The abundant tourism resources of South China's Guangdong province have made the area a hot destination for residents from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to spend their Christmas holidays.

According to official statistics revealed by Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, more than 50,000 people arrived in and left Shenzhen via the checkpoint before 12 o'clock on Wednesday, making the arrival hall of the checkpoint become crowded with tourists and passengers.

Of them, more than 42,000 arrived in the southern metropolis, with most being Hong Kong residents who came to Guangdong to spend their Christmas holidays.

The figure witnessed an increase of 45 percent compared with the same day of the previous year.

Authorities said the crowds of people entering Shenzhen via Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, one of the major checkpoints between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, continued on Thursday and are expected to last till Saturday.

A Hong Kong resident surnamed Lam said he would visit his relatives and friends and have meals with them in Shenzhen before touring other scenic spots in Guangdong province.

In addition to the beautiful scenic spots, the delicious Cantonese cuisine, quality products at low prices, convenient transportation facilities and holiday promotions have also attracted more and more Hong Kong residents in recent years.