Weekends in Shenzhen: Hong Kong economy hit by neighbor’s growing allure

SHENZHEN, China — Residents of Hong Kong are flocking to the neighboring mainland city of Shenzhen to shop, dine and spend their weekends, posing a new challenge for their own city’s economic recovery.

Hong Kongers heading north to Shenzhen outnumber mainland tourists heading in the other direction after China relaxed its border controls following three years of tight pandemic restrictions. The imbalance is straining Hong Kong’s small and midsize businesses — a problem the city’s government appears to have recognized.