THE name Huanggang dates back centuries. The area where the port now stands was once a tidal flat dotted with yellow-brown mounds, giving rise to the name, which means “Yellow Ridge.”

Construction of the port began in May 1985, and the State Council approved it to open in November 1988. The first Hong Kong freight truck entered through Huanggang on Dec. 29, 1989. The port initially had 14 cargo inspection lanes and handled just over 400 truck trips on its first day. Daily traffic topped 1,500 vehicles within a year.

In November 1994, Huanggang’s cargo lanes began operating around the clock, making it the first port in China to offer 24-hour clearance for cargo.

The port began 24-hour passenger clearance on Jan. 28, 2003, becoming China’s first land port to provide round-the-clock clearance for both passengers and cargo.

On Jan. 7, 2004, the first shipment granted zero tariffs under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement entered the mainland through Huanggang.

Reconstruction of the port began in June 2019, while freight operations continued. On Jan. 1, 2022, China’s first imported under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement entered through the port.

Huanggang permanently ended freight operations Dec. 21, 2025.

(SD News)