People queue at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point in Hong Kong beforetraveling to neighboring Shenzhen, south China, Jan. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

The reopening of Shenzhen-Hong Kong boundary control points marked the first step of the resumption of normal personnel exchanges between mainland and Hong Kong over the past three years.

HONG KONG/SHENZHEN, Jan. 8  -- Normal travel between mainland and Hong Kong resumed as various control points linking Shenzhen and Hong Kong reopened on Sunday morning.

The progressive and orderly reopening of Shenzhen-Hong Kong boundary control points marked the first step of the resumption of normal personnel exchanges between mainland and Hong Kong over the past three years.

After inspecting the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point Sunday morning, John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said the overall operation of the first day of the border reopening was smooth, safe and orderly.

At around 6:30 a.m. local time, the Lok Ma Chau Control Point was packed with people waiting to enter the mainland.