Jane Chen / Shanghai Daily news

For tourists from Beijing, prices of tours to Hong Kong are set to rise about 1,000 yuan (US$121) during the weeklong National Day holiday, as an increase of 16 percent in the number of visitors is expected from China's mainland by the island's tourism authority.
Cited in today's Eastday.com, the Hong Kong Tourism Board estimates that 400,000 mainland visitors will visit Hong Kong from September 28 to October 7, compared with 340,000 the previous year.
As a result, a three-night-four-day tour to Hong Kong costs 3,200 yuan and a four-night-five-day trip to Hong Kong and Macau is 3,400 yuan.
Industry insiders blame hotel cost increases for the huge leap in tour prices.
The rate for a four-star hotel will jump to about HK$900 from the normal HK$400, according to Peng Jian, manager with CTI Cosco Travel ltd.
Meanwhile, air tickets between Beijing and Hong Kong will soar about HK$500 during the holiday week, the report added, also contributing to the cost increase for Hong Kong travel.
Teachers, children under 18, and senior travelers, who are not expected to spend a lot of money on shopping in Hong Kong, will still be required to pay an extra 500 yuan each for the tour.
Some media workers may also be subject to this charge, the report said.
In a bid to ensure good quality service during the peak travel period, the Hong Kong Home Affairs Department will carefully control illegal hotels and warn travelers away from these facilities. Travelers should stay in one of the 740 licensed hotels to enjoy good service, it notes.