Hundreds of mainland visitors have made the most of Hong Kong’s holiday marking the city’s return to Chinese rule by flocking to popular tourist sites and enjoying discounts, free museum visits, ferry and tram rides, and cheap tickets at several major attractions.

Undeterred by the cloudy and rainy weather on Tuesday, they gathered at popular locations across the city, including Central, Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui, with many planning to spend good money on the 3,800 restaurants offering discounts and enjoying the jubilant atmosphere of the handover celebrations.

At least 12 tour groups with more than 200 people in total arrived at the Heung Yuen Wai control point at 9am, with some stepping into Hong Kong for the first time. Many were travelling with their families, including children who had just started their summer holidays.

Garment merchandiser Huang Yujie, 42, and a friend, both from Shantou, paid 168 yuan (US$23) each to join a one-day tour of Hong Kong. Their itinerary included visits to Wong Tai Sin Temple, the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and The Peak by tour bus.

“This is my first time in Hong Kong. My friend and I both had the day off on July 1, so we decided to come and experience the atmosphere of the Hong Kong handover anniversary,” Huang said.

While the itinerary was packed, she hoped to find time to shop at pharmacies and clothing stores and estimated that she would spend around HK$2,000 (US$255).