Hong Kong’s prime location and seamless connectivity make it a gateway to fascinating day trips to China. You can immerse yourself in Southern China’s unique charm within a few hours or even minutes. Whether you’re savouring authentic cuisine, exploring local culture, or indulging in a quick shopping spree, cities like Macau, Shenzhen (just 14 minutes away!), and others offer unforgettable experiences achievable within a single-day trip from Hong Kong.
China is easily accessible from Hong Kong via high-speed trains from West Kowloon Station and high-speed ferries from the Hong Kong Macau Terminal or Hong Kong China Terminal.
Also, check out our guide to West Kowloon.
Best day trips from Hong Kong to China
Shenzhen (14 minutes from West Kowloon Station)
The gateway to Mainland China from Hong Kong, Shenzhen is considered an entertainment paradise, with several amusement parks, golf clubs, shopping malls, spas, and more. The thriving young metropolis also boasts breathtaking beauty, with scenic spots like Wutong Mountain, Yangtai Mountain, Dameisha, and Xiaomeisha beaches.
Immerse yourself in Shenzhen through tourist attractions such as Splendid China Folk Village, OCT East, Window of the World, Ping’an International Financial Center, Lychee Park, Lianhuashan Park, Dapeng Fortress, and Guanlan Print Village.
How to reach: Shenzhen North Railway Station (Shenzhenbei) or Futian Station receives direct high-speed trains from Hong Kong.
Dongguan (42-47 minutes from West Kowloon Station)
Dubbed ‘the world’s factory’, Dongguan is a business magnet with its massive industries. The city is located in the centre of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Its romantic sea views and historical monuments have become hotspots for travellers.
Spend the day in Dongguan discovering the history of Ancient Nanshe and Tangwei Villages, Humen Fortress, Keyuan Museum, Songshan Lake, the Opium War Museum, Weiyuan Fort and Huayang Lake Wetland Park.
How to reach: Dongguan South Station is the gateway from Hong Kong with direct high-speed trains.
Peruse this guide to the best places to visit in Shanghai.
Huizhou (50 minutes from West Kowloon Station)
This extensive riverside city has centuries-old pagodas, networks of lakes, pristine beaches, and mountains, making Huizhou an exciting day trip from Hong Kong to China. Navigate the winding cobbled lanes as you encounter ancient residents, teahouses, and stone archways.
Go boating in one of Huizhou’s West Lakes, relax at the beaches of Xunliao Bay, hike Nankun or Luofu Mountain, and wander around Pinghai Ancient City.
How to reach: Huizhou North Station offers the fastest connection to Hong Kong with direct high-speed trains.
Macau (55 minutes from Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal)
The most popular day trip from Hong Kong is to Macau. Located on the south coast of China, the autonomous region’s unique blend of Chinese-Portuguese culture, scenic tourist attractions, and remarkable natural landscape has made it a global destination. The star of Macau is the Cotai Strip, inspired by the casinos and hotels of the Las Vegas Strip. This has made it world-famous as the “Las Vegas of Asia”.
Discover the UNESCO-certified ‘Historic Centre of Macau’ through the Ruins of Saint Paul’s, Macau Tower, Senado Square, A-Ma Temple, and Monte Fort. Or explore the blended Portuguese and Chinese cultures through the neighbourhoods of Taipa and Coloane. Don’t forget to try Portuguese egg tarts, Minchi, and spicy fish buns.
Check out this guide to the best casinos to visit in Macau.
How to reach: Macau Outer Ferry Terminal and Macau Taipei Ferry Terminal are the ports where high-speed ferries from Hong Kong drop passengers.
Guangzhou (1 hour 12 minutes from West Kowloon Station)
Guangzhou’s 2,200-year history heralds Cantonese culture and cuisine, especially local delicacies like sampan porridge, steamed pork dumplings, sweet and sour pork, clay pot rice, shrimp dumplings, and char siu pork. The city’s vibrant nightlife, lip-smacking delicacies, and thriving culture make the capital of Guangdong Province an exciting day trip from Hong Kong.
Glimpse Guangzhou’s past and present at Nanyue King’s Museum, Guangxiao Temple, Zhenhai Tower, Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Asian Games Town, Pazhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Guangdong Science Centre.
How to reach: Guangzhou South Station offers the fastest connection to Hong Kong with high-speed trains.
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Zhongshan (2 hours from West Kowloon Station)
Discover the hometown of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary who overthrew the Qing Dynasty and established the Republic of China. Zhongshan’s proximity to Hong Kong and Macau has led to its rapid development as one of the key foreign trade ports in Guangdong.
Explore Zhongshan’s tourist attractions, such as the Sun Wen Xi Road Tourism Zone, Qijiang River Park, the Former Residence of Dr Sun Yat-sen, Zimaling Park, the Xiangshan Commerce Cultural Museum, and the Zhongshan Museum.
How to reach: Zhongshan North Station offers the fastest connection to Hong Kong with direct high-speed trains.
Foshan (2 hours from Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal)
Foshan is the third-largest city in Guangdong and is famous for Cantonese opera, martial arts, and the lion dance folk performance. The city’s name translates to ‘Buddha’s Mountain’, referring to the legend of three Buddha statues in Tapo Hill.
In addition to its iconic tourist attractions, such as Guangdong Cantonese Opera, Qing Hui Yuan, Ancestral Temple, Bruce Lee Paradise, and Sanshui Lotus World, Foshan is home to Shunde, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
How to reach: Shunde Port receives high-speed ferries from Hong Kong.
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(Feature image credit: Jimmy Lau/Pixabay)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Citizens of Hong Kong do not need a visa for a day trip from Hong Kong to China.
Mainland China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY), and Macau has the Macanese Pataca (MOP). Mainland China doesn't accept Hong Kong Dollars, however Macau does.
Yes, you can visit multiple cities in China in one day from Hong Kong.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
