China to reopen border with Hong Kong

China’s government said on Thursday it will begin allowing 60,000 people per day to cross its border with Hong Kong. Travelers will be limited to four border crossings between the mainland and Hong Kong. The border between China and its semi-autonomous neighbor has been effectively closed since early 2020 due to the pandemic.

Why is the border reopening now? Travel restrictions over the last few years have gutted Hong Kong’s economy, especially the parts of it oriented around tourism. On the same day it plans to open its border with Hong Kong, China says it will also allow travelers to arrive from the rest of the world.

Dig deeper: Read Erica Kwong’s report in World Tour about the trials of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.