Hong Kong & Shenzhen Twin-City Travel Guide: A 7-Day Itinerary
If you are planning a trip to Asia, combining Hong Kong and Shenzhen is a fantastic way to experience both world-class luxury and the bustling energy of China's tech capital. Here is a detailed review of my recent 7-day journey (May 6-12), covering everything from visa tips to hidden gems.
Visa Tips: Hong Kong and Shenzhen VOA
For Hong Kong, I secured a one-year multiple-entry visa. A helpful tip: if you have visited before, keep your small arrival slip and attach it to your cover letter for future applications—it significantly improves your chances of getting a multiple-entry permit.
For Shenzhen, I opted for the Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the Lo Wu (Lowu) Border Crossing. I arrived at 08:00 AM, and the process was quite thorough. Be prepared to provide:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., a Marriage Certificate if traveling with a spouse).
- Parental nationality details.
- Confirmed hotel bookings (the officers may verify these manually).
- A detailed travel itinerary and your return flight ticket.
Note: After receiving your visa, you must use the self-service kiosks to generate a health declaration QR code before joining the "Foreigner" immigration line. Don't skip this, or you'll have to restart the queue!
Exploring Hong Kong: Luxury and Panoramic Views
I stayed at the Rosewood Hong Kong, which is perfectly situated for those who love walking. It offers immediate access to the Avenue of Stars and stunning views of Victoria Harbour.
Beyond the typical tourist spots, I highly recommend a trip to Kowloon Peak (Fei Ngo Shan). The drive up is beautiful, and it offers the most breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Hong Kong skyline. For a touch of local culture, visit Wong Tai Sin Temple to try the traditional fortune sticks.
Shopping Tip: Hong Kong remains a haven for beauty products. I found better prices at Lung Fung in Central compared to Shenzhen. For fashion, Uniqlo and Brandy Melville in Causeway Bay are must-visits.
Discovering Shenzhen: Tech Hubs and Night Markets
In Shenzhen, I stayed at Meyo+ Hotel in the Futian district. It is conveniently located near major malls and the Metro. A huge plus was their unlimited free laundry service, which even separates whites and colors for you.
Key highlights in Shenzhen included:
- The MixC Mall: Known for its iconic elephant installation.
- Huaqiangbei: The world-famous electronics market.
- Dongmen Night Market: Perfect for street food and local atmosphere.
- Shenzhen Talent Park: Great for a relaxing evening stroll.
- Harmay: Often called the "Sephora of China," this store offers a unique industrial shopping experience with a mix of high-end and affordable beauty brands.
Connectivity and Payments
Navigating China is much easier now with Alipay. I linked my international credit card to Alipay to use the DiDi ride-hailing service. Ensure your passport information is verified in the app before you arrive to avoid any payment blocks. While Zalo Pay worked in about 80% of places, carrying some cash for larger establishments is still a good backup plan.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Traveling in early May was perfect, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 26°C. The cool, pleasant breeze made walking over 14,000 steps a day feel effortless. Even with six nights, it felt like there was so much more to see. If you can, extend your stay to fully soak in the atmosphere of these two incredible cities!
Content adapted from a review by Lã Xuân Anh.
