Luohu Port, a major land gateway connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen, has been gradually introducing services for international visitors ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to be held in Shenzhen in Nov. 18–19, including multilingual assistance, dedicated channels and streamlined tax refunds. File photo

Luohu Port, a major land gateway connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen, has been gradually introducing services for international visitors ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to be held in Shenzhen in Nov. 18–19, including multilingual assistance, dedicated channels and streamlined tax refunds.

Shenzhen is stepping up preparations in areas ranging from border crossing and public services to public participation, aiming to make travel and daily life more convenient for delegates and international visitors.

A new international visitor assistance point has opened in an area with heavy inbound passenger traffic at Luohu Port. Its rotating volunteer team offers support in English, French, Japanese, Korean, German and Russian. 

Volunteer Zhang Yuwei, who provides assistance in English and French, said the team had completed special pre-service training covering international etiquette, cultural awareness and the appropriate reception of guests from different countries.

Inside the port’s joint inspection building, APEC-themed displays and bilingual signs have been installed along passenger routes. Wang Na, deputy director of the border inspection division at Luohu border inspection station, said posters and slogans were placed in the port square, departure and arrival halls, and on electronic screens. Bilingual signs are also available throughout the facility.

To help international guests move through the port, authorities have established a dedicated channel, assigned additional officers and arranged advance guidance, passenger diversion and on-site assistance. The port will also continue providing one-stop services through its multilingual service station, including travel advice, basic supplies and emergency assistance.

Public facilities, including the youth station and mother-and-baby room, remain open. The permanent multilingual service station on the second floor can answer questions about entry and exit policies, transport connections, tourism and shopping. It also provides convenience supplies and an automated external defibrillator (AED) for passengers requiring emergency assistance.

A departure tax refund counter near the arrival area is intended to make refunds easier for overseas shoppers. Multiple departments are working together to simplify document checks, allowing most passengers to complete the process within minutes.

The port also provides short-rest seating for passengers carrying large pieces of luggage, drinking water, accessibility supplies and other emergency items. Port authorities, border inspection officials, customs, tax refund service providers and volunteers have established a coordination mechanism to monitor passenger flows in real time and adjust staffing during peak periods.