Hong Kong authorities will review a new reservation system for the popular Po Pin Chau trail in Sai Kung after more than half of those who booked failed to turn up during its first weekend.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) introduced the real-name booking system on September 5 to manage visitor numbers at the High Island Geo Trail’s Po Pin Chau section.

Across Saturday and Sunday, 3,230 people made reservations. Only 1,560 registered or walk-in visitors entered the site, according to figures reported by the South China Morning Post.

The figures highlight a problem with the new system. Large numbers of unused bookings left spaces unavailable to other visitors, even as authorities sought to control crowding at the popular coastal attraction.

Authorities introduced a 2,000-person daily limit

The Po Pin Chau section is known for its dramatic volcanic rock columns and views over the Sai Kung coastline.

The government introduced the trial system amid concerns about overcrowding at the site. It limits daily visitors to 2,000 between 9am and 5pm on designated days.

Authorities divide the daily quota into four two-hour sessions. Each session can accommodate up to 500 people.

Visitors must register in advance through Klook using their real names. Staff then check their electronic vouchers and identification documents at the entrance.

The system covers weekends, the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Golden Week period.

The government initially scheduled the trial from September 5 to October 7.

No-shows leave booking slots unused

The first weekend showed that reservations did not translate into actual visits.

On Sunday alone, 1,430 people held reservations, but only 660 registered or walk-in visitors entered the trail, according to the South China Morning Post.

Authorities released unused spaces to people who arrived without advance bookings.

The AFCD also used drones to monitor visitor flows and deployed staff around the entrance and trail.

The department said it would continue visitor management, patrols and enforcement around the East Dam and Po Pin Chau area.

The department plans a comprehensive review after the National Day Golden Week in October.

Officials will use the review to assess whether the trial can support longer-term countryside management strategies.

Lawmakers seek changes to booking rules

The high no-show rate has also prompted calls for changes to the reservation system.

Lawmakers and a district councillor have called for more on-site quotas and clearer information about available spaces.

They have also suggested a penalty-points system for people who repeatedly reserve places but fail to attend.

Such measures could help authorities distinguish genuine demand from unused bookings while preserving access for visitors who arrive without advance reservations.

The AFCD originally allowed visitors to cancel reservations up to 48 hours before their scheduled session.

Visitors can also obtain unused slots on site when capacity remains available.

Hong Kong tests a new approach to overtourism

Po Pin Chau is part of the High Island Reservoir East Dam area in Sai Kung.

The real-name reservation system represents a new approach to managing visitor pressure at Hong Kong’s countryside attractions.

Officials said the first day’s operations went smoothly. AFCD director Mickey Lai Kin-ming said the department would continue monitoring visitor flows during the trial.

The government will face a larger test during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday periods, when visitor numbers could rise sharply.

The October review will determine whether authorities keep the current system, modify the quotas or introduce additional measures to reduce no-shows.