Citybus engages Chinese tourists during Golden Week with WeChat mini programme

As Labour Day Golden Week approaches, Citybus has launched a WeChat mini programme as part of its key marketing and promotion strategy to draw more mainland Chinese tourists to Hong Kong.

The platform, “Citybus WeChat Mall” (城巴商城), is a one-stop platform on WeChat that integrates ticket purchasing with QR code-based travel, enabling tourists to complete transactions and boarding processes seamlessly within the same app. 

“Citybus WeChat Mall” aims to revolutionise visitors’ sightseeing and transport experiences, while solidifying Hong Kong’s position as the world’s best public transportation system. It also seeks to seamlessly connect key sightseeing destinations, food, beverage, and retail sectors to drive economic vitality and fuel the city’s tourism momentum.

Currently, “Citybus WeChat Mall” offers an array of Citybus+ sightseeing passes and Cityflyer-related tickets, such as the Citybus+ “Dayrider” (日行者) sightseeing pass, which provides unlimited rides on Citybus’ open-top sightseeing buses and all Citybus routes for up to 24 hours. 

Moreover, from now until 31 May, during the Labour Day Golden Week promotional period, Citybus offers exclusive tourism offers through the platform. Mainland Chinese users paying with WeChat Pay who spend over RMB$150 in the mall can enjoy a RMB$15 discount.

Looking ahead, Citybus will offer an exciting range of merchandise, including Hong Kong city sightseeing souvenirs and bus-related products, available for nationwide delivery, according to the release. 

With Labour Day Golden Week expected to attract a surge of mainland Chinese tourists, Citybus will boost capacity on its sightseeing routes from 1 to 5 May. The open-top sightseeing buses are expected to carry over 30,000 tourists, allowing them to hop on and hop off to explore Hong Kong and Kowloon’s iconic attractions during this holiday, supported by enhanced service frequencies.

Citybus will also host a pop-up event at the Central Ferry - Star Ferry bus station to distribute limited edition "Hong Kong City Sightseeing" (觀光城巴) postcards. These gifts seek to help tourists share Hong Kong's unique charm worldwide, amplifying the city’s global allure.

Since the launch of its dedicated tourism brand "Hong Kong City Sightseeing” six months ago, Citybus has experienced a year-on-year doubling of open-top tour patronage in the first quarter of 2025, surging by 108% compared to the same period last year, according to the release.

Furthermore, "Hong Kong City Sightseeing" has doubled its routes to six, providing customers with a wider variety of travel options and enriching experiences. Its new route, “H1S HK Art Discovery,” a collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, guides visitors through various art hotspots. Meanwhile, the “H3 and H4 Coastliner” routes feature urban and coastal scenery while blending history and natural beauty for unforgettable journeys.

Don’t miss: West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and Citybus team up to boost HK's cultural tourism

Recently, Citybus and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) have inked a deal to help boost Hong Kong's cultural tourism and enhance the city's reputation as a world-class cultural destination.

This collaboration, the first of its kind between WKCDA and a public transportation organisation, leverages Citybus’ comprehensive network and focuses on promotional efforts and joint initiatives that aim to support the sustained growth of cultural tourism.

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