MULTILINGUAL services at the Luohu Checkpoint have significantly enhanced the efficiency and experience of border crossings for travelers, according to checkpoint authorities. These services are provided by a multilingual volunteer team established last August, which includes police officers and Hong Kong volunteers fluent in English, French, Russian, Japanese, German, Cantonese, Hakka, and other languages and dialects. The team offers policy consultations, guidance, and tourism promotion. To date, they have assisted more than 23 million domestic and international travelers and provided emergency aid to nearly 50 individuals. As China’s second-busiest land checkpoint, the Luohu Checkpoint has seen a steady increase in traveler volume this year. On July 13, it recorded a historic high of over 297,000 inbound and outbound travelers in a single day. In the first half of the year, the number of travelers passing through the checkpoint exceeded 33.7 million, an 11.7% year-on-year increase. The growth in international visitors was especially notable, rising by 48% compared to the previous year. The popular 144-hour visa-free transit policy continues to attract foreign visitors, with over 5,200 tour groups received so far. In addition, the Luohu Checkpoint Volunteer Service Station has been upgraded to a multilingual volunteer service station — the first of its kind at a Shenzhen border checkpoint. Established in 2018, the station is located on the second floor of the departure hall. The station provides a wide range of services by leveraging volunteer resources, including immigration law consultations, general assistance, and first aid. On average, about 7,000 volunteers contribute annually. To date, they have offered support to more than 23 million travelers and helped save nearly 50 lives. Through these initiatives, the Luohu Checkpoint continues to improve traveler convenience and strengthen border security, setting a benchmark for service excellence at China’s land ports. (SD News) | 