Hundreds of people descended on Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung on Saturday, the second day of the Labour Day Golden Week holiday in mainland China.

The tranquil spot is one of the many attractions in Hong Kong that have gained popularity on mainland Chinese social media platforms in recent months, prompting concerns about overtourism and environmental damage.

See also: Tourists flock to Hong Kong countryside as city records 600,000 arrivals in first 2 days of Golden Week

When HKFP visited Ham Tin Beach on Saturday afternoon, there were around 200 people, most of whom were mainland tourists. They were spotted setting up tents, while some of them were cooking and eating food.

Burnt twigs suggested some had started fires on the beach. There were also cigarette butts and other trash left behind.

Officers from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) patrolled the area and asked visitors to pick up after themselves.

Environmental NGO Greenpeace, which has urged authorities to do more to protect against overtourism and ecological damage to Hong Kong’s countryside, has criticised the government’s measures as lacking deterrence.