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Typhoon Matmo disrupts holiday travel, forces closures in China

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 8:03 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
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Typhoon Matmo throws a wrench into holiday travel plans and closes key border crossings in China

A powerful tropical storm that has come to be known as Typhoon Matmo is now making headlines across the Greater China region. The cyclone, which first developed over the South China Sea, has intensified into a category 4‑equivalent system and is now poised to make landfall in southern China, prompting travel disruptions, airport closures, and the shutting down of critical border checkpoints. The storm’s arrival coincides with the peak of the National Day “Golden Week” holiday, a period that normally sees an unprecedented surge of domestic and international tourists. As a result, thousands of holidaymakers are scrambling to adjust or cancel their plans.

What the storm looks like

Typhoon Matmo – named by the Japan Meteorological Agency – has been tracking westward at a steady pace of 20 km h⁻¹. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has classified it as a 175‑km‑h peak‑wind storm, with the Hong Kong Observatory currently issuing a Typhoon Signal No. 8. In Guangdong and Fujian provinces, wind gusts are expected to reach 120 km h⁻¹, accompanied by heavy rain, which could trigger flooding and landslides in low‑lying areas.

According to the China Meteorological Administration, the storm’s center is projected to make landfall near the city of Zhanjiang on the 10th of this month, with maximum sustained winds likely to exceed 120 km h⁻¹ by the time it reaches the Pearl River Delta. Meteorologists warn that the storm’s interaction with the monsoon trough could produce a prolonged period of heavy rain over the coastal plain.

Immediate travel impacts

The typhoon’s arrival has already forced major disruptions:

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has advised travelers to check with airlines for potential rebooking options and to keep an eye on real‑time flight information. Many international tourists, particularly those headed to Shenzhen for the 10‑day Golden Week holiday, are reporting that they had to book emergency accommodation in the city’s suburbs because the main hotels in the city center are either fully booked or are themselves closed due to the typhoon.

Economic ripple effects

A preliminary estimate from the China Tourism Academy suggests that the typhoon could cost the domestic tourism sector between 5 % and 7 % of its annual revenue for the 2024 fiscal year, a figure that is higher than the 3 % lost during the 2019 pandemic‑related downturn. The study cites the closure of the Lo Wu border checkpoint—normally the second‑largest transit point for passenger traffic between Hong Kong and mainland China—as a major contributor to the projected loss.

In Guangdong, the provincial commerce bureau has flagged a possible slowdown in retail sales for the holiday period, as shoppers who would normally flock to outlet malls in Guangzhou and Shenzhen are now unable to cross the border. The impact is expected to ripple through the supply chain, especially for small‑to‑medium enterprises that rely on cross‑border e‑commerce platforms.

Government response

Both mainland and Hong Kong authorities have taken a cautious approach. The Guangdong provincial government has issued a State of Disaster Preparedness order and has deployed emergency response teams to key flood‑prone areas. The Hong Kong government has activated its “Emergency Action Plan” and is maintaining a 24‑hour hotline for travelers.

The Chinese Ministry of Transportation has urged passengers who have already booked flights or ferries to contact their service providers for assistance. In Hong Kong, the Civil Aviation Department has set up a dedicated online portal where travelers can upload proof of travel disruption to apply for compensation under the airline’s “Force Majeure” clause.

Practical advice for travelers

1. Recheck your itineraries – Flights, ferries, and trains are subject to sudden changes. Use the airlines’ mobile apps or the HKTB’s travel advisory page to stay updated.
2. Keep documentation – Save e‑tickets, booking confirmations, and receipts. In case of a claim, proof of the original schedule will expedite the process.
3. Purchase travel insurance – Many insurers now cover weather‑related disruptions. Verify that your policy includes coverage for “force majeure” events.
4. Plan alternate accommodation – If you’re staying in a hotel in Shenzhen or Hong Kong, book a nearby hotel that remains operational under the local lockdown rules. The HKTB offers a list of approved “safe” hotels.
5. Monitor local alerts – The Hong Kong Meteorological Service posts daily updates on its website and social‑media channels. For mainland travelers, the Guangdong Meteorological Bureau provides real‑time advisories on its official portal.
6. Prepare for delays – In case your trip is delayed, ensure you have adequate supplies of water, snacks, and a portable power bank, as emergency services may also be stretched.

Looking ahead

The National Bureau of Statistics forecasts that the “Golden Week” period will still attract at least 20 million visitors to the country despite the typhoon. However, many officials anticipate a significant drop in the number of tourists from Hong Kong and Macau. Analysts predict that the weather‑related disruptions will prompt a shift toward domestic tourism in inland provinces, such as Jiangxi and Zhejiang, where flights remain largely unaffected.

As the storm moves inland, local authorities are mobilizing storm‑water management crews, and the National Disaster Reduction Centre has coordinated a multi‑agency response that includes the People’s Armed Police and the China National Emergency Management Agency. The overall aim is to limit damage and preserve life while maintaining as much normalcy as possible in the affected regions.

In the meantime, travelers and business leaders alike are watching the skies closely. The outcome of Typhoon Matmo will serve as a reminder that natural events can quickly transform holiday itineraries and economic forecasts, and that staying informed and prepared remains the best strategy in the face of an unpredictable climate.