This article explains the important tips you need to know about traveling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and Guangzhou, including transport options and a suggested itinerary.
How to Travel from Hong Kong to Guangzhou and Shenzhen
If you're wondering whether to visit Shenzhen or Guangzhou first from Hong Kong, I'd recommend Shenzhen.
Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong and super easy to get to. There are several ports where you can cross the border. The most popular ones are Futian Port and Luohu Port.
You can take the MTR to Lok Ma Chau Station (for Futian Port) or Lo Wu Station (for Luohu Port), then walk through the immigration checkpoint to enter Shenzhen.
However, the two ports can get very busy, especially on weekends or public holidays.
If you want something quicker and smoother, hop on the high-speed train from West Kowloon Station to Shenzhen North Station. The journey only takes about 20 minutes.
If you prefer to travel by ferry, Shekou Port is your best choice.
Or, if you plan to go straight to Guangzhou, you can also take a high-speed train from West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou South Station. The ride takes about an hour.
Is a Visa Required to Visit Guangzhou or Shenzhen from Hong Kong
You can enjoy a visa-free visit from Hong Kong to Guangzhou or Shenzhen if you're eligible for China's 10-day visa-free transit policy.
However, there's one important thing to note. You cannot return to Hong Kong under this policy. You must travel onward to a third country or region, such as Macau, the United States, or Japan.
For example:
√ Hong Kong → Shenzhen → Macau/USA/Japan (allowed)
√ Hong Kong → Shenzhen → Guangzhou → Macau/USA/Japan (allowed)
× Hong Kong → Shenzhen → Hong Kong (not allowed)
× Hong Kong → Shenzhen → Guangzhou → Hong Kong (not allowed)
While in the Chinese Mainland, you can also visit other cities besides Guangzhou and Shenzhen, as long as you leave for a third country or region afterward.
If you really need to return to Hong Kong, there are two other options:
1. Join a guided tour arranged by an authorized travel agency in Hong Kong.
With this option, you can enjoy a 6-day visa-free trip in the Pearl River Delta region, and return to Hong Kong at the end of your trip.
2. Apply for the Shenzhen 5-Day Special Economic Zone Visa.
This visa allows you to enter Shenzhen once and stay for up to 5 days, and is available only at Luohu Port, Huanggang Port, Shekou Port, and Shenzhen Airport. It often takes only a few minutes to obtain.
It's perfect if you only plan to visit Shenzhen and go back to Hong Kong afterward.
Top Things to Do & Suggested Itineraries
Shenzhen Needs at Least 2 Full Days: Explore the Face of New China
Shenzhen is one of the best cities to visit if you want to see how rapidly China's high-tech industry has developed.
Start with a visit to the DJI Flagship Store, where you could learn about the astonishing speed of drone innovation. And even try flying one yourself if you're interested.
Shenzhen DJI Global Flagship StoreTake a self-driving taxi from Shenzhen Bay Park Metro Station to Shenzhen Talent Park. There, you can order food and have it delivered by a drone. It's a fun way to experience Shenzhen's futuristic lifestyle.
Meituan drone delivery at Shenzhen Talent ParkIf you love electronics, don't miss Huaqiangbei, the largest electronics market in Asia. You could explore endless gadgets, components, and tech novelties there.
To understand how Shenzhen transformed from a small fishing village into a thriving modern metropolis, we suggest visiting the Yumin Village Museum and the Shenzhen Reform and Opening-Up Exhibition Hall. Both show the story of the city's amazing rise.
You could check out our 3-Day China's Silicon Valley-Shenzhen Highlights Tour for more details.
Guangzhou Also Needs at Least 2 Days: Explore Food and Go Shopping
Guangzhou offers a different travel experience. Your activities here could be more relaxed.
Food is a must in Guangzhou. It is a city with a thousand-year culinary history.
You could try authentic Cantonese cuisine at famous restaurants. For dim sum, visit Lianxiang Lou or Tao Tao Ju. For classic Cantonese dishes, try Guangzhou Restaurant, or Baiyun Swan Hotel for Michelin-style flavors.
Guangzhou dim sum snacksBeyond meals, exploring the city's food streets is fun. We recommend Xiguan, a hub for Guangzhou snacks. Every food lover visiting Guangzhou should not miss it.
Along the way, you could also see local life and architecture. You could visit Bruce Lee's Ancestral Home to learn about his family history.
For evening activities, we suggest going to the Canton Tower at sunset. Take the bubble tram to enjoy panoramic views of the city. You could also take a Pearl River Night Cruise to see the illuminated skyline.
Guangzhou Pearl River Night CruiseSee our 3-Day Guangzhou Foodie & Shopping Adventure.
A Suggested 6-Day Guangzhou and Shenzhen Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Shenzhen and hotel check-in.
- Day 2: Visit Yumin Village Museum, Lianhua Mountain Park, and Huaqiangbei Electronics Market to learn how Shenzhen developed from a small village into a high-tech city.
- Day 3: Explore DJI Flagship Store, experience a self-driving taxi, and order food delivered by a drone at Shenzhen Talent Park.
- Day 4: Take the high-speed train to Guangzhou, visit Canton Tower at sunset, and enjoy a Pearl River Night Cruise.
- Day 5: Go shopping at Baima Clothing Market and Zhonggang Leather Mall, or explore other shopping areas and markets on your own.
- Day 6: Head to Xiguan for a foodie tour to taste authentic Cantonese cuisine before departure.
From Guangzhou, if you want a richer experience of food, shopping, or Lingnan culture, we highly recommend extending your trip to Chaozhou, Shantou, or Foshan. The following tours can give you some ideas:
- 5-Day Roots-Seeking Journey to Chaoshan
- 6-Day Essence of Guangzhou and Zhangjiajie Tour
- 14-Day Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, and Zhangjiajie Tour
All our tours can be fully customized. If you would like to include Hong Kong in your itinerary or have any other special requests, feel free to contact us.
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