Preparations for Departure
- Identification: Hong Kong and Macau Pass
- Currency Preparation: Small amount of Hong Kong dollars or Octopus Card
- Communication: Overseas data plan/SIM card
- Power Supply: Power bank, charger, adapter (required for hotel charging)
Handy Apps for Hong Kong Travel
- Maps: Google Map, Baidu Map, Gao De Map (Chinese version of GPS)
- Subway: MTR Mobile (accepts Octopus Card and Alipay from Mainland China and Hong Kong)
- Bus: KMB (for checking bus arrival times)
- Taxis: Uber, HK Taxi, Fly Taxi (Hong Kong version of Didi)
- Buses: New World First Bus (check routes, accepts Octopus Card)
- Hotel Booking: Ctrip, Qunar, Klook (for hotel and afternoon tea reservations)
Things to Avoid in Hong Kong
- No Smoking in Open Areas: Smoking is only allowed in residences, country parks, and a few outdoor places. Fines may apply (up to HKD 5,000).
- No Eating/Drinking in the MTR: Heavy fines (up to HKD 2,000) for consuming food or drinks on the subway.
- No Spitting: Fines may apply (up to HKD 1,500). Even spitting in the trash is not allowed; spit on a tissue first.
- No Jaywalking: Fines may apply (up to HKD 500).
Recommended Check-in Spots
- Disneyland:
Transportation: Take the Airport Express to Tsing Yi, transfer to Tung Chung Line towards Tung Chung, change at Sunny Bay for the Disneyland Line.
- Ocean Park:
Transportation: Take the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station, transfer to the subway to Admiralty, and then take bus 629 directly to the entrance of Ocean Park, approximately 25 minutes.
Photo Spots in Hong Kong
- Graham Street: Traditional market with a famous graffiti wall, capturing the essence of local life against the backdrop of Kowloon Walled City.
- Victoria Harbour: Renowned for one of the “Three Best Night Scenes in the World,” enjoy it by taking the Star Ferry or visiting Sky100.
- Victoria Peak: At 554 meters, the highest point on Hong Kong Island offering a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour.
- Mong Kok: A bustling and vibrant district, capturing the essence of Hong Kong’s lively street life.
Cautionary Eats
- Cart Noodles (Gou Zai Fan): Resembling Udon but coarser, some may have an unpleasant flavor.
- Fish Ball Dumplings: Often with minimal fish content, more starch. Regrettable after consumption.
Hong Kong and Macau Itinerary
Departure Point – Shenzhen – Stay in Shenzhen:
Shenzhen – Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – Golden Bauhinia Square – Ocean Park – Stay in Hong Kong:
Wong Tai Sin Temple – Duty-Free Center – Victoria Peak – Repulse Bay – Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge – Macau – Stay in Macau:
Ruins of St. Paul’s – Victoria Peak – Golden Lotus Square – A-Ma Temple – The Venetian – Cross-border to Zhuhai – Stay in Zhuhai:
Lover’s Road – Fisher Girl Statue – Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Residence – Guangzhou/Shenzhen
P.S.: For those who prefer not to plan, consider the mentioned itinerary, a 5-day, 4-night trip averaging around $250 per person, excluding airfare but covering all expenses.
