"I heard sources from different channels saying the preparation process [for resuming cross-border travel to China] are in steps," said the pro-Beijing heavyweight.

Lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok, a Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference member, said Hongkongers "are eager to recover the normal communication with the mainland".

"[Reopening the border] is not only meeting Hong Kong citizens' benefits but the key to helping boost the city's economy," he said.

This morning, a mandarin-speaking broadcasting station, Hong Kong Satellite Television, claimed it learned the Chinese government would cancel the mandatory hotel quarantine of inbound visitors from January 3 next year and launched a '0+3' entry arrangement instead.

Besides, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu departed for Beijing this afternoon for a three-day duty visit. He was believed to be discussing the cross-border commuting issues with the state's leaders.