Former Apple Daily Publisher Joins Shenzhen Tour
Cheung Kim-hung, a jailed former Apple Daily publisher, took part in a Hong Kong government-organised study tour of mainland China for rehabilitated offenders.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Asia
Cheung Kim-hung, a former publisher of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, joined a Correctional Services Department tour of Shenzhen for rehabilitated offenders. Cheung was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.
Why it matters
The tour is part of Project ReAch, which aims to raise rehabilitated persons' awareness of national security and strengthen law-abiding values. Cheung had been a key prosecution witness in the national security trial of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying.
The Correctional Services Department organised the Shenzhen tour, its fourth experience tour to mainland China for rehabilitated offenders. Cheung's sentence was reduced to eight years and three months, after more than a year in custody, and he had been expected to remain behind bars until 2028.
The players
Cheung Kim-hung
A former publisher of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and later testified against Jimmy Lai.
Jimmy Lai Chee-ying
The founder of Apple Daily who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in a Hong Kong national security trial.
The details
The tour included a visit to the former Dongjiang Column headquarters in Shenzhen's Tuyang Village and a stop at Baidu, where participants rode Apollo Go autonomous vehicles. Cheung appeared in a Phoenix TV report as a rehabilitated person taking part in the tour.
Timeline
Earlier in 2026: Jimmy Lai Chee-ying's national security case concluded with a 20-year sentence.
2028: Expected release date for Cheung Kim-hung before the reduction.
Sunday before November 1, 2026: Phoenix TV report on the tour aired.
Season Trajectory
The tour is the fourth of its kind organised under Project ReAch, extending a rehabilitation approach that pairs mainland China visits with national security education. It reflects a pattern in which Hong Kong authorities use study tours to shape the outlook of rehabilitated persons.
Travelers considering Shenzhen or Mainland China study tours should check current entry rules and program availability before booking. Travel plans involving Hong Kong or mainland China may be affected by national security requirements for visitors and organised group visits.
The takeaway
Organised study tours can serve as a window into how governments frame rehabilitation and national security policy. Readers planning cross-border travel in the region should verify current requirements with official sources before departure.
Further reading
Explore more on Asia travel destinations and regional news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South China Morning Post.
