Upon confirmation by Hong Kong and Shenzhen sides that the port is ready for safe and smooth operation, the governments of Guangdong and the Hong Kong SAR will finalize the official opening date of the port and make timely announcements to the public, according to Chan.

The photos were provided to China Daily.