The Double Ninth Festival is upon us once more! In 2025, this festival falls on Wednesday, 29th October. Symbolising "ascending heights to ward off calamity and honouring elders to extend longevity," many choose to hike with family, admire chrysanthemums, and sip chrysanthemum wine to savour the traditional festive atmosphere.
For Hong Kongers, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month isn't just a holiday – it's a time for filial piety. Taking parents out for a meal, visiting elders, or enjoying a countryside stroll are the most heartfelt gestures!
However, in recent years, an increasing number of Hong Kong residents have been using this Double-Ninth Festival public holiday to 'Northbound for relaxation,' taking their parents along for a day or two to enjoy life. No crowds, no exhausting treks – just good food, good sleep, and comfortable leisure! This Double Ninth Festival, why not try something different? Drive your parents Northbound to the Great Bay Area and for some genuine family bonding!
Why is Northbound for Double-Ninth Festival becoming the new trend?
- Affordable prices, great value for money
Hotels, restaurants, hot springs, and massage services in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, and other areas are significantly cheaper than in Hong Kong.
For instance, hot spring hotels in Conghua, Guangzhou, offer stays for just a few hundred Hong Kong dollars per person per night. Some travel websites even provide packages including breakfast, spa treatments, and hot spring experiences. Truly great value for money, making it one of the most popular choices for Northbound during the Double-Ninth Festival!
- A More Relaxed and Natural Family Experience
Rather than battling the crowds on mountain hikes, taking parents to a hot spring hotel for a nourishing banquet and a stroll through forest parks creates a more relaxed atmosphere and a deeper sense of companionship. Sipping tea while catching up on each other's lives – these unplanned moments together – are the truest expressions of family affection!
- Comprehensive Elderly-Friendly Facilities
Many mainland destinations have upgraded their elderly-friendly facilities in recent years, including barrier-free access, medical centres, and wellness bases. Even if your parents move slowly, there are places to rest and hydrate, ensuring a worry-free experience. Numerous resorts also offer wellness massages and therapeutic services, perfect for seniors to unwind.
- Increasingly Convenient Transport: A Northbound Trip is Truly Impulsive
When it comes to Northbound Travel for the Double-Ninth Festival, convenient transport is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws. Previously, trips to Shenzhen or Guangzhou involved calculating travel times, changing trains, and navigating the metro. Now, things are completely different! Since the opening of the high-speed rail and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, coupled with the formal implementation of the "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" policy, the distance between Hong Kong and the Great Bay Area has shrunk to a "one-day living circle".
- Taking the high-speed rail
Regarding the high-speed rail, according to the latest announcement from MTR Corporation, from 11 October 2025, nearly a hundred trains will depart daily from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guangdong, operating from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm! Within two hours by high-speed rail, you can essentially cover the entire Pearl River Delta – enjoy dim sum downstairs at home in the morning, snap photos beneath the Canton Tower in Guangzhou by afternoon, and soak in a hot spring at your hotel by evening. For families wishing to bring their parents along, it's incredibly convenient: fast , stable, and no need to change trains.
- Driving your own car
If you have your own car, you're even better off! Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles allows Hong Kong car owners to drive their own vehicles directly across the border. You can travel all the way to Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Foshan, and even Zhongshan, Zhuhai, and Huizhou without issue. The Pearl River Delta's motorway network is extremely well-developed, with clear signage and accurate navigation, making for a first-class driving experience. Many sections also feature service areas and convenience stores. If you drive an electric vehicle , charging points are plentiful! Stopping for rest or to top up is a breeze. Whether you fancy visiting Foshan for ceramics, heading to Zhongshan for squab, or heading to Zhuhai's theme parks for photo opportunities, it's all a straightforward drive away! Driving Northbound with an EV is easier than you might imagine!
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Want to know more about Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles? You can read GAC Hong Kong's previous articles: https://www.gacgroup.com/zh-hk/news/article/northbound-travel-24 Or visit the related government department website: https://www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk/tc/about/ to find out more! |
Driving Northbound: The Perfect Family Road Trip!
If you've got a car at home, don't let this Double-Ninth Festival go to waste. The 'Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles' has made self-drive tours in the Great Bay Area a hot choice. Set off in your own car with the family for a flexible and carefree itinerary!
- Flexible and free, go whenever you please
No need to rush for buses or change trains – you're in control of the schedule. Mum and Dad can travel in comfort without the worry of crowded transport. Spot a stunning view along the way? Pull over instantly for a photo op! Truly experience a journey where you can stop whenever you please!
- The carriage is comfortable, with parents sitting in ease.
With air conditioning, music, privacy, and the option to play nostalgic tunes, enjoy snacks, and share jokes, the atmosphere is naturally warm and cosy. Parents needn't lug luggage or get in and out of the car – it's incredibly relaxing.
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If you're planning a Northbound road trip with your parents, the GAC AION V is a family electric SUV that truly combines comfort and practicality. This model boasts an exceptionally spacious second row, with a one-touch feature to convert the front seats into a large bed. Plus, several thoughtful details make the journey even more considerate for Mum and Dad!
1. Front 8-point massage seats: no more aching backs on long journeys. The AION V's front seats incorporate an 8-point massage system with multiple modes and adjustable intensity. This allows drivers to relax their muscles while driving on extended trips, reducing fatigue. For parents who often complain of back pain from prolonged sitting, this feature is spot on! Crafted from soft leather and ergonomically designed, the seats remain comfortable even after hours of driving – offering a sensation akin to sitting in a home massage chair. Whether you're driving or sitting in the passenger seat, you can activate the "Relaxation Mode" during the journey to unwind and relieve pressure on your back and waist . 2. Rear seats recline up to 137° for elderly passengers' comfort: The AION V's second-row seats offer angle adjustment, reclining up to 137°. This design delivers premium comfort rarely seen even in many mid-to-large SUVs. Mum and Dad can recline comfortably in the back, resting in a semi-reclined position – even for a nap! Combined with generous legroom and ample headspace, long journeys to Shantou, Zhanjiang or Shaoguan won't feel cramped. |
- The scenery along the way is superb, making it impossible to stop taking photos.
Travelling via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor, and Nansha Bridge, the route offers expansive vistas with panoramic sea views, urban landscapes, and mountain scenery. Capturing moments along the way transforms the journey into a cherished family adventure.
- Electric vehicle charging and parking are incredibly convenient
The density of electric vehicle charging points across cities in the Great Bay Area is exceptionally high, with many hotels and shopping centres equipped, so you needn't worry about running out of power.
However, as mainland China and Hong Kong use different charging plug types, remember to pack an adapter before you set off!
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Matti Blume (CC BY-SA <// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BYD,_Koenigsplatz,_IAA_2025,_Munich_(20250909-P1050642).jpg> or GFDL <http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html>), via Wikimedia Commons |
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Hong Kong Tram charging plug |
Mainland China tram charging plug |
AION V: Why it's perfect for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles, and also makes an ideal gift for parents this Double-Ninth Festival?
Come the 2025 Double-Ninth Festival (29th October), if you fancy driving Northbound with your parents to relax in the Great Bay Area, or wish to gift an electric SUV that reassures your elders while delighting you, the AION V presents a remarkably practical choice.
Firstly, its ample range and rapid charging capability truly enable spontaneous getaways. With an official maximum range of 650km, paired with an integrated heat pump and multi-functional electric drive system, it easily handles trips from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Foshan, or Zhongshan. Its 400V platform offers high compatibility, and plugging into the Pearl River Delta's fast-charging network replenishes approximately 330km in just 15 minutes. You even have enough time for a meal or a cup of tea before setting off again – effectively bidding farewell to range anxiety! This combination of extended range and rapid charging perfectly aligns with the rhythm of Hong Kong families embarking on weekend self-drive tours within the Great Bay Area.
On the safety front, the AION V is built to the five-star safety standards of China and Europe. With seven airbags throughout the vehicle and the Magzine Battery 2.0, it offers multi-layered protection from the chassis to the battery, making it suitable for elderly commuting and family cross-city travel. As for the smart cockpit's usability, the Qualcomm SA8155P paired with ADiGO 5.0 delivers snappy responses, while the four-zone natural voice recognition ensures clear commands are heard throughout the cabin. You can even use voice commands! Simply say "Navigate to the hotel" or "Play Cantonese songs" and it's sorted! Less screen-fiddling, less distraction.
Earlier, we highlighted the AION V's spaciousness and comfort. The entire family can travel with ease, even on long journeys. Visually, the AION V's "Cyber Dragon Claw" front and rear lights offer striking night-time recognition! The dragon-spine waistline and dragon-arm alloy wheels lend the profile a sharp, dynamic edge. For the interior, you can choose from 7 body colours + 3 interior options —pick the colour scheme your parents will love!
In summary, the AION V delivers journey freedom through its "long range + rapid charging" capability, prioritises parental comfort with its "spacious cabin + thoughtful amenities", and reduces long-distance fatigue and operational strain with its "high-standard safety + intuitive smart features".
Whether you're planning Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles for the Double-Ninth Festival, or seeking a practical vehicle for elderly relatives, this is a genuinely useful electric SUV tailored for Hong Kong families. Incidentally, GAC is the official vehicle for the 15th National Games. Prior to the Games, official fleet vehicles (including right-hand drive custom models) were delivered to the Hong Kong and Macau competition zones. Vehicles for the Hong Kong venues were also delivered in mid-October, serving transport and support duties during the event. This comprehensive fleet service, meeting major multi-sport Games standards, offers reassurance for cross-city travel. Should you be interested, test drives are available by appointment!
