The dream to spend a weekend in Hong Kong or Macao has come true for many Shanghai people, because of the government's removal of restrictions on traveling.

On December 1, China lifted the quota on travelers from its inland areas to Hong Kong and Macao, in an effort to facilitate their business activities and sightseeing tours.

In preparation for the flood of Hong Kong-bound tourists, the Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines Co. has increased the number of its flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong.

"We now have 20 flights to and from Hong Kong every day," said Liu Shaoyong, general manager of the company. "We also plan to uselarger passenger aircraft on this route."

Many Shanghai-based travel services have put up posters to promote their Hong Kong tour as the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays are approaching.

"Each day, we receive families, newly-wed couples, friends and former schoolmates who wish to join our tour groups to Hong Kong,"said a sales clerk.

In light of the booming tourism, Shanghai Railway Travel Service has launched an eight-day-tour to Hong Kong, Macao and Shenzhen by train at less than 3,000 yuan (US$ 360) per person, an economical choice favored by many Shanghai people during Christmas.

( Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2001)