Hong Kong Solo Trip: A 4-Day Adventure from China
Just back from a whirlwind solo trip to Hong Kong! Since I'm based in Mainland China with plenty of local friends, my Hong Kong itinerary was curated with insider tips.
1. Visa Application
My visa application timeline: Submitted on March 21st, acknowledgement letter received on March 25th, and visa granted on April 16th. Honesty is key! In my application, I emphasized my extensive solo travel experience, mentioning visits to 6-7 countries and extensive travel within Mainland China.
2. Flights and Accommodation
Initially, I booked refundable flights with Vietnam Airlines and a free-cancellation hotel for the visa application. Post-visa approval, I finalized my bookings:
- Flights: China Eastern 中国东方航空, round trip from Shanghai (¥3500 RMB).
- Accommodation: A bed in a dorm at Yersinn 悦思 in Yau Ma Tei 油麻地 (¥1400 RMB for 3 nights – a private room for 2-3 people would cost the same!).
3. Getting Around: Hong Kong Transportation
I picked up an Octopus 八达通 card directly at the airport with 150HKD usable credit and a 50HKD deposit. Topping up is easy at any convenience store.
4. My Itinerary
Day 1: Yau Ma Tei, Mongkok, Causeway Bay, and Central
- Arrived in Hong Kong and took bus A21 to my hotel.
- Explored Yau Ma Tei 油麻地, including the iconic Yau Ma Tei Police Station 油麻地警署 featured in TVB dramas.
- Subway to Mongkok 旺角, Exit B3, took the escalator to the pedestrian bridge for fantastic street photography.
- Went to Causeway Bay 铜锣湾 to watch the horse races (every Wednesday night, free admission for foreigners!).
- Took the Dingding 叮叮车 to Central 中环, then bus 2-story bus H2K 落日飞车 (41HKD) back near the hotel.
Day 2: Nathan Road and Disneyland
- Walked along Nathan Road taking pictures.
- Spent the day at Hong Kong Disneyland (Tier 1 一级 ticket, pre-purchased online for 472HKD). The park wasn't crowded, so I skipped the lines and rode my favorite attractions multiple times.
Day 3: Tsim Sha Tsui and Central
- Visited the Star Avenue 星光大道 (handprints of celebrities, posing with the success quote of Li Ka-shing).
- Explored Harbour City 海港城 (amazing photo spot corridor).
- Subway to Central 中环 to ride the Hongkong Observation Wheel 香港摩天轮 (20HKD, purchase tickets on site).
- Took the Star Ferry 天星小轮 (5HKD) back to Tsim Sha Tsui for the Symphony of Lights show.
Day 4: Kennedy Town and Sheung Wan
- Explored Kennedy Town (turn left at the train station and go up the stairs, pass a football field and a basketball court).
- Visited Hongkong Be Happy Cafe.
- Stopped by % Arabica Cafe.
- Wandered through Sheung Wan 上环 (every street is a perfect Hong Kong photo op).
5. Food, Money Exchange, and Communication
Eating in Hong Kong
- 兴记 in Yau Ma Tei (~100HKD/person).
- A Taiwanese restaurant near Yau Ma Tei Station, Exit C (~70HKD/person).
- 和顺记 in Yau Ma Tei (~60HKD/person).
- 深仔记 in Tsim Sha Tsui (~60HKD/person).
- 兴记咖啡 in Sheung Wan (~60HKD/person).
- Snacks at the Temple Street 庙街 night market (40HKD/item).
Money Exchange
I pre-booked everything possible in RMB and only exchanged 800HKD in cash, and still had some left over.
Communication
I switched between English and Mandarin Chinese, both worked perfectly.
6. Final Thoughts
I spent about ¥11000 RMB (around $1500 USD) for 4 days and 3 nights, including Disneyland, which I think is a great deal, especially since I was traveling from Mainland China. Prices might be different if you're traveling from elsewhere, but hopefully, you can use my itinerary and restaurant suggestions for your trip!
