Monday marks the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. As residents enjoy the extended holiday weekend, many are heading to the mainland for shopping and dining. Improved connectivity and new policies are driving cross-border spending in both directions. Starting on July 1, mainland residents over 18 can enjoy a duty-free allowance for goods worth 12,000 yuan ($1,650), potentially rising to 15,000 yuan if they shop at duty-free stores at border checkpoints.