About 90 per cent of Shenzhen residents expect to make more trips to Hong Kong now that they are allowed to apply to visit as individuals. And the main purpose of their trips is shopping, reports Shenzhen Evening News.

In a survey conducted by the newspaper, about half of the polled said they intended to travel to Hong Kong at least three times a year, although the majority said they were not interested in staying overnight.

They want to shop in Hong Kong to take advantage of price differences but hotel expenses would offset the savings, they said.

About 80 per cent said they would visit Hong Kong on weekends instead of during peak periods, such as the national holiday week.

"It will be too crowded and the sales will not be in full swing," said Yu, who plans to schedule her visits during her children's school holidays and discount-sale seasons.

"I spend about 10,000 yuan (US$1,208) each time, but I make sure the money is well spent," she added.

The newspaper also found that some 20 per cent of Shenzhen residents have never set foot in Hong Kong before. But most said that would change now.

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