SHENZHEN is drafting a pilot plan for cross-boundary low-altitude logistics transport using land checkpoints, with the goal of launching its first route this year to establish a new logistics model with Hong Kong.

The initiative supports Shenzhen’s broader push to develop checkpoint-area economies, a key task in the city’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) to boost domestic demand. According to the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, the city will prioritize testing three cross-boundary drone delivery routes following discussions with national authorities and the Hong Kong government.

Wu Jun, director of the Cooperation and Development Division (Policy and Regulation Division) of the office, said in a recent exclusive interview with China Daily that the routes are designed to deliver small-batch, time-sensitive cargo within half an hour. He noted that the initiative could address long-standing challenges in traditional cross-boundary logistics, such as long delivery times, high costs and congestion.

The most promising pilot route would run from Shekou Port in Shenzhen to the River Trade Terminal in Hong Kong’s Tuen Mun, primarily for document transport. Wu said he hopes the route will be launched this year.

The other two proposed routes would link Shenzhen’s Wenjindu Checkpoint with Hong Kong’s Sheung Shui area for e-commerce parcel delivery, and operate within the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone for transporting scientific materials.

Wu added that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Shenzhen will open the renovated Huanggang Checkpoint, expected within this year, and upgrade Luohu, Shatoujiao and Wenjindu checkpoints.

The city will also conduct preliminary research on establishing a dedicated checkpoint in the Hetao cooperation zone and at the planned Qianhai Checkpoint of the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Western Rail Link. For non-land border crossings, authorities will prioritize development of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport’s Terminal 2, cargo facilities, and its free trade zone, while expanding opening up at Shekou Port, Yantian Port and Dachan Bay Port.

Wu outlined a differentiated strategy for land checkpoints: western checkpoints will focus on modern services and high-end consumption, central checkpoints will facilitate the flow of scientific and technological resources, and eastern checkpoints will create new scenarios for cross-boundary consumption.

He also said Shenzhen plans to draw on the experience of the Danube and Rhine rivers in Europe to advance innovative development in border areas along the Shenzhen River. (China Daily)