china day trips from hong kong

10 Top China Tours from Hong Kong

Why start your china tour from hong kong.

• International portal : More than 100 international flights travel from Asia, the US, Australia, and Europe to Hong Kong every day.
• Gateway to the Chinese mainland : There are regular flights to about 40 popular destinations in Chinese mainland.
• Fusion of the East and the West : Hong Kong's language and food are affected by both Chinese and Western cultures, making Hong Kong a comparatively easy start for Westerners.

How to Plan a China Trip from Hong Kong

From hong kong to the next destination.

Our customers usually choose the following cities to visit after their Hong Kong tours:

• Beijing : the capital city of China, Beijing is a better choice for the arrival destination from Hong Kong because of the convenient transportation, 144-hour visa-free policy, and more travel choices
• Chengdu : the hometown of pandas, a paradise for foodies, and a city that implements the 144-hour transit visa-free policy
• Guilin : karst landscape, idyllic countryside in Yangshuo
• Kunming : amazing natural scenery, diverse ethnic customs, and a pleasant climate
• Shenzhen and Guangzhou : dynamic cities, a popular amusement park

Tips for Planning a China Tour from Hong Kong:

Be aware of the visa policy . Visitors from approximately 160 countries are allowed to enter Hong Kong without visas. If you are eligible for the 72-hour/144-hour visa-free transit policy in key cities in the Chinese mainland, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guilin, you can travel to China from Hong Kong without a visa.

Think of the travel time . Generally speaking, you need at least 10 days for your China tours from Hong Kong, of which you need 2 days for Hong Kong and 8 days for a basic China combo travel route. If your time is limited, you can just tour one city from Hong Kong, such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guilin. Alternatively, contact us to tailor-make your unique tour.

Popular Tours to Mainland China from Hong Kong

These 4 sample tours are ideal for travelers with limited time in mainland China following a business trip to Hong Kong or another leg of their journey , as well as expats looking for a short getaway . Each one can be tailored to your preferences and interests.

• Best for those who love nature
• Relaxing outdoor activities
• Best for panda and culture fans
• Include all the highlights of Chengdu
• Top tour for China's southwest
• The landscape and the culture on plateau
• Best for metropolis fans
• The traditional and developing China

China Tours from Hong Kong for First-Time Visitors

If you're planning your first trip to China and Hong Kong serves as your gateway city , consider these carefully curated tours. Each one is tailored to different interests and offers a unique way to experience China. However, if you have specific preferences, our dedicated one-to-one travel consultants can customize any itinerary to suit your interests, tastes, and budget. Let us know what you prefer and we will design a perfect trip for you.

• The best choice for first-timers
• Discover the picturesque rural China 
• Specailly designed for culture fans
• Explore a lovely water town
• The best choice for panda fans
• Be a panda keeper
• The best choice for nature lovers
• Witness the Hallelujah Mountains
• The best choice for ones who have a Tibet dream
• Pay your respects at the pilgrim's holy palace.
• The best choice for foodies
• Learn to cook the famous Sichuan dishes

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The Best Day Trips From Hong Kong

Make the most of a visit to the 852 by checking out these sister cities and nearby attractions. The skyscrapers will be there when you get back, so head to the outlying islands for a tropical escape, or to mainland China for unbeatable shopping. There’s so much more to Hong Kong than a skyline – discover it for yourself with these easy outings.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips . Hong Kong is one of the most connected cities in the world. As any resident will tell you, it’s perfectly situated for quick, weekend trips around Asia. But if you don’t have a full 48 hours to spare, consider taking a day trip. In under two hours, you could be lounging on the beach, strolling through a Ming Dynasty garden or winning big at a Macanese casino. And the best part is, you can be back in Lan Kwai Fong for happy hour.

The most well-known day trip from Hong Kong is Macau . Our “sister SAR” has it all: Michelin-star restaurants, world-class entertainment, UNESCO heritage sites, a Grand Prix racetrack and street food galore (pork buns and Portuguese egg tarts are must-tries while in town). And if you fancy yourself a poker pro or a slot machine master, you’re in luck. Macau is the world’s gambling capital, taking in more casino revenue than even Las Vegas. Booking a tour will get you a full day in this historic city, including hotel pick-up, a boat ride and a local guide.

Get in touch with your spiritual side on Lantau Island , home of the Tian Tian Buddha. Known simply as the “Big Buddha”, this gigantic statue sits above the Po Lin monastery, where monks still live and study. You can visit the monastery to learn more about Buddhism before climbing up the stairs to the statue. The best way to get here is the glass-bottomed Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, which offers a 360-degree view of Lantau and the South China Sea below. The monks often sell wooden bracelets near the Big Buddha, which make a nice souvenir.

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Despite being just two hours from Hong Kong, tourists often skip Guangzhou . But China’s third-largest city has a lot to offer. If you’re only visiting Hong Kong for a few days, it’s worth booking a tour, as they’ll arrange your visa and round-trip transportation. So, really, all you need to do is show up and explore the blend of new and traditional architecture, visit pandas at Shenzhen Safari Park and see some of the famous Xi’an Terracotta Warriors.

Yim Tin Tsai

Yim Tin Tsai is an abandoned island off the coast of Sai Kung. In the 1700s, it was home to a family of salt farmers. But their industry collapsed in the 1960s, and by 1990 the entire island was deserted. The families left their homes intact, leaving behind everyday items like bowls, radios and furniture, and creating an accidental time capsule. While it may have a slightly creepy vibe, it’s perfectly safe. There’s also a Romanesque chapel and a Village Heritage Exhibition to check out. Ferries run from Sai Kung, but don’t miss the last one back!

If you’re craving a beach day, you’re in luck. In Hong Kong, pristine beaches and azure-blue waters are just a ferry ride away. The Sai Kung peninsula is a wonderland for nature lovers, whether you’re keen to kayak, swim or explore the trails. Hike up the mountains to find postcard-perfect views, and then cool off in a waterfall pool, or explore the area’s distinct geology. Tours are available and easy to customise for your group – you can even rent a speedboat to whisk you away to the most remote spots, no hiking required.

Lamma Island

Another island option for beach lovers is Lamma. This is Hong Kong’s “hippy” neighbourhood , known for barefoot children, seafood and expats who never leave. All the paths here are paved and suitable for most fitness levels, so you can hike out to the better beaches, like Shek Pai Wan. If you have time before your ferry, pop into the locally run boutique shops for an unusual souvenir. There are no cars on the island, and it’s a great place to bring kids.

Junk boats are all-day charters that dominate the social scene throughout spring and summer. You can plan your own or join someone else’s (keep an eye on Meetup.com if you’re visiting alone), just remember to bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Then, spend the day floating in the clear waters of Hong Kong’s most remote islands. If you’re feeling brave, take a leap off the top deck. Check out Hong Kong Junks or Junks.hk to start planning yours, or grab a seat on the Aqua Luna that does regular cruises around Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Global Geopark

Hong Kong’s famous skyline often overshadows its equally impressive geology. Spend the day exploring this unusual UNESCO site, where you’ll learn about the area’s volcanic origins and see the unique hexagonal rock formations that make it so interesting. Sharp Island is a great place to start exploring. Go at low tide to see the “pineapple bun” rocks, pieces of weathered quartz monzonite that look like a Hong Kong snack. You don’t need to be a geologist to appreciate this one, trust us.

Tai Mo Shan Waterfall Adventure Hike

Swap the tourist trail for a hiking trail with a visit to Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak. You’ll pass the four stunning Ng Tung Chai waterfalls en route, each more picturesque than the last. Though the hike is tough , this area is popular year-round, and you can always dip into the waterfall pools to cool off.

Dragon’s Back Hike

Don’t be deterred by the crowds, Dragon’s Back is known as Asia’s best urban hike for a reason. Besides being one of the easier trails to find, it rewards hikers with beautiful views and a beach finale. The first thirty minutes are the hardest, as it’s basically a non-stop climb up stone steps. But from there, the ground evens out and you can enjoy the view over the Ninepin Islands, Shek O and the Red Hill peninsula. The trail finishes at Big Wave Bay beach, a perfect spot to reward the morning’s work with a few beers ice-cold beers.

Right across the border lies Shenzhen , the undisputed shopping capital of China. Lose yourself across the five floors of the infamous Lo Wu Commercial Shopping Plaza, where haggling is expected (start at 50% of the asking price). Then, take in a totally different side to the city at Lizhi Park, a tranquil oasis with lakes, pavilions and beautiful bridges. For even more relaxation, book into a 24-hour spa.

Cheung Chau Island

To find out why Cheung Chau is a local favourite, just hop on a ferry. A day is all you need on this small yet fascinating island where you’ll find a vibrant market, colourful fishing villages and beautiful beaches. Pak Tai Temple is over two centuries old and honours the Taoist god of the sea with Qing and Song Dynasty artworks. Cheung Chau is also a foodie’s paradise, so bring an appetite and make sure to sample the fishballs and the famous mango mochi before you go.

If you want to see China but don’t have the time for a full trip, Shunde is an excellent option. Just a few hours away by coach or train, this lesser known district is known as a culinary destination and was named gourmet capital of the world by UNESCO in 2014. Huagai Road is the place to go to sample all their best street food. If you’re in the market for some new furnishings, Lecong Furniture City is the largest market of its kind, selling over 20,000 types of furniture. Trains leave from West Kowloon station.

Boats, seafood, stilt houses and pink dolphins – Tai O pretty much has it all. Tucked into a quiet corner of Lantau Island, Tai O is home to Hong Kong’s Tanka people, or boat people. For the last few generations, the Tanka have built their unique homes above the tidal flats. Wander through their striking village, sample the seafood and take a boat tour. You might even see a rare Chinese pink dolphin. You can tack this on to your Big Buddha visit, or make a special trip on the MTR – it’s about an hour from Central.

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Home » Travel Guides » China » 15 Best Day Trips from Hong Kong

15 Best Day Trips from Hong Kong

The city of Hong Kong is renowned worldwide for being a glitzy cosmopolitan hub and financial center with a myriad of tempting attractions that can keep visitors entertained for weeks.

From casinos to rooftop bars, skyscrapers and shopping malls, not to mention world class cuisine, the metropolis has something to offer everyone.

However, its location on an archipelago and the land surrounding it that has yet to be annexed into the urban sprawl, means that there is a vast number of destinations that are worlds away from the city’s chaotic pace of life.

In the space of a few hours you can find yourself exploring sandy beaches, tiny fishing villages and sparsely populated islands, all offering a unique taste of China outside of Hong Kong.

Let’s have a look at the best day trips from Hong Kong :

1. Cheung Chau

In just 40-minutes by ferry, you can reach the island of Cheung Chau, a destination that combines the buzzing activity of its busy harbour with the quiet tranquillity of its beaches, all within easy reach of each other.

Highlights include ancient temples such as the Mini Great Wall, along with Cheung Po Tsai Cave, which can both be explored in a couple of hours.

Then head to one of the beloved open-air seafood restaurants where you’ll find dish after mouthwatering dish at reasonable prices.

If you want a day in the sun, pay a visit to Kwun Yam Wan Beach, or if you want to experience the island like a local, take a stroll through the pier, where the trawlers, junk boats and houseboats clamouring for room make for an exhilarating visit.

Available tour :  Hong Kong: Cruise Tour to Cheung Chau by Chinese Junk Boat

A mere hour away by ferry from Hong Kong, you’ll find one of its most popular day trips: Macau.

This former Portuguese enclave is positively overflowing with colonial charm and history whilst simultaneously offering the temptation of being the world’s biggest gambling center.

Culture and history buffs will not be disappointed; some must-see sites include the Ruins of St.

Paul’s Church, Guia Hill, A-Ma Temple and the gorgeously quant village of Coloane.

If you want a break from cultural sites, you can distract yourself with the mouthwatering delights of Macanese food: a fusion between Portuguese and Cantonese cooking, or if you’re feeling lucky you can also try your hand in one of the glittering casinos lining the main strip.

Recommended tour :  Macau World Heritage Excursion With Lunch at Macau Tower

3. Sai Kung

Reminiscent of tropical coastlines on the other side of the world, Sai Kung is Hong Kong’s prime destination for sun seekers, surfers and seafood lovers because of its beautiful beaches and bays.

This verdant oasis can be found in the northeastern New Territories and takes about an hour to reach from Central Hong Kong by MTR or boat.

Here you’ll be able to hike to beaches like Tai Long Wan and Sharp Island, where the sandy shores and lush interiors offer excellent hiking opportunities and places to relax.

Sai Kung Town is well worth a visit too, particularly its intriguing floating seafood market and plethora of fascinating shops and restaurants.

A veritable retail wonderland full of quirky attractions and delicious eateries, Shenzen boasts some of the best shopping in the region and people flock across the Chinese border to make the most of lower prices here.

As a gateway to mainland China, it’s a thriving metropolis with inexpensive delights such as day spas, the eccentric Dafen Oil Painting Village, or the souvenir-laden Windows of the World Amusement Park.

For a lunch experience elbow to elbow with the locals, head over to Xiangmihu Holiday Village, where you can enjoy some delicious barbecue dishes and cold beers.

Finally, don’t leave without paying a visit to Dongmen Pedestrian Street: a huge market perfect for adventurous travellers where you can purchase pretty much anything imaginable.

The large outlying island of Lantau is the largest that can be reached from Hong Kong and is a beautiful, vast expanse of gently rising forested mountains, small villages and pristine beaches, perfect for a day trip to unwind and relax.

Some of the numerous cultural sites that are simply unmissable include the Wisdom Path and a visit to the Tian Tan Buddha; perched at the top of almost 300 steps ascending the mountainside.

As is common with many of Hong Kong’s outlying islands, you’re also guaranteed to find some truly world class seafood around the coastal villages of Lantau.

6. Mai Po Marshes

If you want to take a break from Hong Kong’s crowds and don’t feel like going to another beach, then a trip to Mai Po Marshes is the perfect way to escape for a day and get up close and personal with nature.

The Marshes are run by the esteemed World Wildlife Fund organisation and entry requires a free permit that takes a few weeks to be processed.

Once inside, however, you’ll discover one of Asia’s most spectacular nature reserves; home to over 55,000 migrating birds and a plethora of mammals, insects and reptiles.

Spend your day wandering the beautiful forests and marshlands catching glimpses of some of the intriguing wildlife.

7. Shui Hau Beach

For a truly rural coastal experience and an escape from the hectic and crowded city, take a day trip to the beautifully secluded Shui Hau Beach.

The soft, white sands are back dropped by kite surfers zipping around the waves, and the lack of facilities in the area means it is a truly calm spot.

Also popular here is clamming, due to the huge clam populations found here, you can even try your hand yourself by renting the tools from the Fung Wong Bungalow Center.

Situated in the Pearl River Delta, Zhuhai is just over an hour away from Hong Kong and is comprised of over 100 islands that are accessible by ferries.

The result is a plethora of gorgeous beaches, where you can go diving in the crystal-clear waters of Dong’ao Island, or devour incredible seafood at Hebao Island.

Besides the palm trees and beaches, Zhuhai is also known for its nightlife, with places like Lotus Road and Gangbei famous for streets lined with nightclubs and stalls selling cocktails late into the night.

9. Guangzhou

The city of Guangzhou is the third largest in China, and as such, has something to suit every taste.

For a big city experience that’s a breath of fresh air from Hong Kong, Guangzhou offers a rich colonial history with both French and British influences that can be seen on the beautiful Shamian Island.

The European architecture and landmarks found here, surrounded by a Chinese metropolis, makes for a novel and fascinating experience.

Art lovers, on the other hand, will be enchanted by Xiaozhou Village, an art haven full of old buildings, canals and captivating street art.

The city of Shunde is well and truly a hidden gem in China’s cultural landscape that not many people have heard of but is well worth a visit.

The city is peppered with heritage sites and natural attractions, each more beautiful than the last, like the Baoling Temple or the Taiping Mountain.

The fact that a lot of the cultural sites are situated in areas of great natural beauty makes Shunde an incredibly pleasant place to explore.

Shunfengshang Park, for example, is a network of canals, ornate bridges, forests and temples that in itself is a fantastic day trip.

11. Lamma Island

The third largest island in Hong Kong has long been a tempting escape for people who don’t want to travel far but want a different pace of life to the one found in the city.

The sandy shores of Lamma Island offer exactly that, with beaches like Hung Shing Yeh attracting city dwellers all year round to relax in the sun.

With a casual, traveller-friendly atmosphere, Lamma is a great place to hike.

Wander through Main Street soaking in the sights, or simply hunt down some excellent food; the waterfront seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan are particularly popular.

Having often been referred to as “The Venice of Hong Kong”, the tiny fishing village of Tai O is renowned for being the sole remaining stilt settlement left in Hong Kong, and as a result, is not only a worthwhile day trip but a breathtakingly beautiful one.

Here, you’ll find deliciously tempting, locally-made shrimp paste, as well as world-class seafood, and an age-old community of Tanka “boat people”, who still live and thrive here and give a fascinating insight into the life of the residents of times past.

Nature lovers will also be treated to a glimpse of the area’s famous pink dolphins, both revered and protected throughout Tai O.

Suggested tour :  Tsing Ma Bridge, Tai O Village and Monastery Tour

13. Ngong Ping

The highland area of Ngong Ping can be found on the western side of Lantau Island and is an excellent day trip both for those with religious interests and those who simply want to marvel at the area.

It’s best known for the iconic statue of the Tian Tan Buddha; an enormous 34 meters in height and visible for miles.

Easily reachable by cable car from Tung Chung, the Buddha attracts many visitors every year, who also usually visit the neighbouring Po Lin Monastery.

14. Beijing

What better way to experience the real China than to pay a visit to its capital, which houses some of its most important cultural treasures.

You’ll need to start your day early and catch an 8:00am flight if you want to have a good few hours in the city, but the destination is worth the journey.

Once in Beijing, you can visit The Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs and a host of other national gems depicting China’s fascinating past.

15. New Territories

Adjacent to the Kowloon Hills and the border of mainland China, you’ll find the suburban area known as the New Territories, a veritable cultural hotbed and melting pot of traditional customs and modern attitudes.

Popular sites include the Kat Hing Wai Walled Village, surrounded by a moat and still inhabited by the original descendants of the Deng clan who built it.

Also well worth a visit is the beautiful Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree and the opulent Che Kung Temple.

15 Best Day Trips from Hong Kong:

• Cheung Chau
• Mai Po Marshes
• Shui Hau Beach
• Lamma Island
• New Territories

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How to plan a China tour starting from Hong Kong

Travel in Hong Kong is easy, and full of fun. The best highlights of this cosmopolitan gathers in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Lantau Island. Each area can be explored pleasantly in a day trip. The Hong Kong Island is the center of tourists, also the essence of Hong Kong - Victoria Peak and Harbor, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market...from here, you can take a day trip to Lantau Island, or take a ferry to visit the neighboring Macau.

After the Hong Kong tour, you can travel to Guilin which is close to Hong Kong. You can also keep on your trip to Shanghai and Beijing . Want to spend more days? Why not to tour the ancient city Xian near to Beijing? Yangtze River cruise is another recommended extension for your Hong Kong China trip..if you still have no idea, don't worry, feel free to tell us, then our experienced travel specialist will customize a tour for you.

Strongly Recommended 6 China Tours Starting from Hong Kong for the First-timers

7 Days Vibrant & Ancient China Tour from Hong Kong

Hong Kong / Shanghai / Beijing

Start your China tour from the best gateway, Hong Kong, you will see all of Hong Kong’s best attractions. Discover this city’s history and culture and enjoy modern life in glamorous metropolis, see how quickly China is developing!

From $1,246 Check Details

11 Days Authentic China Tour from Hong Kong

Hong Kong / Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Shanghai

Start your authentic China tour from Hong Kong SAR, the most convenient international arrival hub in China. After witnessing the superb skyline of Hong Kong, this tour offers you the most classical destinations: Beijing, Xian, Guilin & Shanghai. Numerous aged historical sites, precious cultural relics, stunning natural landscapes and unique folk customs are all waiting for your exploration, and thus, get a better understanding of traditional Chinese culture in the tour. Besides that, as the last destination, Shanghai is convenient for your transportation to home or any other places.

From $2,095 Check Details

8 Days Hong Kong, Xian & Beijing Essence Tour

Hong Kong / Xian / Beijing

Hong Kong, Pearl of Orient, is one of the top 5 modern cities of China. While Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in China since it was ancient capital city of 13 Imperial Dynasties. And Beijing currently is the capital of the People's Republic of China, rich in history and culture. Journey with us will show you all the essences of China in 8 days.

From $1,136 Check Details

14 Days China Leisure Tour from Hong Kong

Hong Kong / Beijing / Xian / Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai

This tour is perfect for visitors who want a perfect memory in China. And it is a fantastic choice for people who want to knw more about China's ancient & modern culture. This tour will take you to Hong Kong, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu & Yangtze River to appreciate China's highlights to its full.

From $2,495 Check Details

21 Days China Holiday with Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Hong Kong / Guilin / Chengdu / Yangtze Cruise / Zhangjiajie / Shanghai / Xian / Beijing

This 21 days' China holiday package tour will start from Hong Kong, the very convenient international hub. After that, it will take you to experience other best highlights of China, including cruising on Li River to appreciate the serene scenery of Guilin, relaxing on luxury Yangtze River cruise ship, visiting the lovely Giant Pandas, feeling the mixture charm of ancient and modern in Shanghai, Xian and Beijing. You will also take an adventure tour to Zhangjiajie to see the magnificent Grand Canyon Glasses Bridge.

From $3,795 Check Details

15 Days Grand China Experience Tour from Hong Kong

Hong Kong / Guilin / Longsheng / Yangshuo / Chengdu / Lhasa / Xian / Beijing

This tour is designed for the first-time visitor to experience the GRAND of China. It is truly a visual treat, full of unexpected surprises and many treasures waiting to be discovered. By starting from Hong Kong, you’ll see more, experience more and remember more along all the way.

From $2,950 Check Details

Top 7 Best Deals for China Tours including Hong Kong 2024

10 Days China History & Landscape Tour

Hong Kong / Guilin / Xian / Beijing

A perfect vacation should bring you the joy of both cultural experience and natural sightseeing. This is the one. In this tour, you will not only feel unique culture and history of China, but also enjoy some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in China! From Hong Kong to the Mainland, this journey covers goes long but experience more. Discover the REAL China with your own eyes and mind!

From $1,593 Check Details

12 Days China Splendid Tour from Hong Kong

Hong Kong / Guilin / Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai

In a very enjoyable way, this tour takes you to explore the beautiful southern China from Hong Kong to Shanghai - lush landscape, intriguing culture, incredible contrasts, China treasure, etc. You will plunge into the modern and charming cosmopolitans, cruise leisurely on the most beautiful rivers in China, go through villages and terraces of ethnic groups...

From $1,598 Check Details

8 Days Amazing Greater Bay Area Tour

Hong Kong / Guangzhou / Shenzhen / Macau / Hong Kong

What’s in your mind when talking about China’s Greater Bay Area? This area will become a world-class bay area, the next Silicon Valley and a united hub for economic growth, innovation, culture and living. You’ll first reach "Pearl of the Orient" - Hong Kong with distinctive culture which blends Chinese, British and indigenous influences. With a high speed train to Guangzhou, you’ll enter a land full of Lingnan culture where you can trace a history over 2200 years. Just across the Hong Kong border lies UNESCO-awarded city of design Shenzhen, a southern Chinese metropolis that has exploded in size since it became a Special Economic Zone in 1979. Known as “the Las Vegas of Asia”, Macau is best known for its gambling, but it’s beyond the casinos that you really start to discover this diverse city. No matter you are history lovers, culture seekers, foodies, architecture fans, shoppers, this tour will show you more.

From Request Check Details

6 Days In-depth Guilin Tour from Hong Kong

Hong Kong / Guilin / Longsheng / Yangshuo / Guilin

This 6-day Guilin tour is specially designed for travelers who are interested in visiting Guilin in-depth, including Guilin City, Yangshuo Town and Longji Rice Terrace areas, and want to get to Guilin from Hong Kong by the new high speed train or flight. We arrange every must-visit and top recommended highlight to the point, including the Li River Cruise, countryside scenery at Yulong River, Jinkeng Rice Terraces and Dazhai Village, symbolic Elephant Trunk Hill, etc. for an enjoyment of all essential sightseeing, culture, history, and fun with no hurry at all. Enjoy your trip!

From $709 Check Details

11 Days Fabulous China Tour from Hong Kong

Hong Kong / Guilin / Yangshuo / Longsheng / Chengdu / Xian / Beijing

Begin your China tour from the Pearl of the Orient-Hong Kong. This tour offers you an opportunity to soak in the perfect East-meets-West culture. While experiencing a great mixture of China's past and present, you will also enjoy leisure vacations and impressive outdoor adventures with the finest scenery in Guilin, and get an exciting visit to the Giant Pandas in Chengdu.

From $1,792 Check Details

6 Days Hong Kong Beijing High Speed Train Experience Tour

Hong Kong / Beijing

Hong Kong has always been a Mecca for tourists for its irresistible vibrant city life style and world top skylines! While Beijing, as the renowned capital, holds the deep Chinese historical culture through those awesome ancient architectures, coexisting with the modern and Hi-tech city appearance. Besides all the best popular essences of Hong Kong and Beijing, this tour is particularly designed with the new Hong Kong Beijing high speed train savory, therefore, you will totally travel in leisure with sceneries outside car window from south to north China and have moments to experience “China Speed”!

5 Days Hong Kong to Shanghai Megacities Fashion Tour by Bullet Train

Hong Kong / Shanghai

Spending 5 days with China Discovery, you will unveil the authentic and unique local culture and history of Hong Kong combining with Lingnan features and excellent world elements. Besides, under the professional guide, you will succeed to explore the traditional Jiangnan elegance and international friendliness of the magic Shanghai. Free time is also spared for you to know these two shining pearls of the orient at your own pace and see your own different Hong Kong and Shanghai!

Recommended In-depth China Tours Starting from Hong Kong

Below are the top-rated packages especially designed for you who’d like to start your China tour from Beijing. The journeys we offer are all full service : tours, domestic flights, transfer, hotels, some local style meals, personal guides & drivers...to deliver you a worry free China tour at a lower local price !

14 Days China Cruise Tour with Yangtze & Li River

Hong Kong / Guilin / Yangshuo / Longsheng / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Xian / Beijing

Start your China tour with the convenient international hub, also the Pearl of Orient – Hong Kong. This 14 days tour gives you the best cruise experiences in China: comfortable and relaxing cruises on Li River and Yangtze River to set your heart free to embrace the pure beauty of China landscapes. Tour to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai give you the chance to see large scale of historical and cultural sites, taste the charming history of China and experience the prosperous scene of today.

From $2,186 Check Details

16 Days China Cruise Tour with Golden Triangle Visits

Hong Kong / Shanghai / Yichang / Three Gorges / Chongqing / Guilin / Yangshuo / Xian / Beijing

This tour offers you a wonderful experience in the thriving mega city Hong Kong & Shanghai, a fantastic cruise on the spectacular Yangtze River, a relaxing trip to Guilin, the most beautiful landscape under the heaven. And your tour will be more exciting with cultural explore in the ancient city Beijing & Xian.

From $2,890 Check Details

9 Days Meet Yunnan Nature & Culture from Hong Kong by Bullet Train

Hong Kong / Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-La

Take 9 days out from your holiday to leave yourself a memorable and dazzling tour in south region of China and seek the answers! In this tour, you will encounter with the best natural, historical and cultural highlights of Lijiang, Shangri-La and Kunming in Yunnan Province in southwest China to understand why it is called “the South of Colorful Clouds”. Moreover, with a classic city enjoyment of Hong Kong metropolis and the first Hong Kong China high speed train savory with sceneries on the way, your go is not only an enrichment of knowledge and experience, but also of course a big show-off to anybody!

From $1490 Check Details

Need more choices for your China tour?

On one hand, if you just want a short stay in & around Hong Kong, the 2-8 days Hong Kong China tours like Hong Kong Guilin Tours will save you more time and money.

On the other hand, besides Hong Kong, Beijing , Shanghai and Chengdu are the other perfect cities to start a China trip. Get inspired and delighted by our handpicked top itineraries now!

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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Day Trips From Hong Kong

The 5 Best Day Trips to Take From Hong Kong

Macau, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Beijing

Day trips from Hong Kong are a great chance to see more of the real China - it's just across the border. Shenzhen and Guangzhou are the most popular destinations thanks to their proximity, while Zhuhai is gaining an increasing number of fans. The easiest day trip from Hong Kong is a short hop across the water to Macau where you'll find a combination of Las Vegas casinos and Lisboa architecture less than an hour away. 

See our top five day trips below for a selection of the best trips just a few hours from Hong Kong. Or, if you want somewhere more off the beaten track, try some hidden China from Hong Kong trips where you'll find Ming era temples and mountain retreats. 

Macau: Best for Relaxing

Hands down the best day trip from Hong Kong, Macau is just an hour away by ferry and offers a cracking combination of quaint Portuguese charm and the bright lights of its casino strip – this is after all the biggest gambling center on earth. With ferries running between the two cities twenty-four hours a day and few nationalities requiring a visa to visit Macau, it's an easy trip to make. Don't forget to dig into some Macanese cuisine while you're there - a winning mix of Portuguese spices and Cantonese cooking. 

Need visa? No Travel time - 1hr by ferry

Guangzhou: Best for a Slice of China

Guangzhou is often overlooked when people are picking a Chinese city to visit, but while it may lack tea houses and temples this is very much the face of modern China. If you want to get a feel for where China’s incredible economic growth is going, you can find the answer in the sleek skyscrapers, fast cars and air-conditioned malls of Guangzhou. There is also the elegant architecture of Shaiman Island, where British, American and French companies traded from in the 19th century. The fine colonial trading outposts have been repurposed as restaurants, cafes, and bars. 

Need visa?  Yes, Chinese Visa or Guangdong visa Travel time - 2hrs by train

Shenzhen: Best for Location

Shenzhen is where Hong Kong and China blend together, so much so that there are calls to merge the two cities into one mega-metropolis. Set just across the Chinese border, Shenzhen is less than an hour away on the Hong Kong MTR. The drawback? There is next to nothing to see and the real reason most people visit the city is to shop – almost everything here is cheaper than in Hong Kong. An added advantage is that some nationalities have access to the special Shenzhen Economic Zone visa, which cuts down on paperwork and prices.

Need Visa?  Yes, Shenzhen Economic Zone visa or Chinese visa Travel time - 45mins by train

Zhuhai: Best Off the Beaten Track

While Zhuhai might be a minnow of a city by Chinese standards, it still boasts well over a million residents and is typical of the concrete jungles that have sprung up all over Southern China in the last twenty years. If you want to get a picture of daily life in a fairly standard Chinese city, Zhuhai is a good snapshot. It's enjoyably less developed than both Shenzhen and Guangzhou and with a fantastic stretch of coastline and beautiful islands far more laid back. Zhuhai is a popular getaway for Hong Kongers, and restaurants and bars have sprung up along the beaches and boardwalks to cater for the tourists. Ferries from Hong Kong take just over one hour to reach the city.

Need visa? Yes, Chinese visa Travel time - 1hr 20min by ferry

Beijing: Best for Splashing Out

Really want to see China? Then you need to book yourself on a flight to Beijing. This is a long haul, and you’re ​best connections are leaving Hong Kong at 8:00 am. That gets you into Beijing just after 11 am. You'll have six hours to explore the Forbidden City, Ming Tombs and the rest of the nations most important national treasures before hopping back on the 21:00 departure from Beijing to Hong Kong. 

Need visa? Yes, Chinese visa Travel time - 3hr 30min by plane

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Hong Kong One-Day Tour

8 unmissable day trips from Hong Kong

Feb 20, 2024 • 6 min read

Explore quiet corners and bustling megacities on a day trip from Hong Kong © Calvin Chan Wai Meng / Getty Images

Hong Kong is one of the world's great urban playgrounds, but this place has another side to its personality beyond the gleaming skyscrapers and shopping malls.

Three-quarters of the territory is green, dotted with hiking trails and secluded beaches, not to mention dozens of outlying islands bobbing in the South China Sea, some just an easy ferry ride away. With the mainland megacities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou connected to central Hong Kong by high-speed train, the possibilities for wider exploration are vast.

Here are eight of the best one-day excursions to enhance your next Hong Kong adventure.

1. Take a cable car to Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

A pilgrimage to the serene Tian Tan Buddha in the lush hills of Lantau is mandatory for Hong Kong newbies. Clocking in at 34m (112ft) high (podium included), this bronze icon faces the Po Lin Monastery, a sprawling Buddhist complex linked to Tung Chung (the main town on Lantau) by cable car. The scenic 5.7km (3.5-mile) journey offers sweeping views of Tung Chung Bay and, for plane-spotters, the bustle of Hong Kong Airport.

How to get to Po Lin Monastery from Central: Ride the MTR from Hong Kong station to Tung Chung (35 minutes) and then take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car for the final leg of the journey (25 minutes). You can also take the ferry to Mui Wo and then get bus 2.

2. Admire Hong Kong's last remaining stilt houses at Tai O

Travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Historically the home of the Tanka boat people, the fishing village of Tai O is an atmospheric maze of back alleys and street markets, but its big draw is a photogenic cluster of traditional stilt houses teetering over the water, some with a history spanning back 200 years. To extend your trip, consider a night's stay at the boutique-styled Tai O Heritage Hotel , housed in a converted police station built in 1902.

How to get to Tai O from Central: Ride the MTR from Hong Kong station to Tung Chung (33 minutes) and then take bus 11 to Tai O (one hour). Otherwise, take the ferry to Mui Wo and then change to bus 1.

3. Hang out on Lamma, Hong Kong's hippy island

Travel time: 30 minutes

With its hidden beaches, car-free paths and countercultural vibes, laidback Lamma Island is the perfect tonic for when the hustle of Hong Kong gets too much. Yung Shue Wan is the main village, with cafes, vegetarian restaurants and new-age shops aplenty. Across the island at Sok Kwu Wan , take your pick from a string of seafood restaurants serving dishes like steamed whole grouper or fried clams with black bean sauce.

How to get to Lamma Island from Central: Take a ferry from Central's Outlying Islands ferry terminal (pier 4) to either Yung Shue Wan pier or Sok Kwu Wan pier.

4. Explore the Portuguese heritage of Macau

Macau might be known as China's Las Vegas for its casinos, but the island was a Portuguese colony for 300 years and retains pockets of European colonial architecture. Admire the ruins of the Church of St Paul , a 17th-century cathedral, graze on Portuguese custard tarts in the old town center and then ride the cable car up to Guia Fortress , a historic military complex containing China's first lighthouse and a chapel built by Portuguese nuns.

How to get to Macau from Central: Take the MTR one stop to Sheung Wan and then catch a high-speed ferry from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal to the Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal (one hour).

5. Ride the bullet train to mainland China

Travel time: 45 minutes

The Chinese megacity of Shenzhen is just minutes away from Hong Kong by bullet train. Beyond the bragging rights of making it to the mainland, Shenzhen offers visitors dazzling modern architecture; a thriving arts, shopping and dining scene; and some deliciously retro theme parks. Best of all, you can pick up a temporary visa at the border crossing with minimal fuss, though you're not permitted to travel beyond the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.

How to get to Shenzhen from Central: If you already have a visa, take the MTR to West Kowloon station, go through immigration and then catch the high-speed train to Futian Station (14 minutes). If you need a visa, ride the MTR to the Luohu border crossing instead (one hour) and get a five-day visa on arrival (tourists from most countries are eligible) on the spot.

6. Marvel at the otherworldly scenery of Hong Kong Global Geopark

Travel time: 2 hours

Hong Kong Global Geopark , a UNESCO-listed natural playground, is home to stunning and surreal volcanic rock columns and sea caves. Tour operators run boat, kayak and SUP excursions into the Geopark, but you can also take a trip to the High Island Reservoir East Dam  and get up close without leaving dry land. The Volcano Discovery Center  in Sai Kung advises on the best ways to explore.

How to get to Hong Kong Global Geopark from Central: Take the MTR to Choi Hung station (30 minutes) and then take Hong Kong Green Minibus 1 to Sai Kung Pier and the Geopark Volcano Discovery Center (35 minutes).

7. Go temple and beach hopping on Cheung Chau Island

Travel time: 1 hour

With its white-sand beaches, characterful villages and Taoist temples, Cheung Chau Island makes a delightful day trip from central Hong Kong. Be sure to hike or bike your way to the island's southwestern corner to chill by the Reclining Rocks , picnic optional. The usually tranquil island packs out each year for the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, a spectacular event of parades, "floating children" (kids standing on parade scaffolding carried through the streets) and a race up bamboo towers to snatch the sacred bun.

How to get to Cheung Chau from Central: Take a ferry from Central's Outlying Islands ferry terminal (pier 5), either regular (one hour) or fast (40 minutes).

8. Hike and swim in unspoiled Sai Kung

One of the last havens left in Hong Kong for hikers and swimmers, Sai Kung offers trails through pristine scenery to secluded coves and picture-perfect beaches. The Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail passes four gorgeous beaches with some steep climbs and beautiful views along the route. You'll find dining spots at Sai Wan and Ham Tin beaches, and it's even possible to camp on the sand, or you can head back to Sai Kung Town by speedboat and have dinner on the waterfront.

How to get to Sai Kung from Central: Ride the MTR to Choi Hung station (30 minutes) and then take Hong Kong Green Minibus 1 to Sai Kung Pier (35 minutes). Take a taxi to the High Island Reservoir East Dam (30 minutes) for the full hike, or get a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion for a one-hour hike to the beach.

This article was first published October 2022 and updated February 2024

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China Tours & Trips from Hong Kong

Find your perfect adventure! We have 19 tours of China that start in Hong Kong, China. The most popular month is October, and tour lengths range between 5 and 27 days.

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19 china tour packages from hong kong with 31 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural

Hong Kong to Beijing Group Adventure 17D/16N

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

China Unveiled: 17-Day Journey from Hong Kong to Beijing

The Dragon Trip were great to travel with. The cost effective tour included experienced tour guides who specialised in each town and fun activities. The people in my tour were awesome! Would recommend and go with Dragon Trip again!

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

China Provincial Discovery

Hong Kong to Chengdu Express: 9-Day Chinese Journey

I will use tourrader again

Explore Longji & Guilin by bullet train from Hong Kong 5D

Hong Kong to Beijing - 17 days

• Sightseeing

China Holiday 10Days: Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Shanghai, Xian, and Beijing

China Tour: Hong Kong to Beijing (Private Bespoke)

Hong Kong starts you off with China “lite” getting you use to the culture while still having western influences, but then you are into China and fully immersed. An amazing trip.

China Minorities Adventure

I found it very complete with numerous sites to enjoy.

Hong Kong to Chengdu - 9 days

• Intl. Flights Included

Hong Kong Bucket List: City, Beach & Nature Vibes

• Flights included
• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Culture, Rice Fields & the Great Wall

Wild Canton 12D: Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shunde, Kaiping, Mt Danxia, Yingxi etc.

Splendid South China 14D: Hong Kong, Xiamen, Tulou, Wuyishan, Hangzhou, Xitang, Shanghai

Spring Festival

What people love about china tours from hong kong.

Fantastic. Guides went overboard to help

My wife Rue and I went on a fun trip from Hong Kong to Guilin, China, as part of our china travels using Odynovo Tours .Our guide is named Eric Fan, he made every part of our journey exciting and interesting. We started with our first time cool high-speed train ride from Hong Kong to Guilin. In Guilin, we were welcomed by Eric who knew a lot about the places, he shared cool stories along the way to our hotel. In that same evening, we visited the most beautiful cave we have ever seen in our life (the Reed Flute Cave). Guilin views were amazing! We saw big rocky hills and rivers that twisted around them. The food was incredibly delicious. Eric showed us around the city and told us about its history and culture and we went on a boat ride on the Li River. Everything was so perfect l! Eric was really helpful during our trip. He told us where to eat the best food and shared interesting facts about Guilin. We felt lucky to have him as our guide. We recommend Odynovo Tours to anyone looking to visit china . Their tour guides are the best and they are fluent in English. When our time in Guilin was over, we felt happy and grateful for such a wonderful trip with Eric. We'll never forget the amazing sights and experiences we had. If you're planning a trip to Guilin, we totally recommend Eric Fan as your guide. He made our journey unforgettable!

Tours starting from Hong Kong

• Hong Kong to Beijing tours (8)
• Hong Kong to Hong Kong tours (5)
• In-depth Cultural from Hong Kong (9)
• Family from Hong Kong (9)
• Explorer from Hong Kong (9)
• China Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

International Versions

• Deutsch: China Rundreisen ab Hongkong
• Français: Circuits Chine au départ de Hong Kong
• Español: Circuitos por China desde Hong Kong
• Nederlands: China Rondreizen die starten in Hong Kong

• China Tours from Hong Kong

Customize Your Trip to the Real Ch i na

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China Family Tours

Why start your China tour from Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is an important hub in East Asia with direct international flights to and from every continent in the major cities in Oceania, Europe and North America, which is served with at least one daily flight while more frequent connections to other Asian cities. Macau is available by speed boat from Hong Kong, whiles Hong Kong is also the convenient gateway to mainland China. Travelers can transfer between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing or other popular destinations by daily flights and high speed trains easily.

Hong Kong is a dynamic modern city with amazing mixed cultures. It offers great shopping opportunities, modern skyscrapers, beautiful seaside scenery, a wide spectrum of cuisine as well as interesting historical sites. Its abundant connections with other part of the world make it a good starting point for your China tours!

How to Plan a China Trip from Hong Kong

Step 1: Plan your Hong Kong trip

A holiday paradise, Hong Kong is full of charm and surprise. Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Hong Kong in 2 days. (Perhaps allow another day for relaxation) Here is a sample itinerary.

Day 1 Hong Kong Island half day tour to Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market, Victoria Harbour, afternoon free time for shopping and food tasting

Day 2 Hong Kong’s heritage and culture tour: Heritage Trail in Pingshan, Sheung Wan

Step 2: Plan your trip from Hong Kong to Macau and Mainland China

A Hong Kong tour is sometimes extended to Macau (1-2 days), but usually more connected to mainland China. Travel from Hong Kong to Guilin (3 days) by high speed train to relax in the countryside of Yangshuo that is teeming with karst mountains. Chengdu (2 days) and Zhangjijie (3 days) are two great destinations to extend your trip if you wish to meet the giant panda and witness China’s most dramatic mountain peaks. Allow 3 or 4 days to explore Lhasa in Tibet, or make your way to Xian (2 days) directly, where the epic-size Terracotta Army awaits you. Beijing (3 days) and Shanghai (2 days) should not be missed either, as you can discover the country’s past and future.

Please be aware of visa policy when planning your trip, as travelers from about 160 countries can travel to Hong Kong without visas. But if you need to enter mainland China for multi-place tour, you are requested to obtain a Chinese visa, except that you are eligible for the 72-hour/144-hour transit visa exemption in some key cities.

Still have no idea? No worries, our one-to-one destination experts are here to customize your own China holiday.

10 Best Mainland China Tours from Hong Kong

Savor China’s charm on our well-designed tour packages. From Hong Kong, travel to South China to explore the legendary landscapes, mystic ancient towns and unknown villages. Further afield, set off for the journey to the north, to discover the essence of this magical nation with real life experience.

• See Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks, then experience the stunning karst landscape & countryside of Guilin.
• Marvel at the Terracotta Army and be mesmerised by the Silk Road culture in Xian.
• Pack a camera and your eyes for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, as well as the real life in hutong.

• Board a bullet train to the karst paradise of Guilin, enjoying boat cruise, countryside biking, Taiji practice and calligraphy learning.
• Embark an adventure to Zhangjiajie to see Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and challenge the sky walk on glass bridge.
• Experience the cultural charm and culinary delights of Xian and Wuhan, meeting with the Terracotta Warriors.
• Explore the magnificent Yellow Mountain and visit a beautiful ancient village before ending the trip in Shanghai.

• Visit big-name attractions of Macau including the Ruin's of St. Paul and the modern marvel, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
• Spend 2 nights in Disney Resort, enjoying happiest family time exploring the theme parks, as well as the Ocean Park.
• Experience the vibrancy of Hong Kong as your family visit Victoria Peak, Aberdeen fishing Village and freely shop around.

• Explore UNESCO-protected South China karst in Guilin and Kunming, cruising Li River and wandering through Stone Forest.
• Revel in the exotic atmosphere of Lijiang Old Town, and enjoy walks in Tiger Leaping Gorge and Zhangjiajie.
• Get the insider access from your local guide in Chengdu and Guangzhou, get up-close-and-personal with the giant panda.

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The nonstop city of Hong Kong is packed with exciting things to do and see . You might fill your getaway with ferry rides in Victoria Harbor, shopping at night markets in Mong Kok or riding the tram to the top of the Peak.

While there is lots to do in Hong Kong, don’t miss the chance to explore the region. Day trips from Hong Kong are readily available using organised tours or public transportation, and you can venture beyond the big city atmosphere. Trips can include hikes, traditional villages, theme parks and even budget shopping in China .

Map of day trips from Hong Kong

7. Cheung Chau [SEE MAP]

The outlying islands of Hong Kong offer a lot to travelers, and Cheung Chau is one of the smaller and more interesting isles to explore. Located off the coast of a larger outlying island called Lantau, Cheung Chau is known for its seafood cuisine and sunny beaches.

A great way to explore the island is to arrive by ferry and then set off on one of the many well-marked hiking trails. Then, kick back on the sand and watch the waves crash as local fishermen haul in their catch. Find a seafood restaurant by the beach where you can dine on delicious and incredibly fresh dishes.

Getting to Cheung Chau

• To get to the island of Cheung Chau, visitors can take a ferry from Central Pier No.5 on Hong Kong Island. The journey takes between half an hour and an hour, depending on which ferry you take. Once you disembark, everything on the small island is within walking distance.
• A guided tour is a great way to see as much of Cheung Chau as possible in one day. Tours include visits to Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Po Tsai Cave, and a stop at the beach.

6. Hong Kong Disneyland [SEE MAP]

Whether you’re traveling with kids or you’re just a big Disney fan, Hong Kong Disneyland is a fun destination. Since it is smaller than some of the other Disney theme parks, it is easy to enjoy with a single day trip. Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island, and the fun starts as you ride the Disney-themed train from the Sunny Bay MTR station.

If you’re in search of adrenaline, there are plenty of thrill rides to choose from. However, there are also lots of scenic spots, a beautiful lake, opportunities to meet costumed characters and calmer rides for children.

Getting to Hong Kong DisneyLand

• As Disneyland is located on Lantau Island, you will need to take the MTR to reach the theme park. Simply get on the MTR at Hong Kong Central and take the Tung Chung Line. From Sunny Bay Station, take a Disney-themed MTR until you reach the resort. All in all, it should take around an hour to get there in total.

5. Guangzhou [SEE MAP]

For a longer day trip that lets you leave Hong Kong altogether, consider venturing across the border into China. The enormous city, the third largest in China, is home to several historic Buddhist temples. The eighth century Dafo Temple is one of the oldest and most historically significant.

Guangzhou is also known for its many green spaces and public parks. Yuexiu Park is the largest urban park in all of China, and it boasts a series of sculptures and statues, several lakes, rolling green hills and the Ming Dynasty Zhenhai Tower, which is now home to a wonderful museum.

Getting to Guangzhou

• As high-speed trains now operate between Guangzhou and Hong Kong, it can remarkably take as little as 50 minutes to travel from one city to the other. You do, however, need to turn up around 45 minutes before your train, so you can go through security and immigration – remember to bring your passport. The train departs West Kowloon Station and takes you to Guangzhou South, where you can continue by metro or bus.
• To fit as much into the day as possible, a guided tour is recommended. They take you to meet pandas, teach you more about the famous terracotta warriors and include a scenic catamaran journey.

4. Sai Kung [SEE MAP]

A little off the beaten track is the New Territories, a large region that is less densely populated than Hong Kong. Sai Kung is a peninsula in the New Territories that is popular with travelers and locals alike who want to escape the crowds and enjoy spectacular scenery.

Hiking is a big reason to visit Sai Kung, and the Maclehose Trail is a challenging way to explore the landscape. May visitors also opt to take a junk trip from Hong Kong, which lets you sightsee through Sai Kung from the water. Most junk trips can recommend spots where you can head straight for a secluded beach and enjoy a dip in the water.

Getting to Sai Kung

• From the center of Hong Kong, you can take the Tseung Kwan O MTR line to Hang Hao Station. As there are no metros directly to Sai Kung, you then need to take a minibus to Sai Kung Town. You can find these just outside the station, and they usually take around half an hour to get there. Another option is to take the metro to either Mong Kok or Choi Hung stations and again continue the journey by minibus. All the bus rides pass through some very scenic landscapes, with pristine nature all around you.
• Due to its remote nature, many people opt to take a guided tour to Sai Kung. As well as hiking around the beautiful rock formations and visiting a glittering waterfall, you can also take a speedboat ride around the surrounding coastal areas.

3. Shenzhen [SEE MAP]

Millions of commuters travel between Shenzhen, in China, and Hong Kong each day. The train journey is under an hour, but it can be busy during peak rush hours. However, heading to Shenzhen for a day can be a fantastic experience. The number one reason that Hong Kong locals head to Shenzhen is for the low shopping prices.

In particular, Shenzhen is known for cheap clothing. There are large shopping malls in Shenzhen packed with tailors and seamstresses, and you can have custom suits or dressed made at very reasonable prices. While you’re in Shenzhen, you may also want to check out the Splendid China & Chinese Folk Culture Village, which allows you to experience the varying cultures of China in a single day.

Getting to Shenzhen

Getting to Shenzhen from Hong Kong by public transport couldn’t be simpler – just remember to bring your passport. From Kowloon Tong or Hung Hom, take a 45-minute train ride to the border. You can either head to Lo Wu Station – which is nearer to all the shopping centers – or to Lok Ma Chau – which has shorter lines but is further from the main sights. From either station, it is then a short metro journey to wherever you want to go.

From Hong Kong Central, you can also take an hour-long ferry ride to Shenzen port of Shekou. While ferries depart less regularly than the trains and are more expensive, they are very scenic, and there are fewer queues once you arrive.

• Yet another option is to take a guided tour. This will help you enjoy seeing Shenzen without having to navigate your way there and back. In addition to seeing all the main sights, tours include ample free time to go shopping.

2. Po Lin Monastery [SEE MAP]

Built in 1906, the Po Lin Monastery features three famed brass sculptures of Buddha. There are several hikes in and around the monastery, and the green mountain views are spectacular. However, the main attraction is outside of the monastery itself. The Giant Buddha is hard to miss, and it is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. Hike up the steps to see it up close.

Getting to Po Lin Monastery

• Located on Lantau Island in Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery is reachable by public transport, and visitors have a couple of options open to them. From the center of Hong Kong, hop on the MTR and get out at Tung Chung Station. The metro ride should take around half an hour depending on where you get on. From there, you can either take the scenic Ngong Ping Cable Car – which takes about 25 minutes – or the New Lantao Bus 23 – which take around 45 minutes. Both options include a ten-minute walk to the monastery once you get off, and it is very well signposted.
• To gain a greater insight into the history and culture of the area, it is well worth taking a guided tour. As well as taking you to the magnificent monastery itself, stops at a traditional fishing village and a beautiful beach are also included.

1. Macau [SEE MAP]

Macau is just across the Pearl River Estuary from Hong Kong, making it an easily accessible day trip. There are many reasons to head to Macau, but most visitors are interested in the casinos or the Portuguese cultural influences. Macau generates more gambling revenue annually than Las Vegas, and its shopping malls and casinos are among the best in the world.

At the same time, Macau is home to a number of fascinating historic landmarks. Start your day trip by exploring the Rua da Tercena, a charming outdoor market, and then shop for antiques at the stores near the São Paulo Cathedral. Colonial era architecture and tasty Portuguese cuisine make parts of Macau feel more like Europe than Asia.

Getting to Macau

• When traveling to Macau from Hong Kong, regardless of how you get there, you’re going to want to take your passport with you. While you may have to fill out an Arrival Card, most visitors to Macau don’t need a Visa, but they are easily obtainable upon arrival.

By public transport, you can take a ferry from either Kowloon Island or Hong Kong Island; this will get you to Macau in around an hour. If you want to explore Macau’s historic sights, take a ferry to the Main Terminal. If it’s shopping and casinos that you’re after, then it’s better to head to Taipa Terminal. Ferries run very frequently and tickets cost between 150 and 210 HKD each way. Once in Macau, there are lots of buses that can take you anywhere you wish to go.

Another option is to take a shuttle bus across the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world. Tickets cost around 65 HKD, and the trip takes 45 minutes, with buses departing very regularly. Lots of buses in Hong Kong now stop at HZMB Hong Kong Port which is where you can get the bus across the Pearl River Estuary.

• If you want to make the most of your time in Macau, you may want to consider taking a guided tour. These will take you around all the main sights, such as the Ruins of St. Paul and A-Ma Temple. Many of them include a stop at one of Macau’s infamous casinos.

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• 15 Exhilarating Day Trips From Hong Kong To Go Beyond The Glitz And Glamour

23 Mar 2023

Though Hong Kong is widely known for its own glitz and glamour, it boasts quite some beautiful destinations for the tourists to hook upon in the weekend. Undoubtedly, Hong Kong features a range of entertainment options from bars to casinos and what not but it also offers you the scope to relish on the authentic beauty of China, by availing some day trips from Hong Kong. Take day trips from Hong Kong to witness the beauty and indulge in fun.

15 Day Trips From Hong Kong

Know, where you can visit for experiencing the best trips from hong kong from below.

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Hong Kong hosts the most renowned day trips to Macau by ferry, and it takes approximately an hour. Once a Portuguese enclave, the land boasts its historical richness and colonial charms. You can definitely get a chance to delve into the cultural heritage during your Macau day trip from Hong Kong. Also, do not leave behind the mouthwatering Portuguese and Cantonese fusion foods.

Best time to visit Macau: October to December Ideal for: Families, friends, couples Ideal trip duration: 3 days Must-visit places in Macau (you can include tourist attractions and places): Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square, Monte Fort, The Venetian Macao, Taipa How to reach Macau from the international airport: Ferries Weather: 20° C.

Must Read: Christmas In Hong Kong- A Detailed Guide For Your Christmas Trip To Hong Kong

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2. Shenzhen

Filled with quirky attractions throughout and lip-smacking eateries, Shenzhen is a shopaholic’s heaven on Earth. It is one of the best day trips from Hong Kong to China border where individuals can discover a range of local markets and bargain their heart out. Being one of the most popular day trips from Hong Kong to mainland China, Shenzhen has got a wide range of delights to offer to the tourists.

Best time to visit Shenzhen: October to December Ideal for: Friends, Technological nerds. Ideal trip duration: 3 days Must-visit places in London (you can include tourist attractions and places): Dameisha Beach, Happy Valley Shenzhen, Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Splendid China Folk Village, Lianhuashan Park How to reach Shenzhen from the international airport: Ferry, Bus, High-Speed Trains, Taxis. Weather: 22° C

Suggested Read: 35 Top-Rated Things To Do In Hong Kong

3. Mai Po Marshes

If you want to get up close and personal with nature, avail one of the best side trips from Hong Kong to Mai Po Marshes. It is a great option for someone who wants to take a break from the crowd of Hong Kong. The marshes are managed by World Wildlife Fund organisation and thus free entry is granted to the tourists.

Best time to visit Mai Po Marshes: February to March, October to December Ideal for: Nature lovers Idear trip duration: 3 days Must-visit places in London (you can include tourist attractions and places): Gei Wei, Mangroves, Deep Bay, Mai Po Nature Reserve. How to reach Mai Po Marshes from the international airport: Cabs, express trains, mini-bus Weather: 25° C

Suggested Read: 45 Most Delightful Tourist Places In Hong Kong On Your Trip

4. Cheung Chau

The city bustling with busy harbours and teeming with people has some tranquil beaches to offer. Besides, you can also come across some beautiful heritage temples and indulge in some lip-smacking dishes. The adventure lovers will be loving the place due to wide range of water activities they can avail.

Best time to visit Cheung Chau: July, August, and September. Ideal for: Family and Adventurers Idear trip duration: 4 days Must-visit places in Cheung Chau (you can include tourist attractions and places): Cheung Po Tsai Cave, Victoria Peak, Tung Wan Beach, Ocean Park, Pui O Beach. How to reach Cheung Chau from the international airport: Ferries Weather: 23° C

Suggested Read: 8 Spas In Hong Kong That Are All About Luxury And Soul Revival

5. Sai Kung

Sai Kung serves as Hong Kong’s major tropical destination with widespread coastlines and pristine beaches. You can have a great time by surfing, sunbathing, and tasting some great seafood here which makes it count and it won’t be wrong to say that Sai Kung is a great place for planning day trips from Hong Kong to.

Best time to visit Sai Kung: February to June Ideal for: Solo travelers, group of friends, family Idear trip duration: 7 days Must-visit places in Sai Kung (you can include tourist attractions and places): Pak Tam Chung, Lions Nature Education Centre, Sai Wan Pavilion, Sai Kung West Country Park, Sai Kung Public Pier. How to reach Sai Kung from the international airport: Taxi and Bus Weather: 21° C

Suggested Read: 6 Super Gorgeous Cafes In Hong Kong For An Ultimate Coffee Experience!

Day trips from Hong Kong to Lantau are quite popular with tourists and you should not miss out on it. The vast expanse of the island filled with dense forests, beaches, mountains, and quaint villages, serves as the perfect location to lay back, relax, and explore. You can also enjoy some great seafood and coastal atmosphere.

Best time to visit Lantau: October to December Ideal for: Beach lovers, solo travelers, teenagers, family Idear trip duration: 2 days Must-visit places in Lantau (you can include tourist attractions and places): Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Cheung Chau, Citygate, and Adventureland How to reach Lantau from the international airport: Train Weather: 25° C

Suggested Read: 10 Adventure Sports In Hong Kong For All Adrenaline Junkies

7. Shui Hau Beach

If you want to take a break from the regular hectic lifestyle, there cannot be any better destination than the Shui Hau Beach. Replete with white sandy beaches and tranquil atmosphere, it is the ideal place to experience some adventures for the kite surfers. The popular summer destination is known to be a great space for the clam diggers due to the presence of vast stretches of mudflat lands. One can get enough scopes to click pictures and take a stroll amidst the lush green nature.

Best time to visit Shui Hau Beach: November to April Ideal for: Couples, Family, Children Idear trip duration: 2 days Must-visit places in Shui Hau Beach (you can include tourist attractions and places): How to read London from the international airport: Cabs and mini-buses Weather: 21°C

Suggested Read: Hong Kong In December: A Handbook For Everyone Traveling To The Best Of All

8. Guangzhou

The third largest city of China has got something to fit everyone’s preferences. Unlike the glitz and glamour of Hong Kong, Guangzhou teems with the essence of rich colonial histories and bores the relevance of French and British influence. But that is not all. You can also try Cantonese food and visit the Guangzhou Opera House.

Best time to visit Guangzhou: October to mid-December Ideal for: Friends and family Idear trip duration: 2 days Must-visit places in Guangzhou (you can include tourist attractions and places): Chimelong Paradise, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Canton Tower, Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall How to reach Guangzhou from the international airport: Bus, cab Weather: 24° C

Suggested Read: 10 Marvelous Churches In Hong Kong Where You Can Unite With Your Inner Self!

Located just an hour away from Hong Kong, Zhuhai is comprised of more than a hundred islands and is easily by ferries. It offers a series of serene beaches, crystal clean waters, and a diverse range of seafood options. Apart from the serene atmosphere, the city is renowned for its party areas, located on the streets.

Best time to visit Zhuhai: March and April, November and December Ideal for: Family, friends, couples, a group of researchers. Idear trip duration: 3 days Must-visit places in Zhuhai (you can include tourist attractions and places): Zhuhai Museum, Jintai Temple, Tangjia Bay, The Meixi Scenic Archways, Seaside Park, WaiLingding Island, Zhuhai International Motor Racing Circuit. How to reach Zhuhai from the international airport: Bus, Taxis. Weather: 23° C

Suggested Read: Hong Kong in October: From Adventure, Sightseeings To Festivals There Is A Lot To See!

Popularised as the cultural hub of Hong Kong, Shunde teems with abundant natural attractions, beautiful heritage sites, and ancient temples. For someone who has a taste for fine architecture, Shunde serves as the ideal destination to visit. You can come across a number of natural attractions on the hill and spot some beautiful temples and explore the surroundings.

Best time to visit Shunde: July to September Ideal for: Couples, family, solo travelers Idear trip duration: 2 days Must-visit places in Shunde (you can include tourist attractions and places): Shunfengshan Park, Guangdong Foshan Huagai Road Pedestrian Street, Bijiang Golden House (South Gate), Qing Hui Yuan, Baolin Temple Ticket Office How to reach Shunde from the international airport: Train, Bus, Cabs

Suggested Read: Make A Note Of 5 Spots For Scuba Diving In Hong Kong To Get The Best Of Experience!

Often referred to as the Venice of Hong Kong, Tai O is the quaint little fishing village and is known for the existence of remaining stilt settlement. Taste some delicious local foods and spend some time amidst nature. Besides, the most fascinating thing you can do here is, get a sneak peek of the lifestyle of the ancient Tanka community, living here.

Best time to visit Tai O: November to April Ideal for: Adventure, families, friends Idear trip duration: 2 days Must-visit places in Tai O (you can include tourist attractions and places): Tai O Rural Committee Historic and Cultural Room, Tai O Market, Yim Tin Mangrove Forest, Tseung Kwan Shek (General’s Rock), Lung Ngam Tse How to reach Tai O from the international airport: Ferry, Bus Weather: 25° C

Suggested Read: Hong Kong In Winter: A Little Guide To See The City In Merriment

12. New Territories

Located adjacent to the Kowloon Hills, the suburban area boasts its modern lifestyle, abundant culture, and serves as the traditional hub. You can enjoy ample time in nature and witness the cultural manifestations. The most popular site for you to explore here, is the Kat Hing Wai Walled Village, which is still inhabited by the original descendants of the Deng clan who built it.

Best time to visit New Territories: October to April Ideal for: Families and friends Idear trip duration: 4 days Must-visit places in New Territories (you can include tourist attractions and places): Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, Lantau Island, Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery. How to reach New Territories from the international airport: Taxis, Buses Weather: 24° C

Suggested Read: Hong Kong Visa For Indians: Requirements, Types And Guidelines

13. Beijing

If you want to get the essence of real China, there cannot be any better place. Being the capital city of China, it is referred as a cultural treasure which depicts the fascinating past of China. Do not forget to get a sight of the Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs, and also spot a number of gem locations and be mesmerised by the beauty.

Best time to visit Beijing: March to May Ideal for: Adventure, friends Idear trip duration: 2 days Must-visit places in Beijing (you can include tourist attractions and places): the Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall of Badaling How to reach Beijing from the international airport: Road and Rail Weather: 23° C

14. Lamma Island

For the ones who do not prefer a lot of hustle and want to escape to a destination which offers the perfect traveler-friendly atmosphere, Lamma Island is the perfect place to go for a day trip. It offers some beautiful beaches where you get ample chance to bask under the Sun. Some of the popular beaches include Lo So Shing Beach and Hung Shing Yeh Beach.

Best time to visit Lamma Island: October to May Ideal for: Adventure, families, friends Idear trip duration: 3 days Must-visit places in Lamma Island (you can include tourist attractions and places): Lo So Shing Beach, Lamma Island Family Walk, Hung Shing Yeh Beach How to reach Lamma Island from the international airport: Taxi, Bus, Train Weather: 25° C

15. Ngong Ping

The beautiful highland is known for its natural diversity and serves as a great location for the religious souls. Do not forget to get a sight of the iconic Tian Tan Buddha statue with a height of thirty-four meters is absolutely mesmerising. Once you are done adoring the sights of Ngong Ping, pay a visit to its neighbouring Po Lin Monastery.

Best time to visit Ngong Ping: July, August, October and December Ideal for: Friends and Family Idear trip duration: 3 days Must-visit places in Ngong Ping (you can include tourist attractions and places): Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism, Lotus Pond Temple, Po Lin Monastery Kiosk, Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, Po Lin Monastery, Worship Plaza, Bodhi Tree How to reach Ngong Ping from the international airport: Taxi, Bus Weather: 23° C

Further Read: 5 Enchanting Monasteries In Hong Kong To Attain The Eternal State Of Nirvana!

The list of places mentioned above, can surely soak you in the true essence of China and cater to your knowledge about its culture. Having mentioned all the popular day trips from Hong Kong, where are you planning to visit first? Let us know which place you favoured the most! Also, if you are planning a trip to Hong Kong check out these customizable options and plan your trip with traveltriangle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips From Hong Kong

How can I commute within the city during the day?

You can find many options to commute within the city like bikes, cycles, taxis, trains, and buses to commute in the town. You can get several cabs and taxis to visit from one place to the other. You can get a MasterCard also if you want to avoid purchasing tickets multiple times for traveling within the city. You can also take long walks in the town and explore every corner of it, at your best.

What is the average temperature of Hong Kong during the day?

The average temperature of Hong Kong is about 22°C during the day. The weather of Hong Kong remains ideally dry and mild with hot and humid summers and warm and dry winters. However, the spring and autumn of the city are beautiful, and one must not miss the right site.

What type of clothes should I wear on day trips?

As Hong Kong experiences hot, humid, and dry climate throughout the year, it is better to carry bright and light clothing during your tour. So, pack up some shorts, comfortable t-shirts, flowy dresses and more like these.

Where can I shop during the day in Hong Kong?

There are many shops and markets where you can shop in Hong Kong during the day which include, Stanley Market (Hong Kong Island), Cat Street Market (Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island), Gough Street (Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island), Jardine’s Crescent (Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island), Tai Yuen Street (Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island), Apliu Street (Sham Shui Po, Kowloon) and many more.

What items should I carry during the day trip?

As the climate of Hong Kong is hot and humid, you need to carry an umbrella and water bottles along with you for the day trip. Also, make sure you are carrying a sunscreen lotion with you so that you do not get tanned.

How many days do I need for a complete sightseeing day trip?

You will need at least a week to complete your sightseeing day trip to Hong Kong. There are several trips featured from Hong Kong to several parts of the towns where you can relish your eyes upon.

How long can I access the ferry during the day?

Ferries can be accessed until evening, but the frequency is not much. There are ferry services available.

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Day Trips & Excursions , Hong Kong Attractions

Guangzhou (canton) china day trip from hong kong.

If you are interested in some great Day Trips in Hong Kong, try taking Guangzhou (Canton) China Day Trip from Hong Kong

The average duration for Guangzhou (Canton) China Day Trip from Hong Kong is 13 hours and cost $1634.61 HKD (Hong Kong Dollars) The overall rating of Guangzhou (Canton) China Day Trip from Hong Kong is 4 stars. Visit mainland China by catamaran on a full-day trip from Hong Kong and see some of China’s iconic sights with an informative guide. Meet an adorable panda at Shenzhen Safari Park, discover Qin Dynasty terracotta warriors and their horses, and tour the metropolitan city of Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton. You’ll find everything from towering skyscrapers to ancient temples in China’s third largest city — a former trading hub located on the Pearl River — before returning by express train. Lunch, coach transport and a group visa are all included!

After hotel pickup from your central Hong Kong or Kowloon hotel, your full-day trip to mainland China starts with a 50-minute catamaran ride and coach trip to Shekou Industrial Zone. China’s first Special Economic Zone and a former customs station, the area served as a base for foreign oil workers in the 1980s. On weekdays, outside school holidays, start with a visit to a kindergarten to meet local children for a glimpse of everyday life the city.

Afterward, it’s on to Shenzhen Safari Park to see the Chinese panda, considered to be a national treasure. Located on lovely Xili Lake, the wildlife park is home to rare and nationally protected animals including Asian elephants, red-crowned cranes, Siberian tigers and — of course — pandas!

Once you’ve observed this cuddly creature up close, you’ll visit a market (if time permits). Watch as the locals go about their daily shopping, and test out your bargaining skills if you decide to purchase any items.

Your visit to the Exhibition Hall in Shekou is a must! See a display of Qin Dynasty terracotta warriors and horses unearthed in Xian — acclaimed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. You’ll also find bronze wares more than 2,000 years old, wall paintings, and porcelain and pottery from the Tang Dynasty, all unearthed in Xian. Listen as your guide describes the significance of the terracotta army sculptures, which date back to the 3rd century BC and were buried to protect Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.

Your coach tour continues to Guangzhou, the third largest city in China. After lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, embark on a city sightseeing tour of this bustling metropolis — the political, economic and cultural heart of Guangdong province. View highlights including the Six Banyan Tree Temple and the Memorial Hall of Dr. Sun Yat Sen as your guide informs your group about this important hub on the Pearl River.

Your day trip to mainland China ends with an accompanied return to Hong Kong by express train to Kowloon Station, followed by a Hong Kong Island transfer (if applicable) and drop-off at your hotel.

Please note: Your tour will not be confirmed unless you provide the following information at time of booking. This is required for your China group visa.

• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Hotel name while staying in Hong Kong

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Hong Kong Hotels

Hotels in hong kong.

Hakkas Guesthouse – Kowloon Hotels

Gold Sparrow Hotel – Tsim Sha Tsui Hotels

Manila Guest House, 6/F – Chungking Mansion Hotels

ZEN Rooms Nathan Road – Tsim Sha Tsui Hotels

S Hotel – Causeway Bay Hotels

United Co-operate Hotel (10/F) – Tsim Sha Tsui Hotels

ZEN Rooms Tak Hing – Hong Kong Hotels

Majestic 7 Guesthouse (formerly KAT Hotel) – Tsim Sha Tsui Hotels

Paradise World – Tsim Sha Tsui Hotels

Tom’s Guest House – Chungking Mansion Hotels

Kathmandu Guest House – Tsim Sha Tsui Hotels

Pay-less Guest House (6/F) – Chungking Mansion Hotels

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5 Best Day Trips from Hong Kong

By Kate Springer

After a few days in a pulsating, adrenaline-fueled megalopolis like Hong Kong, you may find yourself in need a city break (and especially a breath of fresh air). Thankfully, a number of nearby coastal areas, emerging cities, and beach-filled islands offer just that—all within easy, day-trip distance from Central. Macau, a sleepy fishing village turned gaming superpower, has transformed dramatically over the past 20 years, offering visitors a mix of world-class resorts and heritage-packed pockets that channel the territory's past as a Portuguese colony. The rapidly developing city of Shenzhen has flourished into a cultural hotbed, evidenced by the OCT Loft art district and an influx of chefs serving contemporary Cantonese cuisine.

Northeast of Hong Kong is the Sai Kung Peninsula, the city’s great green backyard, where you’ll discover postcard-worthy beaches, destination spas, and even a Texas-style barbecue restaurant. Often referred to as Hong Kong’s “hippie” island, Lamma is no more than a 40-minute ferry ride from Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, but its car-free coastal villages, hiking trails, and low-key seafood outfits feel worlds away from Hong Kong’s dense streets and glittering towers. Lastly, there's Cheung Chau, an ancient fishing village home to such sites as the Mini Great Wall and a legendary pirate's cave; travel during the annual Bun Festival, dedicated to Pak Tai, the Taoist god of the sea, and you'll watch the quiet island transform into a hub of activity with colorful parades, opera performances, and quirky competitions.

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Coloane Village Arrow

As the only place in China where gaming is legal, Macau has seen an astronomical rise in wealth over the past 20 years. Only a few cultural enclaves remain untouched by aggressive development, the most charming of which is Coloane. Located on the farthest southern tip of Taipa Island, Coloane Village is just a 20-minute taxi ride from the Cotai area (Macau’s main casino drag) but a world away in terms of atmosphere. And its famous egg tarts, colonial buildings, and cobblestone streets, Coloane provides rarely found evidence of Macau’s Portuguese past. Come for a pleasant seaside stroll for a peek into low-key village life and a cultural antidote to the glitz and glam of Macau's developed tourist centers.

Senado Square Arrow

Anyone who really wants to understand the mix of Chinese and Portuguese influences in Macau should start with a trip to Senado Square and St. Paul’s Cathedral. From the wavy monochrome tiles to the colorful pastel colonial buildings, this is a quintessential Macanese experience. Browse the temples and museums that hug the square before navigating a barrage of kitschy shops before landing at the doorstep of famous churches, including the Macau Cathedral, St. Domingo’s Church, and postcard darling Ruins of St. Paul’s. This famous facade is all that remains of a 17th-century Jesuit church, which was devastated by a fire in 1835.

A-Ma Temple Arrow

Well before Macau was settled as a Portuguese colony in 1557, the A-Ma Temple was already a thriving sanctuary for local villagers (for whom fishing was the main industry). The hillside Buddhist temple was constructed in 1488 to honor the sea goddess Mazu, who is said to have protected seafarers on maritime journeys. Today, the colorful site welcomes a steady stream of tourists and worshippers who ascend the steep stairs to admire the classic Chinese architecture and sea views. After you’ve explored the temple, stick around Barra Square to experience the Maritime Museum, Mandarin's House (a traditional Chinese courtyard-style complex), and famous Portuguese-style restaurants, such as A Lorcha and Café Litoral.

Olivia Morelli

Caitlin Morton

Stacey Lastoe

Guia Fortress Arrow

After a 20-minute trek up the gentle green slopes of Guia Hill, you'll reach Guia Fort, a small stone complex built during the 1600s, which houses the Chapel of Our Lady Guia and a 300-foot-tall white lighthouse. Ambling around the green hillsides is a pleasant way to spend a morning in Macau. (But if you’re not in the mood to walk, there’s also an electric cable car that transports you to the top in about five minutes.) The fortification’s long-range cannons were crucial in protecting Macau from naval attacks by the Dutch in the 1600s, while the white chapel, founded by missionary Clarist nuns, houses a series of beautiful frescoes that combine European and Chinese motifs.

Lord Stow's Bakery Arrow

Located on the farthest southern tip of Taipa Island, Coloane Village is just a 20-minute taxi ride from the Cotai area (Macau’s main casino drag) but a world away in terms of atmosphere. This charming seaside town is home to famed Lord Stow’s Bakery. You can smell the creamy custard egg tarts before you reach the humble shop, which still sports a no-frills facade, despite the company’s massive success. Founded by Englishman Andrew Stow in 1989, the bakery put a British spin on flaky pastel de nata egg tarts (which originated in Belem, Lisbon). On most days, there's a line out the door at the original shop in Coloane, but it’s well worth the wait to experience the traditional bakery surrounds and oven-fresh tarts.

Restaurante Espaço Lisboa Arrow

Set in a two-story yellow village house in Coloane Village, on the southern side of Macau, Restaurante Espaço Lisboa is an instant charmer. The Michelin-starred restaurant has a romantic open-air terrace and a gregarious staff that make it a perfect date night spot. The Portuguese kitchen focuses on homestyle dishes, most of which are intended for sharing. Think codfish cakes, homemade chorizo, boiled bacalhau (dried salted cod), clams in white wine and garlic sauce, and fiery African chicken. There are also some traditional Macanese treats for dessert, like serradura, made with layers of whipped cream and crushed Marie biscuits.

The Eight Arrow

This three-Michelin-starred restaurant, designed by Hong Kong creative Alan Chan, is in-your-face grand and luxurious. The main dining room has cozy banquettes, a a dazzling crystal ball, and hand-stitched silk wallpaper covered with goldfish—a Chinese symbol of wealth and prosperity. (Fitting, as The Eight is located within The Grand Lisboa, one of Macau’s most famous casino hotels.) The dim sum is on another level: More than 40 classic bites are perfectly executed and plated with playful flair. (The steamed char siu bao, barbecue-pork buns, arrive in the shape of a hedgehog, with hand-cut crispy spikes.) Whether you're stopping in for small bites or Chef Joseph Tse's signature suckling pig, the Cantonese cuisine is world-class.

The Ritz-Carlton, Macau Arrow

Macau's most luxurious address is part of the Cotai Strip's Galaxy Macau complex, which also houses the JW Marriott Hotel Macau, the Galaxy Hotel, the Hotel Okura Macau, and the Banyan Tree Macau. While the facility does attract significant crowds, there's an endless lineup of entertainment, restaurants, and gambling right at your doorstep. The highlight is the conjoined "Grand Resort Deck," which includes the world’s largest rooftop wave pool (made with 350 tons of real sand), the Skytop Rapids Aquatic Adventure River Ride, a series of Jacuzzis built into faux rocks, and a Rococo garden with top-notch topiary.

Pousada de Coloane Beach Hotel Arrow

Located in southern Macau, overlooking the black-sand shores of Cheoc-Van Beach, Pousada de Coloane was originally built as a manor house in the 1930s. Fresh off a series of renovations, the 28-room Portuguese-style inn has long been a top choice among those seeking budget-friendly lodging, great service, and a quiet location. Surrounded by forests and gardens, the setting couldn’t feel further away from Macau’s gaudy casinos, and is just a short distance from Coloane Village, Macau’s prettiest town.

The House of Dancing Water Arrow

Created and directed by celebrated Belgian theater mastermind Franco Dragone, The House of Dancing Water is a performance of incredible imagination and technical innovation. The water-based stage production takes place at Dancing Water Theater, Asia’s largest and most successful theater, with 2,000 seats. A dozen hydraulic elevators transform from a solid floor into an open pool that enables performers to dance across the stage one minute and dive into the water the next. Expect to be mesmerized as stars dance, swim, and drive across the stage, ending with a diver plunging into the water from an 85-foot-high platform for the grand finale.

OCT Loft Arrow

Part lifestyle park, part art mecca, OCT Loft is a great way to get a feel for the city’s emerging artsy tenor. Formerly an abandoned factory complex, the cultural center is filled with exhibition spaces, outdoor installations, design shops, bookstores, open-air cafés, and leafy pedestrian areas. The OCT Contemporary Art Terminal exhibits everything from installations to film screenings, photography to calligraphy from lineup of innovative Chinese and Hong Kong artists. Major festivals also take place throughout the year, including Design Week in April, the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in December, and the Oct-Loft Jazz Festival in October.

Dongmen Pedestrian Street Arrow

Shenzhen residents have been shopping at this mecca of commercialism for more than 300 years—and the tradition holds strong today. The chaotic, crowded, colorful malls are stacked atop of each other like blocks, so dense that the shopping experience spills out onto the streets. You'll find a few brand-name outlets, hundreds of little knick-knack shops, and a few department stores. The goods are often separated into distinct groups: shoes are hawked in one mall, while luggage is sold down the street. Over the years, the market area has evolved into a fast-food hub, with a KFC housed inside a faux ancient Chinese pagoda (complete with winged eaves), street-food hawkers, and several hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurants.

Window of the World Arrow

Marked by an unmistakable 354-foot-tall Eiffel Tower and silver globe, the entrance to Window of the World indicates that this is not your average theme park. Spread across 118 acres are 130 tiny replicas of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Angkor Wat, Mount Fuji, the Statue of Liberty, and the Egyptian Pyramids. Thousands of visitors, mainly families with young kids, come each day because where else can you see the world so expediently? Many families pair the replica park with a visit to Happy Valley amusement park next door, where there’s a mix of water rides and roller coasters.

Splendid China Folk Village Arrow

Stretching across 75 acres, Splendid China claims to be the world’s largest “miniature” park, featuring about 80 Chinese landmarks. The park drops travelers into a quirky, albeit contrived, wonderland of Chinese culture, like a CliffsNotes version of China. Zooming through the many dynasties, regions, villages, and landscapes within an hour or two proves a whirlwind of an afternoon. The miniatures have been meticulously constructed to mirror the originals: Expect to be amazed by the detail of the Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Summer Palace, and various drum towers.

Shang Palace at Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong Arrow

A traditional dark-wood entrance, flanked by hanging jade ornaments, belies the flashy interiors within Shang Palace. Embracing the traditional red-and-gold palette of old-school Cantonese restaurants, the spacious room greets guests with futuristic lanterns, rich red carpets, and an LED wall that simulates a fish tank. But design aside, Shang Palace is where you go for delicious roasted goose, Peking duck, char siu (barbecue pork with honey), deep-fried durian puffs, and radish rolls. Expect to see lots of families during weekend dim sum and suit-clad corporate types in town for conferences or meetings on all other occasions.

Xingli at The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen Arrow

A lunch or dinner at this versatile restaurant will take you on a tour of southern Chinese cuisine. The menu jumps from Chiu Chow and Cantonese (both from the eastern Guangdong Province) to Sichuan (from southwestern China). Corporate business travelers and families seek out Xingli for dim sum, but the main menu's sampling roasted specialties—such as goose and suckling pig and Sichuan fish in a cauldron of oil—are an exemplary showcase of the nuances in Chinese cuisine.

Muji Hotel Shenzhen Arrow

The first Muji hotel in the Japanese homeware brand’s stable opened in Shenzhen’s Futian district this January. It’s like stepping into a minimalist Muji store: warm wood-pallet walls, high ceilings, and pared-back furnishings. There’s a lot of action and energy around the reception area, thanks to a two-story Muji store and the casual Muji Diner, serving all-day Asian and Western cuisines. Each room features products by Muji—linens, toothbrushes, shampoos, tea kettles, stationery, etc. Overall, it's one of the best-value options in Shenzhen; though it’s likely you'll end up spending those savings at the flagship store.

Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen Arrow

The sky-high lobby of the 233-room Four Seasons Shenzhen first strikes you as a business hotel with an artsy bent, thanks to the enormous vertical paintings and geode-shaped reception desks. Given the hotel’s Futian district address, right across the street from the busy Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the Four Seasons is the go-to for international execs. Time-poor travelers should book the Club Rooms, which have the added benefit of access to the spacious Executive Lounge, serving breakfast, all-day snacks, and evening cocktails.

Luohu Commercial City Arrow

If you take the MTR’s East Rail Line from Hong Kong to Lo Wu station in Shenzhen, you will essentially exit into Luohu Commercial City (after passing through the Luohu Immigration Control Point). The five-level shopping center is filled to the brim with electronics, knockoff bags, clothes, shoes, made-to-measure curtains, massage parlors, and a few tailors. Experienced, enthusiastic shoppers will thrive in the crowded, chaotic environment, where fierce negotiation skills and a poker face are required. Shopping is a popular pastime in Shenzhen, so you'll find residents poking around the mall with family or friends for hours, plus more than a few Hong Kong tourists picking up affordable shirts, jackets, and curtains to take home.

Bionic Brew Arrow

Shenzhen's first craft brewery serves some of the best local beers in a laid-back atmosphere that's far off the tourist trail. Hidden along a white-tiled strip of restaurants in a pedestrian area of the Baishizhou district, in central Shenzhen, Bionic Brew is not the easiest bar to find. But you’ll know it when you see it: Decked out with graffiti-like murals and high top-tables, the open-air taproom has a raw, artsy vibe. A mix of expats and locals come for the popular Metropolis IPA, easy-drinking Bionic pale ale, Crickside Golden Ale, plus seasonal suds and beer-infused cocktails.

One-ThirtyOne Arrow

With its romantic garden setting, views of Three Fathoms Cove, contemporary French tasting menu, and New World wines, One-ThirtyOne is foolproof choice for celebrations, dates, and family get-togethers. The restaurant is set in a three-story red mansion, outfitted with dim lighting, warm woods, historic photographs, and freshly starched white tablecloths. It's the perfect upscale backdrop for a contemporary French menu (prix fixe, four courses for lunch; six for dinner) that changes monthly. The chef serves some of the freshest produce in Hong Kong, plucking ingredients from the restaurant's small herb garden and adjacent organic farm. It's the kind of place you can visit over and over again.

Anthony's Ranch Arrow

It’s impossible to miss Anthony’s Ranch. The charmingly campy facade looks like a barn from the American West, with bright-red shingles, wooden wagon wheels, black-and-white portraits of Native Americans, and a mounted deer head. The design—and the country music playlist—are meant to fit the menu, which focuses on casual Texas-style barbecue. While you might question the authenticity of Texas BBQ in a remote corner of Hong Kong, most diners will be pleasantly surprised by the recreated American classics, from house-smoked meats to imported California steaks and homemade BBQ sauces. There are also a number of hearty American comfort foods: cheeseburgers, chicken wings, nachos, chilli, potato skins, coleslaw, fajitas, hand-cut fries, etc. (Good thing you just burned off a lot of calories on one of Sai Kung's many hiking trails.) It goes without saying that a pint of ice-cold beer rounds out the all-American experience.

Sai Kung Sing Kee Seafood Restaurant Arrow

A tiny waterfront town in the northeast corner of Hong Kong, Sai Kung is famous for its strip of seafood restaurants—many of which provide no-frills open-air seating, modest prices, and big tanks of pick-your-own seafood. Sing Kee Seafood Restaurant is the top choice, serving Michelin-starred cuisine in a contemporary, three-story space. Seafood is prepared any way you like, from grilled to steamed or deep-fried. Standouts include: garlic scallops with vermicelli noodles, crispy chicken, fried salt-and-pepper abalone. If you have a big group, wok-fried noodles and the daily vegetables round out the sharing plates.

Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark Arrow

About 140 million years ago, Hong Kong experienced a series of powerful volcanic eruptions, resulting in eerie rock formations along the Sai Kung coastline. The area is now part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, which stretches across the territory’s northeast corner. Though the park encompasses dozens of geosites, fishing villages, and abandoned Hakka villages, it’s most often associated with the hexagonal rock columns in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region. These rose- and honey-hued formations of ash and lava take the shape of vertical columns or swirling sculptures. The raw, wild geopark is the perfect place to explore if you have a sense of adventure and time to spare.

MacLehose Trail Arrow

Stretching 62 miles across Hong Kong’s New Territories, the MacLehose Trail is often counted among the world's most beautiful hikes. Though the trail is divided into 10 stages, most travelers gravitate toward Stages 1 and 2, which are some of the more accessible and scenic sections, located around Sai Kung. Stage 1 is mostly on a road that wraps around the edges of High Island Reservoir. It takes about three hours, culminating with two big payoffs: fascinating rock formations, created by the eruption of a super-volcano millions of years ago, and beautiful Long Ke Wan beach. From there, hikers can continue another 8.3 miles along Stage 2, which undulates across the Peninsula’s coastal hills, before curving into the shadow of Sharp’s Peak and finishing in Pak Tam Au.

Tai Long Wan Bay Arrow

If you love the call of the wild, calm seas, and simple pleasures, then you’ll love a side trip to Tai Long Wan—a beautiful bay hugging the eastern side of the Sai Kung Peninsula. Tai Long Wan (meaning "Big Wave Bay") is made up of four distinct, white-sand beaches —Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan and Tung Wan—each separated by hilly formations. The easiest to reach is Sai Wan, but the more remote beaches are the most idyllic. We’d recommend setting off early in the morning in order to enjoy the afternoon at one of these far-flung beaches—heading back a few hours before sunset.

Casa Tapas Bar Arrow

Casa is the go-to café and watering hole for expats who live in Sai Kung Village. The tapas bar serves excellent gin-based cocktails, ciders, fresh juices, homemade ginger ale, and a decent selection of wines. If you’re a beer enthusiast, try a local brew, such as Black Kite Brewery Porter (a dark coffee, caramely number) or the refreshing Big Wave IPA from Hong Kong Beer Company. The drinks are as diverse as the menu is quirky: It draws inspiration from all over the world—fried gnocchi sits beside jerk chicken, halloumi sliders, tandoori mushrooms, caprese salad, chorizo, spicy tiger prawns, and tuna tartare.

Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course Arrow

Debuted in 1995, the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course is the only golf course in Hong Kong open to the public. Located on remote Kau Sai Chau, an island that’s only accessible via solar-powered catamaran service from Sai Kung Pier, the golfing mecca is home to three distinct 18-hole courses—North, South, and East. The East course is the most dramatic, overlooking the South China Sea from a rugged cliffside; the North, designed by Gary Player, is the most challenging (and walking-only). But all pf them sport manicured greens and wildlife spottings, from eagles to herons and deer, which make it a worthwhile outdoor activity (missed putts aside).

Yim Tin Tsai (Ghost Island) Arrow

Yim Tin Tsai has been nicknamed “Ghost Island” due to the abandoned village houses and community buildings, which were left to decay in the 1960s after Hakka villagers (part of a Chinese clan) moved off the island to pursue better education and opportunities. Today, a religious organization looks after the minimally inhabited island. Culture vultures and outdoorsy types will love exploring the raw and rugged island—you can go fishing, meditate, pack a picnic, and talk to the remaining Hakka villagers about their lives.

LAMMA ISLAND

Family trail arrow.

This pretty stone- and concrete-paved pathway links the east and west coasts of Lamma Island. The trek, which takes about 90 minutes from start to finish, begins at Yung Shue Man Village (on the west coast), curls around the tip, heads up into Lamma’s hills, peaks at a Chinese-style pavilion, and finishes in Sok Kwu Wan Village in the east. At this little fishing village, you’ll find a number of alfresco seafood restaurants, including famous Lamma Rainbow, set on stilts above the water.

Lamma Power Station Beach Arrow

One of Lamma’s only dog-friendly beaches, this is the place to bring four-legged friends. It also plays host to several festivals throughout the year, including a reggae festival (usually in July), outdoor cinema (in cooler winter months), Lamma Family Fun Day (usually in November), dragon boat festivals (usually in May), and more. Power Station Beach is also a popular camping spot—come nightfall, you’ll see a peppering of bonfires surrounded by groups of music-playing, beer-swigging friends.

Lamma Rainbow Arrow

Sok Kwu Wan, a fishing village on the eastern coast of Lamma Island, is famous for its lineup of seafood restaurants that hover above the water. As you walk through the open-air market, every restaurant seems to run into the next, but take notice of the brightly colored tablecloths, which usually demark the boundaries between operations. The most famous of them all? Lamma Rainbow, a decades-old seafood restaurant with greenish-blue signage and a rainbow of tablecloths (natch). The place itself is about as casual as it gets, with open-air seating right by the water and free-flowing Chilled Tsingtsao beers.

Herboland Arrow

If you spot a handwritten sign and a plant-lined pathway near Hung Shing Yeh Beach, you’re getting close. Part organic farm, part tea café, Herboland serves hot and cold teas, fresh veggies, and a few gluten-free pastries at rustic wooden tables. Herboland attracts a mix of curious tourists and eco-conscious types, who come for a cup of tea in the unruly gardens, where it’s common to see—and hear—a squawking parrot. Lamma Island families also seek out the place for their weekly supply of herbs and veggies, or to partake in one of the many kid-friendly workshops, such as soap-making and gardening.

Yung Shue Wan Main Street Arrow

Take an hour-long boat ride from the Central Ferry Piers and you’ll trade skyscrapers for one-story shops, traffic congestion for car-free alleyways. Yung Shue Wan Village is the busiest spot on Lamma Island; its Main Street is lined with family-run cafés, boutiques, and bars. A fishing village turned expat magnet, Yung Shue Wan has a slow, relaxed pace of life. Lots of people who tire of downtown’s non-stop hustle relocate to this leafy, low-key corner. It's the perfect place for Hong Kong travelers to unwind after a week in the bustling metropolis.

Bookworm Cafe Arrow

Outfitted with bright green furniture, a wall of bookshelves, and lots of wood accents all around, Bookworm Cafe has the kind of eclectic-cool vibe that makes you want to return again and again. The vegan-friendly café is set on Yung Shue Wan's main street, so local Lamma residents regularly show up for weekend brunch (plan accordingly if you're there on Saturday or Sunday). The menu, meanwhile, revolves around locally grown organic fruit and vegetables. In addition to the delicious lunch options—homemade soups, curries, burgers, pizza, veggie calamari—there’s also an enticing brunch menu and gluten-free baked goods.

Lo So Shing Beach Arrow

Lo So Shing Beach is one of Hong Kong’s cleanest beaches, regularly achieving the highest rating from the city’s Environmental Protection Department. Set off from the rest of the ocean by a shark net, there’s a fairly confined area for swimming, but you can get a workout doing some laps around the circumference. The main drawback here is that the water can feel bath-water warm in the summer.

Kamikaze Cave Arrow

To explain the significance of the Kamikaze Caves, we must first recap a little World War II history. Then a British colony, Hong Kong was caught in the middle of Pacific bloodshed. In 1941, the "Battle of Hong Kong," between the Japanese and British colonial army, culminated in the city’s surrender on December 25—now referred to as Black Christmas. Japanese forces ruled Hong Kong for four years, until the end of the war. During that time, they set up a port on the eastern coast of Lamma Island and carved out a series of caves to hold kamikaze speed boats. Though never deployed, these bomb-rigged boats would have been used in suicide attacks against any Allied ships that came within range. Today, hikers and history buffs visit these coastal landmarks for an awe-inspiring window into Hong Kong's wartime past.

The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar Arrow

Located just off Yung Shue Wan Main Street, The Waterfront Bar & Restaurant exudes laid-back energy with old-school tiled floors, wicker furniture, and open-air views of the harbor. As a popular expat hangout, you’ll see no shortage of day drinkers, families, and groups of friends out for weekend brunch. The full bar serves tropical cocktails, standard classics, and lots of chilled beer. They keep things simple, but special requests can sometimes be accommodated—just don’t expect hand-cut ice cubes and hifalutin mixology. The open-air outfit is perfect for a low-key meal with great sunset views over nearby Lantau island.

Sok Kwu Wan Arrow

A tiny fishing village on the eastern coast of Lamma, Sok Kwu Wan (a.k.a. Picnic Bay) can be easily reached by ferry from Central. The traditional coastal community feels stuck-in-time, sporting humble stilt homes, houseboats, a fish farm, a dozen open-air seafood restaurants, and a collection of colorful boats and buoys in the harbor. The 500-some residents of Sok Kwu Wan subscribe to a quiet, rustic way of life that’s a dramatic departure from downtown. It's a nice change of pace for travelers, who usually combine the trip with a trek along Lamma Island’s Family Walk, a visit to the World War II-era Kamikaze Caves, and a meal at Lamma Rainbow seafood restaurant by the pier.

CHEUNG CHAU

Cheung Chau Bun Festival Arrow

Every year during the fourth lunar month (which typically falls around May), Cheung Chau island comes alive with the weird and wonderful Bun Festival, honoring Pak Tai, the Taoist god of the sea.

Cheung Chau Mini Great Wall Arrow

Located in southeastern Cheung Chau, the Mini Great Wall is pretty much what it sounds like—albeit without the historic cachet of the real deal, in Beijing. Built in 1997, this gray-stoned walkway curves around the island’s coastline, providing a relatively easy hike from Kwun Yam Beach. Hong Kongers flock to the island on weekends and public holidays to soak up the fresh air and peaceful surrounds; that means the trails can fill up with hikers, so get an early start if you can.

New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant Arrow

Overlooking a hodgepodge of eclectic fishing boats floating in Cheung Chau's main harbor, New Baccarat Seafood promises homestyle seafood dishes and a lively atmosphere, making it a favorite among daytrippers. Expect big, boisterous groups sharing dishes and clinking cups full of Blue Girl beer around circular tables. Top dishes include the signature salt-and-pepper squid, fresh steamed shrimp, and garlic-doused scallops with glass noodles.

B&B Cheung Chau Arrow

With two locations, one by Pak Tai Temple and one next to Tung Wan Beach, B&B Cheung Chau is among the most popular accommodations on the island. It's run by an Austrian family, so both locations sport homey Alpine vibes and mismatched interiors. If you’re keen to stay overnight for a slower-paced island adventure, Cheung Chau B&B is the best choice. Like many B&Bs, the experience is no-frills, but quirky interiors and a Bavarian restaurant, serving traditional comfort food, are welcome amenities.

Island Brewery Arrow

If you stumble upon a crowd while exploring Cheung Chau’s tiny streets, then you’re probably in the right place. People can’t get enough of Island Brewery—a snack shop, not a microbrewery—that specializes in spiral potato chips, served on two-foot-long skewers. Families, friends, couples, kids—any and all fried-food lovers congregate outside the takeaway snack shop, waiting to taste the coiled crisps. Fresh from the fryer, these potato chips are the very definition of a guilty pleasure.

Pak Tai Temple Arrow

In 1777, Cheung Chau is said to have suffered from a deadly plague, which was miraculously cured when islanders started carrying effigies of the sea deity through the streets. Since then, Pak Tai has been the island’s patron god—and the temple was built in 1783 in his honor. Today, Pak Tai Temple is Cheung Chau’s most famous religious structure, a Grade 1 historical building (Hong Kong’s highest honor). Constructed from white and gray stones, the temple is a sight to behold: Colorful dragons seem to dance across the tiled rooftop, while red and gold entrance banners glitter in the sun. A visit offers a photogenic peek into the past, as well as a chance to witness modern-day worshippers.

Cheung Chau Coastal Hike Arrow

Cheung Chau is famous for its seafood, annual bun festival, and pirate caves—all of which sit on the more populated western half of the dumbell-shaped island. But head for the hills and you’ll discover yet another reason to visit: amazing hiking. There are quite a few trails, but one of our favorites is the Family Trail. Beginning at the main ferry pier, the coastal journey wraps around the island’s eastern peninsula, where you’ll notice a series of fascinating rock formations, all named according to their shape, such as Vase Rock, Elephant Rock, and Human Head Rock.

Cheung Po Tsai Cave Arrow

Dark, damp and more than a little bit creepy... Cheung Po Tsai Cave is exactly how you’d imagine a pirate’s secret lair. A visit is less about seeing a specific landmark (after all, it’s pretty dark down there) and more about understanding the mystery surrounding the site. The cave was named for notorious pirate Cheung Po Tsai (“Cheung Po the Kid”), considered the Robin Hood of Hong Kong, who is thought to have stashed his loot here. In his prime, the 19th-century pirate supposedly controlled 600 ships and built several temples along the coastline for the villagers.

Reclining Rock Arrow

Reclining Rock is technically a number of eroded, blush-colored rocks along Cheung Chau’s western coastline. The stack is topped by one massive bolder that looks like it could tumble into the ocean at any minute. The smooth stones double as sun loungers: On a quiet weekday, you might have the entire ocean-facing cove to yourself; come weekends and holidays, the area fills up with urbanites looking for fresh air and an easy adventure. There’s not much to do, other than lounge in the sun, eat a picnic, or check out nearby Cheung Po Tsai Cave—but that's the beauty of it.

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6 best day trips to take from Hong Kong

Are you looking for a quick break to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Whether you want to spend some time in nature or soak in the culture and history, there are plenty of places near Hong Kong perfect for a day trip.

Being a coastal city located at the southern tip of mainland China, Hong Kong has easy access to many neighbouring cities. Thanks to the city’s robust transportation system, many places are within reach by bus, ferry, or train. In addition, Hongkongers and tourists alike can take advantage of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway station, which takes them to their destination with minimal effort.

Below, we round up some of the best places near Hong Kong that make for a great quick sojourn.

Please note: Buses, ferries, and trains run on a specific schedule. Therefore, checking the departing and arriving time before you travel is recommended. You can purchase tickets at the ports or the stations. For more information, visit the official websites linked in the “How to get there” section below.

The best day trips from Hong Kong

Macau is the most popular destination for a day trip near Hong Kong. Our sister SAR might be known for its casinos, but it’s also brimming with UNESCO heritage sites, which we don’t have in Hong Kong. While most Hongkongers know about the Ruins of St. Paul, Lou Kau Mansion and Guia Fortress are also perfect for history and architectural buffs. This sleepy city also boasts various cafes and restaurants, borrowing elements of Portuguese cuisine. Expect to see quaint antique shops, magnificent colonial buildings, and charming coffee shops between cobbled streets.

How to get there: Take the ferry from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan. The trip takes about an hour. Click here to see the sailing schedule and fare. Alternatively, you also take the shuttle bus from the Hong Kong Port to Macau in 40 minutes.

Book ferry tickets to Macau here

Book The Venetian Macao here

Book these hotels in Macau in case you decide to spend the night

Shenzhen sits just across the border with mainland China, making it an easy choice for a day trip. Many Hongkongers flock here for shopping thanks to the cheap and affordable goods. Luckily, the famous Dongmen Pedestrian Shopping Street is just walking distance from Lo Wu station, the nearest stop in Hong Kong. The place is not only packed with shopping outlets but also food stalls. Those looking for something hip and creative should get to the OCT-LOFT complex, a former TV manufacturing base turned cultural space.

How to get there: Take the  high-speed train  from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway station and reach your destination in 20 minutes. You can also ride the MTR and get off at Lo Wu station or Lok Ma Chau station.

Book JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen here

Book these hotels in Shenzhen in case you decide to spend the night

While Zhuhai is closer to Macau, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge made travel to the city easier. Zhuhai is known for its beautiful coastlines, tropical beaches, and enchanting temples. Chill on the beaches of offshore islands like Dong’ao or Hebao, many of which are easily accessible by boat. Explore the bustling city centre and take your pick from the bars and restaurants on Lotus Road or stuff yourself with fresh seafood in Wanzai. We also recommend visiting the New Yuanming Palace, a replica of the same site in Beijing.

How to get there: Take the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau-Bridge shuttle bus for about 40 minutes. You can also board the high-speed ferry from Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal or the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal. Another option is to take the train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway station, transfer to Guangzhou South station, and head to Zhuhai Railway station. The journey takes about two hours.

Book ferry tickets to Zhuhai here

Book InterContinental Zhuhai here

Book these hotels in Zhuhai in case you decide to spend the night

This buzzing metropolis served as the capital of China not once but thrice! One of the country’s largest cities, Guangzhou is loved for its sub-tropical climate. Considered the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, it’s not surprising that Guangzhou has more restaurants than any other Chinese city. Besides being a food mecca, Guangzhou is also a shopping paradise and home to an array of temples.

How to get there: Take the high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway station to Guangzhou South Station. The ride takes 50 minutes.

Book The Westin Guangzhou here

Book these hotels in Guangzhou in case you decide to spend the night

Considered the hometown of martial arts, Foshan is a must for those interested in history and culture. Kung Fu masters such as Yip Man and Wong Fei Hung are from here. Foshan also boasts many examples of Lingnan architecture, such as Foshan Xintiandi, which has more than 20 historical preservations. Further, a trip to Foshan isn’t complete without visiting the Ancestor Temple, Nanfeng Kiln, and the Liang Garden.

How to get there: Take the high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway station to Foshan West Railway station. The journey takes about 90 minutes.

Book Oakwood Residence Foshan here

Book these hotels in Foshan in case you decide to spend the night

In recent years, Dongguan is slowly transforming into a travel hotspot for those seeking scenic sea views and interesting historical places. Dongguan is home to 800-year-old Nanshe and Tangwei villages that will make you travel back in time. With 94 historical buildings and 32 ancestral shrines, you will get an overview of the ancient Lingnan architecture. When here, do visit the Keyuan Garden and Hermit Villa as well.

How to get there: Take the high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station to Dongguan Humen Railway station. The travel time is about 40 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, you can take normal trains from the Hung Hom Railway station, which takes 70 minutes.

Book Citadines Songshan Lake Dongguan here

Book these hotels in Dongguan in case you decide to spend the night

Which city are you visiting next weekend?

(Hero and featured image credit: Steve Allen/Getty Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answer: Macau, Shenzhen and Zhuhai are some of the best cities for a day trip near Hong Kong.

Answer: Take the ferry from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan. The trip takes about an hour. Alternatively, you also take the shuttle bus from the Hong Kong Port to Macau in 40 minutes.

Jianne Soriano

An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. This Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is a certified foodie and cinephile. When she’s not writing, you can find her chilling at cafes, watching movies, or travelling solo.

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15 COOLEST Day Trips from Hong Kong [2023!]

Hong Kong is an alluring city of contrasts. From British colonialism to its own unique culture and the influences of Chinese tradition, the massive city holds enough attractions to keep visitors spellbound for days.

What happens when you feel like a break From the city and consider venturing further afield, is there anything worth seeing?

Definitely! The area surrounding Hong Kong is bursting with fantastic cultural, architectural, and naturistic hotspots that simply scream for a day trip. From more urban attractions to the peace and serenity of nearby temples, to a day of hiking and beaching, there is almost certainly a perfect day trip for you out there.

To help you pick through all the options, we’ve compiled the best day trips From Hong Kong for couples, kids, and budget-strapped excursions, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit!

Let’s dive straight in with the top romantic day trips From Hong Kong for couples, and guarantee yourself the perfect trip with your significant other.

Quick Answer: Best Day Trips from Hong Kong

• Romantic Day Trips From Hong Kong for Couples – Lantau Sunset Tour with Crystal/ Standard NP360 Cable Car
• Day Trips From Hong Kong with Kids –  Day Trip from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
• Cheap Day Trips From Hong Kong – Hong Kong: Half-Day Dragon’s Back Hike
• Day Trips From Hong Kong by Ferry –  Day Trip from Hong Kong to Cheung Chau

Best Places to Stay in Hong Kong

Whilst Hong Kong has a charm all of its own, but some rooms in the city are not all they’re made out to be. Shady hostels and overpriced lodgings in crumbling tower blocks will have you wondering why you’re even paying to stay there. So here’s choice of accomodation to make you feel safe in the city.

• Best Hostel in Hong Kong •

• Friendly local owners

Different from many of the other lifeless hostels in Hong Kong, this place – with its mix of urban and vintage interiors – packs a punch in terms of character. Located in an up-and-coming area, the hostel is above a bar which hosts various performances. The dorm room is cosy, clean and quiet and beds come with privacy curtains.

• Best Budget Hotel in Hong Kong •

Ibis hong kong central & sheung wang.

• Great for public transport

Rooms here might be a little smaller than you might expect, but they’re clean and the views from up high of the city are downright spectacular. The location is close to a metro stop and a bus station, plus there plenty of local shops and restaurants nearby.

• Best Luxury Hotel in Hong Kong •

The peninsula hong kong.

• Historic hotel

This luxury hotel in Hong Kong opened in 1928 and has been serving up 5-star service ever since. There’s a TON of rooms to select when you book, each with a variety of elegant interiors. Stay here and indulge in dinner at the rooftop restaurant, spa treatments and stunning views across the harbour.

Staying Safe in Hong Kong

While Hong Kong is super safe, no matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance . We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and World Nomads is our favorite (and most affordable!).

Fill out the form below to get a quote so you can have a stress-free time traveling around Hong Kong!

#1 Best Day Trip from Hong Kong – Lantau Sunset Tour

Romantic day trips from hong kong for couples.

• Take in the sights during a cable car journey
• Romantic dinner under a glass roof
• Stargazing on Cheung Sha Beach

Lantau is a very popular destination from Hong Kong that you’ll see mentioned more than once in this list. But as we all know, the perfect romantic settings always occur at sunset, and the sunset viewed from an intimate dinner under a glass roof on Lantau is the perfect couple’s getaway.

Start your tour of Lantau by visiting the culturally themed village of Ngong Ping along with a mesmerizing trip over the green hills and blue ocean in the Ngong Ping Cable Car, the longest bi-cable ropeway in all of Asia.

You’ll then head to the enchanting fishing village of Tai O, and enjoy a boat tour through its fascinating waterways and stilted houses.

Your dinner will be served under the glass roof of the Tai O lookout, and the trip will conclude with some romantic stargazing from Cheung Sha beach.

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#2 – Cruise Tour to Stanley by Junk

• Romantic 90-minute boat cruise
• Many waterfront eateries to pick from
• Explore bustling markets

A romantic cruise to the picturesque area of Stanley easily makes this trip one of the most romantic day trips From Hong Kong for couples.

Your 90-minute cruise on a Chinese junk boat (indicating the boat’s type and not its appearance) will give you breathtaking views of the huge collections of islands, 263 in total, that make up Hong Kong and the beautiful rock formations and beaches that accompany them.

Your time in Stanley can be spent exploring its vibrant market scene, sampling the local delicacies at a waterfront eatery, or visiting the grand Chinese temples in the area, especially the Tin Hau Temple! You can also check out our article about best places to visit in Hong Kong.

You’ll then have a romantic cruise back to the city to again take in the beautiful scenery that make up this island metropolis.

The sights in Hong Kong are amazing – check out the coolest tours in Hong Kong !

#3 – Day Trip from Hong Kong to Shunde

• Stroll through the beautiful Shunfengshang Park
• Explore Chinese cultural sites
• Visit Snoopy Fun Fun Garden

On almost the exact opposite end of the spectrum from the city of Guangzhou that we will cover later is Shunde, where history and culture far outweigh sleek and modern amenities.

The city is nestled in an absolutely stunning location, beautiful forests and hills abound, and the network of canals adds to its romantic allure. Visit Shunfengshang Park for an intimate stroll across the bridges and through the temples.

Head to one of the many other cultural attractions that dot the city, such as Baoling temple. If you’re both fans of the Peanuts Comic, then a trip to the largest Peanuts theme park is definitely called for at Snoopy Fun Fun Garden.

To slow down the pace and immerse yourself in China’s history and culture, Shunde is a definite romantic day trip From Hong Kong for couples.

Check this out – the 11 best boutique hotels in Hong Kong  will blow you away!

#4 – Day Trip from Hong Kong to Sai Kung

• Enjoy a relaxing secluded day in nature
• Explore one of the many trails out to the beaches
• Bask in the sun on a pristine beach

If you are a couple who constantly feels the itch for naturistic hikes, isolated beaches, and time to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then turn your attention towards Sai Kung northwest of Hong Kong.

The area is dotted with small fishing villages, pristine bays, and beautiful sandy beaches; all of which are connected by hiking trails. In fact, many of the beaches can only be reached by trail or boat.

We recommend the hikes branching out from the Sai Wan Pavilion; and remember, the longer you hike and the further you go, the fewer people you’ll need to share the beaches with.

If a hike through the lush forests ending at an idyllic beach is the perfect romantic day trip From Hong Kong for you, Sai Kung is calling!

#5 – Day Trip From Hong Kong to Macau

• Visit many world heritage sites
• Hit the tables at the Cotai Strip
• Visit the Museum of Macau

A romantic day trip From Hong Kong to Macau offers the perfect combination of cultural history and luxury for those couples looking to escape from Hong Kong for just a day.

Throughout the day, you’ll quickly understand Macau’s rich history as you visit its large collection of historical world heritage sites, including Senado Square, Na Tcha Temple, and St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church.

The informative Museum of Macau is also a necessary stop for those history aficionados out there. Enjoy a romantic lunch at Macau’s only revolving restaurant in the Macau Tower, and then head over to the famous Cotai Strip to perhaps try your luck at the tables before heading back to Hong Kong that evening.

#6 – Day Trip from Hong Kong to Shenzhen

Day trips from hong kong with kids.

• Enjoy the city’s thriving art community
• Visit Windows of the World Park
• Find a delicious restaurant at Xiangmihu Holiday Village

If a break from Hong Kong is in order, but you’re all set to explore another big city, then we recommend a trip over to Shenzhen. Commonly considered the gateway to mainland China, this city can satisfy your cultural, culinary, and sight-seeing inclinations in one fell swoop.

Head over to the Dafen Oil Painting Village to admire some stunning work or the OCT Loft for a taste of the city’s artsy penchant for exhibitions and fancy design shops.

Your family can easily meet its shopping quota along Dongmen Pedestrian Street, and snuff out hunger at the Xiangmihu Holiday Village.

The kids may also love a visit to the Windows of the World park where you’ll find tiny recreations of nearly every landmark in the world that you can imagine.

Looking for a deal? Our recommended budget hostels in Hong Kong won’t break the bank!

#7 – Hong Kong Disneyland

• Access to all 7 Parks
• Paint the night parade
• Round trip transportation

Looking to give the whole family a break from the city or cultural sightseeing and take a day just for thrills? If so, we consider a family trip to Hong Kong Disneyland an excellent contender amongst the best day trips From Hong Kong with kids.

A 1-day pass to Disneyland will give your family access to all your favorite characters spread across seven different parks. Take your pick from Adventureland, Fantasyland, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch, Tomorrowland, or Main Street USA, and spend the day on some of the park’s thrilling rides or lounging in one of the many fine restaurants.

At the end of your day at Disneyland, an easy transfer back to Hong Kong will have you back to your hotel in no time.

#8 – Hong Kong Ocean Park

• Visit the many marine and land animal attractions
• Enjoy the many theme park roller coasters
• Relax and view the area with a Ferris Wheel or cable car ride

Another nearby day trip from Hong Kong for families is the famous Hong Kong Ocean Park. Your family can dive into one of the largest aquariums in all of Asia as you explore their many fascinating exhibits of both marine and land animals.

If you prefer, jump on one of the Ocean Park’s many theme park rides for an exhilarating day of roller coasters, and the very first Virtual Reality ride in all of Hong Kong. The entire park is dotted with delicious eateries to keep your family’s energy up, and a Ferris wheel or cable car ride is at your disposal for an unforgettable view of the entire area.

With multiple pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Hong Kong, the Ocean Park day trip is a breeze to organize and is sure to be a memorable trip for your family!

#9 – Day Trip from Hong Kong to Guangzhou

• Modern mainland China experience
• Try authentic Cantonese food
• Visit Canton Tower

For those of you looking to catch a glimpse of what a modern Chinese city looks like, then the best day trip from Hong Kong is undoubtedly to Guangzhou, also known as Canton.

You won’t find many of the traditional Chinese tea houses or temples in this city, but what it lacks in traditional aesthetics it makes up for with a buzzing food scene and sleek modern skyscrapers.

The city also offers a vibrant shopping scene for folks looking to explore the Chinese retail world. In between your shopping and sightseeing, it is also definitely worth trying the city’s famous Cantonese food.

While Guangzhou definitely lacks many of the cultural attractions that bring most visitors to the area, it’s sleek appearance and modern amenities definitely make it worth considering for a day trip!

#10 – Dragon’s Back Hike

Cheap day trips from hong kong.

• Get away from the bustling city and back to nature
• Enjoy excellent views of the ocean and islands
• Explore Shek O Village

The perfect break from crowded city streets , without breaking the bank, this day trip will transport you to the nearby Shek O Country Park for a day of fulfilling hiking and exploring.

The famous Dragons Back trail begins just outside of central Hong Kong and follows lush woodland that occasionally pops out onto open hills and ridges to give you breathtaking views of the nearby islands, bays, and beaches.

As the Dragons Back trail slowly winds downward, you’ll have the option to head over the lovely fishing village of Shek O, and sample some well-deserved seafood at one of the many eateries that dot the village.

#11 – Tai O Tour and Po Lin

• Visit the iconic village of Tai O
• Immerse yourself in the history of the Po Lin Monastery
• Enjoy a cable car ride

If the sunset tour of Lantau above is a little pricey for your budget, then consider heading over there for a day-time tour .

This cheap day trip From Hong Kong will take you to the historic fishing village of Tai O, where you’ll have a chance to marvel at the houses perched on top of stilts from both the streets and a boat tour.

The fresh seafood and other local favorites are up for grabs at many local stalls and markets as you continue your tour and then head to the nearby Po Lin monastery.

While at the monastery, be sure to visit the famous bronze Buddha statue! You’ll also be treated to a cable-car ride on Asia’s longest bi-cable route to view the enchanting array of islands and villages below.

#12 – Day Trip from Hong Kong to Shui Hau Beach

• Relax on the beach
• Dig for clams
• Try kite-boarding

For an easy and affordable escape from the city, try this cheap day trip From Hong Kong to Shui Hau Beach. The pristine beach is perfect for spending a day to unwind in the sun and soak in the beautiful view of the area.

On a windy day, you’ll likely catch sight of kite-boarders zipping across the waves. You will also often see clam collectors working their way up and down the shoreline as they dig up those tasty mollusks.

If you want to give it a try, the Fung Wong Center will rent you the tools you need, and maybe even cook them up afterward!

This is the perfect inexpensive break from the urban jungle of Hong Kong to simply re-center and relax on the ocean shore!

If you are traveling you should ALWAYS have emergency cash hidden on you! Security belts are great because they are affordable and can fit a ton of stuff in them (great for peace of mind!). Check out our favorite travel belt!

#13 – Mai Po Nature Reserve

• Hike through lush green forests
• Observe nearly infinite bird species
• Keep your eye peeled for Asia’s exotic mammal and reptile wildlife

Another perfect gateway back to nature from the big city is in the Mai Po Nature Reserve just north of Hong Kong. For you bird watchers out there, this reserve is an absolute paradise. Tens of thousands of birds reside or migrate through this area, and provide a stunning, colorful, and musical sight.

The Mai Po Nature Reserve is also home to a plethora of different mammal and reptile species as well, making it an ideal location for an authentic glimpse into Asia’s wildlife scene.

A day spent wandering the lush green forests of the Mai Po nature reserve is a literal breath of fresh air from city sightseeing, just remember that you must apply for the required permit ahead of time to ensure your visit goes smoothly!

#14 – Day Trip from Hong Kong to Cheung Chau

Day trips from hong kong by ferry.

• Enjoy open-air seafood restaurants
• Explore many cultural sights
• Enjoy some relaxing beach time

This nearby island provides the perfect balance between a bustling city culture and relaxing beaches, making it one of the best day trips from Hong Kong.

You’ll find many fascinating temples in the area to explore, as well as a vibrant harbor that features any number of delicious open-air seafood restaurants. After you’ve filled up on some favorite local dishes, you can then head out to one of the many beaches in the area for some quiet relaxing time away from the city.

If you have time, we recommend taking some time to explore Cheung Po Tsai cave which makes for a fun and fascinating adventure.

#15 – Day Trip from Hong Kong to Lamma Island

• Explore several quaint fishing villages
• Enjoy the sun and sand at Power Station Beach
• Wander through open-air markets

Just a quick ferry ride away is the idyllic Lamma Island , not to be confused with Llamas! This island is dotted with very pretty fishing villages and hosts many different festivals throughout the year.

These festivals often occur at the famous Lamma Power Station Beach, which also happens to be an excellent place to visit and relax even without the events. Be sure to visit Pichic Bay to tuck into a plethora of locally prepared foods.

If you’re looking for recommendations, consider the Lamma Rainbow Restaurant! While you’re in the neighborhood, it’s also worth strolling through the open-air markets in the same area, and perhaps you’ll find a souvenir for your trip!

Bonus Trip! – Day Trip from Hong Kong to Zhuhai

• Explore one of over 100 islands
• Experience the famous nightlife scene
• Satisfy your hunger at one of many waterside eateries

Right next door to Macau lies the city of Zhuhai , and it’s yours for the exploring with just over an hour on a ferry. The primary metropolitan area of the city offers excellent waterfront boardwalks and plenty of dining options to choose from.

Head deeper into the city for a picture of typical Chinese city life or to visit one of the many museums. If you’re looking for some nightlife, on the other hand, then Zhuhai also tops the list with some of the best clubs in the area and a lively night scene.

But the wonderful secret to Zhuhai is that the city proper is only one portion of what you can visit! The city is technically composed of over 100 different islands, and many of those are perfect natural havens to escape from city life!

It’s incredibly easy to spend the day relaxing on the beach or trying some freshly caught seafood at one of the many fishing communities dotting the islands. Zhuhai, therefore, offers a little something for everyone and is well worth a visit!

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Hong Kong

And there it is! We’ve covered the very best day trips from Hong Kong with kids, significant others, or simply low-cost adventures. Looking for accommodation in Hong Kong? Our bargain guide to the best hostels in Hong Kong will help you save time and money while in Hong Kong. If you’re after a place to stay near the airport, o ur list of the best hostels near Hong Kong Airport is here to help you on your travels!

The islands and beaches that dot this region are absolutely bursting with different avenues to explore. From quaint fishing villages to large metropolises, there’s certainly enough to keep every type of traveler reeling in wonder!

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How to Get to the Great Wall from Hong Kong

To make Great Wall tours from Hong Kong, you should take a flight or train from Hong Kong to Beijing first. The flight and train distances between Hong Kong and the Great Wall are about 2,000 kilometers ( 1,250 miles)  and 2,500 kilometers ( 1,550 miles)  respectively. Upon arrival, take a city bus or train to Great Wall. A direct visit from Hong Kong needs at least two or three days. If you want to make a day trip,  a transfer at Shenzhen to take Shenzhen - Beijing overnight high speed trains is needed. You can follow the guide below to travel there easily.

Step 1: From Hong Kong to Beijing

Step 2: Get to Deshengmen/ Beijing North Railway Station/ Qinghe Railway Station/Huangtudian Railway Station/ Dongzhimen

Public transport leaves for Badaling from Deshengmen,  Beijing North Railway Station , or Huangtudian Railway Station; and for Mutianyu from Dongzhimen.

Step 3: Take a bus or train to Great Wall

To Badaling, you may take bus 877 from Deshengmen, high speed train from Beijing North Railway Station or Qinghe Railway Station , or S2 train from Huangtudian Railway Station. To Mutianyu, you may take bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen.  

How to Make Day Trips from Hong Kong to Great Wall of China

Neither direct flight nor train is possible for the Great Wall of China tour from Hong Kong within one day. But the Shenzhen-Beijing overnight high speed train makes a day trip possible.

a) You can take a direct bus to Shenzhen North Railway Station from Marco Polo Hotel, Metropark Hotel Mongkok, Sheung Wan Shun Tak Center, etc. by way of Shenzhen Bay Port. The frequency is 30 to 60 minutes. The trip takes about 2 hours, and the bus fare is HKD 80.

2. Book the direct train ticket from Hong Kong to Beijing in advance as they are in demand in most cases.

3. The Shenzhen Bay Port is open from 6:30 to 24:00, and it usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to cross the border.  4. The Futian Port is open from 6:30 to 22:30, and it usually takes 10 to 25 minutes to cross the border.

How to Get to Badaling Great Wall: by Bus  

How to Get to Great Wall of China by Train - S2 to Badaling

Beijing - Badaling High Speed Train

How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall

Great Wall FAQs

Recommended tours.

Escape City Centre – 11 Best Day Trips From Hong Kong

Last updated on February 20th, 2024 at 07:12 pm

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Are you wondering what day trip options you have during your trip to Hong Kong?    

You’ve come to the right place.    

This blog post will go through the possible day trip choices you have from Hong Kong’s city centre. If you need a change of scenery or have extra time in Hong Kong, here are 11 ideas to keep you busy.    

Let’s get started!    

Day Trips From Hong Kong – Other Cities   

1) macau     .

Going to Macau from Hong Kong is a popular day trip.    

Macau is Asia’s version of Las Vegas. The city is known for its casinos but they have beautiful hotels like  The Venetian  and tourist spots such as Ruins of St Pauls and Senado Square.     

The vibe is also completely different than Hong Kong. Since this is a smaller city, 1 day is an ample amount of time to see all the signature tourist spots.    

There’s also lots to eat like Portuguese tarts (Lord Stowe’s is the best!) and pork chop buns. The Portuguese food in Macau is unique because it’s a blend of Western and Asian cuisine. It’s definitely worth trying! 

This is one of the most recommended day trips because the travel time from HK to Macau is quick. It’s also extremely easy to get there. The most common way to get to Macau from Hong Kong is to take a ferry. This journey takes around 60 minutes. You can also take a bus if you get seasick easily.     

One important thing to note is that you do need to check if your country’s passport requires a visa to get to Macau because it is a different city from Hong Kong.  

2) Shenzhen     

When you’re in Shenzhen, you can visibly see how much China has grown in the past few decades. It’s an absolute sight for sore eyes.     

Shenzhen is one of the best cities in China. There’s so much to do and even though it’s Hong Kong’s neighbour, the vibe is completely different.   

Shenzhen has all the elements of what a big city should look like – spacious, dazzling, busy, and with plenty to eat and see. It’s a place we can all keep going back to.     

It’s common for Hong Kongers to go across the border for a  weekend trip  to enjoy affordable massages and shopping.     

Shenzhen is still an expensive city in China but compared to Hong Kong, it’s cheaper. Some people even have properties there and commute back and forth to save on living expenses.    

How do you get to Shenzhen?    

The best way is to either take the highway speed railway or take the MTR to Lo Wu station. Pass immigration and you’re there already!    

It’s beyond quick.     

Don’t forget to download AliPay and/or WeChat Pay to pay for things when you’re there. Hong Kong accepts cash everywhere but this neighbouring city isn’t the same. Most places in Mainland China still accept cash but it’s rare now. It’s all about contactless payment now.     

3) Guangzhou    

Guangzhou is one of China’s largest cities but it’s not talked about enough. People tend to focus on Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen. Although those three cities are great, Guangzhou is more underrated.    

Guangzhou and Shenzhen are both in the Guangdong province but there are clear differences between the two.  

Guangzhou has more of a traditional feel than Shenzhen. Going there will let you see what the real China experience is like. Beijing is THE city for the authentic Chinese experience but it’s too far for a day trip from Hong Kong. It is a 3.5-hour flight to get there. Guangzhou is a decent substitute.  

It’s a bonus that things in Guangzhou are even cheaper than in Shenzhen.  

Going to Guangzhou from Hong Kong is a bit further compared to the others on this list. It’s about a 2 hr train ride but it is doable.  

The high-speed railway from West Kowloon station is faster though. The journey is around 50-60 minutes so that’s the best and fastest way to get to Guangzhou from Hong Kong.   

Day Trips From Hong Kong – Within Hong Kong   

So far, this list has been about travelling to different cities.    

What if you don’t want to leave Hong Kong?    

This part of the blog post focuses on all the fun day trips that are within the city.  

4) Disneyland      

Those who are a kid at heart should go to  Hong Kong Disneyland .  

This Disney park is often overlooked because it’s smaller than other countries. However, this amusement park has its own charm and feels cozier than some of the other Disney parks worldwide.    

There are enough attractions here to keep you busy for a full day but not so much that it’s overwhelming.    

Depending on when you go to HK Disney, it is also possible to avoid large crowds. No need to be packed like sardines and stand in ridiculously long lines for a ride.   

The best time to go to Disney is during the winter season. First of all, it’s not as hot. Second, HK Disney goes all out for Chinese New Year and  Christmas . The red decorations for both festivals are breathtaking and will get you in the mood to celebrate and have a good time.    

You can take  public transportation  by taking the subway to Disneyland station. Visitors can also get to the park by car but it might be hard to find parking spots, especially during crowded days.    

5) Ocean Park     

Amusement park lovers have to visit  Ocean Park .  

It’s Hong Kong’s local amusement park that has a conservation theme. Disney’s feel is more thrilling and exciting while Ocean Park is more relaxing.    

Although Ocean Park is bigger and older than HK Disney Park, it’s not as well-known because it doesn’t have international recognition.   

It’s underrated but that’s exactly the reason why you have to go.   

This would be a good day trip especially if you’re travelling with young kids. Ocean Park is a family-friendly place where your kids will have fun. They’ll be so tired by the end of the day that they’ll flop onto their beds and fall asleep right away.    

Also, Ocean Park is extremely accessible. Similar to HK Disneyland, there is an MTR station dedicated to the theme park. Get off at Ocean Park station and it only takes a few steps before you’re right at the entrance.   

6) Tai O Fishing Village     

Originally, I wanted to put  Tai O Fishing Village  together with Big Buddha but it seemed a little ambitious, especially since nearby is also Tung Chung Outlet Mall. For efficient travellers, you might be able to squeeze all 3 in one day but if you prefer to take it slow, then just pick two of the three.   

You can probably fit Tung Chung Outlet and Tai O Fishing Village or Big Buddha with Tung Chung Outlet Mall.    

At Tai O Fishing Village, see pink dolphins, appreciate street art, and explore Tai O Market Street for street food and little snacks to bring back with you as  souvenirs .   

7) Big Buddha     

Big Buddha is one of the most well-known Hong Kong  tourist attractions .   

It’s a must-visit for all  first-time visitors .    

From Tung Chung, take a cable car to Ngong Ping village and walk up hundreds of steps to see Big Buddha up close.    

The cable car is about a 30-minute ride. It can be quite scary for those who are scared of heights but it’s also beautiful. As you get closer to the Big Buddha, you can spot it far away and it’s such a pretty sight.   

I would highly recommend eating before going to Ngong Ping Village/Big Buddha. Although there are restaurants there, they are smaller in size. Some restaurants might barely have any tables. If you go on a weekend or a holiday, you can imagine how chaotic it would be. The food options are also only mediocre.  

Lantau Island     

Most people only focus on the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island district side but there’s also Lantau Island. To further break it down, here are the places within Lantau Island you should visit for a day trip.     

8) Sai Kung    

Sai Kung town is known to be a relaxing place with beaches and hiking trails. It’s a neighbourhood that feels like a seaside town. It’s for nature lovers and the perfect place to wind down.     

Sai Kung also has some delicious  fresh seafood  spots that are a must-try.   

9) Cheung Chau    

Cheung Chau Island is a great day trip. It’s perfect for beaches, cycling, and water activities. Take leisure walks around this little gem and check out local vendors. You’ll find cute little things here that you won’t find in the city.   

There are quite a few street foods you have to try out like their famous curry fishballs. You’ll be full just from the street food. But if you want a sit-down restaurant, there are also many seafood options around the area.      

10) Discovery Bay     

Discovery Bay is a place where you can relax and be surrounded by nature. When you’re there, it won’t even feel like you’re in Hong Kong. It’s a picturesque community and with Hong Kong being warm most of the year, it’s often a place to get away from the bustling city.   

11) The Peak    

This can be a day trip depending on how long you spend time at The Peak. Those who are fast might only spend half a day here but otherwise, it can be a day trip.   

The best way to get here is to take the peak tram from Central. During your ride, you can take in the beautiful city of Hong Kong from a bird eye’s view.   

Once you’re up there, some shops and restaurants will keep you occupied. One of my favourite things here is to visit the candy shop. The candy store is pricey but spacious with many brands and flavours of sweets. The place gets pretty packed because people are eager to pick up some candy or chocolate there.      

There is also a hiking trail and a Madam Tussauds museum.   

For an extra fee, you can see an unobstructed view of Hong Kong. Sky Terrace 428 is where you can see the highest view of Hong Kong. For most people, this isn’t necessary because walking around the Peak is more than enough for  Instagram pictures .   

Final Thoughts – Day Trips from Hong Kong     

Since there’s so much to do in Hong Kong, you might be tempted to stay only in the city. If you only have  24 hours  in the city, then you don’t have much of a choice but to explore the city center.   

For tourists who plan to stay longer like 3+ days , expand your horizons and discover other spots to explore on your trip here. Get the full Hong Kong experience by taking at least one day trip!    

Now to You – Day Trips from Hong Kong     

Grab my FREE daily planner to plan your perfect day trip!

Xoxo,     Nicole 

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Hong Kong residents make 1.76 million outbound trips over Easter break as mainland China tours surge in popularity

C ross-border tours to Guangdong, Fujian and Guizhou provinces in mainland China have gained in popularity among Hong Kong residents who made nearly 1.76 million outbound trips over the Easter break.

The number of Hongkongers who headed out of the city over the four-day holiday from Friday to Monday dwarfed the 400,000 or so inbound trips made by mainland visitors and other tourists , Immigration Department figures showed.

About 1.51 million, or 86 per cent, of the outbound trips by residents were made using the eight land crossings for passengers including Lo Wu, the high-speed rail link and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

City tour agencies said on Tuesday that they had noticed a surge in the popularity of mainland destinations. Steve Huen Kwok-chuen, the executive director of EGL Tours, said the number of residents who joined the company’s cross-border tours tripled compared with last Easter.

“We have seen a ‘China fever’ among Hong Kong tourists after the coronavirus pandemic,” he said. “The number of Hongkongers opting for mainland destinations has surged, encompassing not only the Greater Bay Area but various places across mainland China.”

The bay area refers to the central government’s scheme to link Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in neighbouring Guangdong into an integrated economic and business hub.

Huen said the most sought-after mainland destinations included bay area cities such as Foshan, Dongguan and Huizhou, while Sichuan, Yunnan, Beijing, Shanghai and Qingdao, among others, had also gained in popularity.

About 30 tours, each made up of 25 to 35 people, departed daily for the mainland over the four-day break, he said.

The operator also introduced new tours this year, taking tourists to see flowers in Wuhan and the Three Gorges reservoir area.

Hongkongers make 1.5 million outbound trips in first 3 days of Easter break

Vicky Tsim, who manages tour guides at travel agency Yummy Holiday, said more than 300 mainland-bound tours left from five checkpoints over the holiday, double last year’s number. Each tour had 30 to 40 members from Hong Kong.

She said tours to Guangdong cities accounted for about 80 per cent of all the ones to the mainland, and the most popular destinations included Guangzhou and Huizhou.

About 20 tours each went to Fujian province and Guilin city, a dozen to Guizhou, and nearly 20 to the Three Gorges reservoir region that stretches along the Yangtze River.

She said the company also organised three to four trips with a dozen Hongkongers each to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Tsim attributed the surge in popularity of such tours to convenient transport, improved hotel facilities and lower prices across the border, as well as Hongkongers’ better understanding of the mainland.

Hong Kong recorded about 1.56 million outbound trips by residents over the four-day Easter holiday in 2018, before the coronavirus crisis, and around 617,000 inbound trips by mainlanders and other visitors.

The trend of Hongkongers to north to spend the Easter break this year left city tourism operators and restaurants complaining of sluggish business and calling for more support.

11 million people visit Hong Kong in first quarter, more than double 2023 number

Kelvin Yau Kam-wing, honorary chairman of trade body the Institute of Dining Professionals, said business in the catering sector dropped 20 to 30 per cent compared with the same period in previous years.

He said those who travelled elsewhere had stronger consumption power than those who remained in the city.

Yau appealed to the government to offer more support, such as more consumption vouchers to be used during holidays or in the evenings.

“Many residents think products and services are cheaper and better across the border than in Hong Kong, while we are losing our advantages,” he told a radio programme on Tuesday. “We must think of ways to maintain Hong Kong’s status as a gourmet paradise.”

Leung Fong-yuen, chairwoman of the Federation of Hong Kong Trade Unions in Tourism, highlighted on the same programme that Easter was not a public holiday on the mainland.

She said she expected that the number of visitors during the Labour Day “golden week” holiday next month would better reflect the city’s tourism position.

Hong Kong malls offer free parking as 541,000 people leave city for Easter break

Assistant professor Johnson Chan Chung-shing of the Chinese University of Hong Kong attributed the trend to the improved transport infrastructure that made trips to Shenzhen and other mainland bay area cities easier.

“The shift may reflect a broader trend of Hong Kong residents seeking travel experiences and exploring destinations outside the city,” he said.

“This trend may continue beyond the current economic cycle as preferences and behaviour evolve, which could lead to a sustained northbound shift, especially during long weekends or holiday breaks.”

Chan stressed the need for policymakers to closely monitor changes in travel patterns and consumer behaviour so they could better tackle the problem.

He said strategies to promote domestic tourism and support city businesses, as well the diversification of city attractions, could help make the city more appealing to different groups of people.

Additional reporting by Kahon Chan

More from South China Morning Post:

• Hong Kong welcomes more than 11 million visitors in first quarter, more than double last year’s figure
• Will Hong Kong’s new Octopus card be a ‘game changer’ for travellers to mainland China?
• China’s relaxed entry rules bring more travel, but would-be tourists wary of remaining barriers
• Hong Kong won’t draw back tourists with clichéd attractions. They go to places to experience what locals enjoy
• Hong Kong shopping centres offer free parking for first time in 20 years as 541,000 people leave city on second day of Easter break

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app . Copyright 2024.

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after a 20 hour stopover in 2006 I finally managed a 3 day stopover mid April and would love some feedback, ideas about my itinerary and my questions

Day 1: 7:30 am arrival, probably 60 minutes for immigration & baggage claim. Either taking A11 or the AirPort Express to my hotel (The Mercer) for luggage drop off

Day2: metro to central, self guided walking tour starting from statue square, inkl Flagstaff House, bus to the peak (done Victoria tram back in 2006), exploring the peak, bus & tram back to the Man Mo Temple

Day 3: luggage drop off at AirPort Express (will buy a ticket for the journey, flying with CX), slow ferry to Mui Wo, bus 1 to Tai O , bus 21 to the Buddha, gondola & back to the airport ( flights at 6.15 pm)

-> if the weather is not foggy on any of the other days I will change my plans and visit the Buddha from the city or straight from the airport and store my luggage)

1) will google maps and google translate work without issues in HongKong? Will use any of the eSIMs )probably Airalo

2) which apps to download?

3) Is the octopus tourist app the way to go or should I get a loan card? How much should I put on the card?

4) how much cash should I get? And any ATM‘s at the airport that’s not charging a fee?

3 replies to this topic

1) Google maps works (although it can sometimes be a little inaccurate on bus routes and timings). Google translate not really needed - all signage and everywhere that tourists are likely to go work in at least basic English.

3) Well you'll pay a bit on the less good exchange rate for the App, or you'll pay a $11 fee for the short-time use of an on-loan Octopus. Personally I'd go for the on-loan Octopus so you don't have to worry about keeping charge on your phone at the end of a long day of Google mapping!

4) No bank ATMs in HK charge a fee for cash withdrawal. Stick to ATMs from recognised banks and you'll be fine. HSBC, Hang Seng, Citibank, Standard Chartered, Bank of China.

I'd probably get $500 cash, put $300 (including the $50 deposit) on an on-loan Octopus, use the Octopus for all transport and any local food places that don't take credit cards; credit cards for everything else where possible; cash for taxis and last resort for purchases.

Thanks so much - was also not amused about the exchange rate that’s offered as otherwise it would have been great (loved the option to top up in Japan). But if the ATM‘s are free of charge the cash option with the loner card might be the better one

Any thoughts on the itinerary? Also forget to mention that I got a ticket for the teamlab ArtHarbour installation for the Sunday

Museum of History - as far as it is even open - is a mere shadow of its former self, thanks to politics interfering with the story to be told.

Day 3 feels a bit tight to me, though very doable if you start early.

To go back down, you should allow at least half an hour for ticketing and lining up, half an hour for the ride down, and half an hour to get from Tung Chung to the airport - that's 1.5 hours total. To arrive at the airport 17:00 for your 18:15 flight means you have to line up at Ngong Ping by 15:30.

So latest the 14:00 bus from Tai O , leaving you just an hour at Ngong Ping.

If you catch the 10:30 ferry to Mui Wo and take the bus to Tai O it'll be about 12:30 when you're in Tai O, giving you an hour and a half before your bus to Ngong Ping (on a Sunday the ferry is at 11:00 so even less time).

Now if you'd catch the 8:30 ferry (9:00 on Sundays) you'd be about 10:30 in Tai O, by when the village is still pretty quiet, the market stalls just opening. This allows you to catch the 12:00 bus to Ngong Ping (and have lunch at the monastery) or have lunch in Tai O and catch the 13:00 bus up to Ngong Ping allowing you comfortable time.

So that means arriving at Hong Kong station by 7:45 to check in your luggage (probably takes about 10 mins), and walk to the ferry pier (10-15 mins, allow extra time for losing your way).

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