The Planning Department of Hong Kong government Thursday announced that about 61,900 Hong Kong people were living in Shenzhen, mainland.

The finding came from the Survey of Hong Kong People Living in Shenzhen which was made public on Thursday, which was jointly commissioned by the department and the Statistics Bureau of the Shenzhen Municipal Government last year.

The survey revealed that the most commonly cited reason for taking up residence in the Shenzhen was reunion with parents, spouse or children. Other common reasons included working or studying in Shenzhen, lower cost of living, and better living environment.

Among the Hong Kong people who have taken up residence in the mainland city, 28,100 of them were employed and 10,800 retired. About 67 percent and 29 percent of the employed persons worked in Hong Kong and Shenzhen respectively.

The survey was conducted with the aim to facilitate the understanding of the social phenomenon of Hong Kong people taking up residence in Shenzhen. The data collected will provide useful reference for planning cross-boundary control points and infrastructure as well as strategic land use planning.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2009)