How to Explore Hong Kong, Macau, and China in One Trip

If you're heading to Hong Kong sometime soon and plan to visit Macau and Shenzhen, China too, then this guide is for you. As we all know, Macau and Hong Kong are still a a part of China but operates as an independent territory. So when visiting one territory from another, the procedures and requirements are all different.

Start your visit in Hong Kong or Macau

In my opinion, the best place to start your trip is in Hong Kong and Macau as my second choice. Not only are the trips to Hong Kong usually cheaper but going around the city are easier too. In this way, you can just go for a day trip in the other two countries. A trip to Macau from Hong Kong is just a ferry ride away and Shenzhen through a bus.

If you plan to visit each territory for more than a day, you can also opt to start in Macau airport and head back via Hong Kong airport. Depending on your visas, you may be allowed to stay in Shenzhen for more than a day but it is recommended to avail tour services of a travel agency. The good thing about traveling from one territory from another is that its not really that expensive so it is a worthy trail even if you are on a tight budget!

How to Get from Hong Kong to Macau

Getting to Macau from Hong Kong is pretty easy. All you need to do is head to the ports, buy a ticket and board the ferry as scheduled in your ticket. The ticket roughly costs 1,200 pesos or $25 USD. You can opt to book your return tickets too to save a few bucks. If you ask me, I recommend boarding the terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui in China Hong Kong City Mall.

In this terminal, you can shop for souvenirs and imported brands at a discount while waiting for your boarding time.

How to get from Hong Kong to Shenzhen

There are three ways to reach Shenzhen from Hong Kong. This includes by bus, via MTR or Mass Transit Railway and via car. The most expensive option is the bus but is also the fastest while the cheapest way is via Subway which is also the slowest option.

If you decide to go to Shenzhen via Bus, there are different websites you can visit to reserve a seat. This includes Klook, Rome2Rio, Expedia and even ChinaTours. If you are traveling with a group of people and prefers comfort over price, then you can consider renting a car. You will, however, need an international driver's license. Below is a map given online how to reach Shenzhen from Hong Kong:




Last but not the least is to travel via MTR. For us, this is the easiest as you can travel almost any time and any day. You just need to head to the right station and you will have a ride every few minutes. The fare price via MTR is below 300 pesos or $6 USD.

Visa Requirement of Shenzhen, China

If you have been previously granted of a China tourist visa, then you will not need a pre-approved visa to visit Shenzhen. All you need to do is visit during office hours, present your passport with a China visa and receive your new tourist visa.

Also Read: How to Apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa