Qingmao Port in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, a key land crossing linking the city with the Macao Special Administrative Region, is seeing a sharp rise in cross-border passenger flows ahead of the Spring Festival holiday, border authorities said.

Border authorities in Zhuhai and Macao said the port had handled about 1.57 million passenger trips since the annual Spring Festival travel rush began on Feb. 2, with daily traffic up more than 15 percent from normal levels as of 20:00 Sunday.

Officials said the surge was driven by supportive measures for Macao and closer coordination among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as streamlined clearance procedures.

In the run-up to the holiday, mainland residents have flocked to Macao for sightseeing, while people from Hong Kong and Macao have headed north for shopping and to experience traditional New Year festivities on the mainland.

"Macao's fireworks show during the Spring Festival is always spectacular, so we are here to see it for ourselves and enjoy the festive atmosphere," said Ms. Jin, a traveler from Hunan Province.

"I'm going to Guangzhou to celebrate the Spring Festival with my sisters. The crossing was very smooth and the services were excellent," said Mr. Lau, a Macao resident.

Peng Jia, director of the Border Inspection Division at the Qingmao Border Inspection Station under the Zhuhai General Station of Exit and Entry Border Inspection, said authorities had stepped up staffing and coordination to cope with the surge.

"The Spring Festival holiday is traditionally a peak travel period for the port. We have made thorough preparations, optimized our clearance arrangements and strengthened law enforcement cooperation with Macao police to ensure travelers have a safe and smooth holiday," Peng said.

Amid the busy holiday travel period, officers from Zhuhai and Macao joined in festive activities, writing traditional red couplets and sharing New Year greetings with travelers passing through the checkpoint.

Holding up the red couplets, the officers sent New Year greetings to people across the country, saying, "Happy Spring Festival and best wishes for the Year of the Horse to everyone!"