.
July 31st, 2008
10:21 AM ET

Waiting at China's doorstep

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/07/31/art.hongkong.jpg caption="China tightens security for the Olympics. Security staff search carry-on bags of tourists in Hong Kong." width=292 height=320]
Eunice Yoon
CNN Correspondent

I had heard that China is tightening its borders ahead of the Olympics in August, but I didn't think getting through customs was going to be this tough.

My crew and I have been trapped at the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen for over an hour now.

For the first time since moving to Hong Kong four years ago, I have had to drag all my luggage to a special room to get everything X-rayed. Customs officials are painstakingly looking through all our camera equipment and scrutinizing our papers and documents. (My cameraman looks tired and we haven't even started working yet.). Every car making the short trip from the Hong Kong side of the border to Shenzhen is driving over with an open trunk ready for inspection by dozens of Chinese officials.

Normally, crossing the Chinese border from Hong Kong is a breeze. Chinese immigration officers happily stamp your passport and off you go.

Read more...


Filed under: Behind The Scenes • Eunice Yoon • Olympics