We are leaving China the same way we entered, by walking across a river. Only it’s a different river. This time we’ve just got off the Guilin – Shenzhen train and we’re walking across the station, following the signs for Hong Kong. Now we’re going from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, there’s an easy way to do this and there’s a diffcult way, so read on both options.
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Walkng for the first part of this trip is simple here, and getting down to Hong Kong also has an easy way and a difficult way.
TOP TIP
Easy Way to Go from Shenzhen to Hong Kong
Take the fast train straight from Shenzhen to Hong Kong, prebook tickets and skip the line. Easy, quick, cheap.
It’s that easy. Literally, follow the (English) signs for Hong Kong. 40 minutes after getting off the train in Shenzhen we were in Hong Kong, just by following signs. Then you’ll need to get down to Hong Kong Proper.
It was all very simple. Exiting China, then walking over a bridge across a river, although this time it was air-conditioned. You can read about our entry to China from Vietnam at Lao Cai to Hekou here. Then we complete the Hong Kong immigration form and spend 5 minutes in a queue. There are a couple of pieces of paper in my passport (not even a stamp) and we’re in. For six months if we want. But that might blow the budget even more than it already is blown.
Once you’re through immigration there’s a welcome sight. Officers in good old colonial-style uniforms.
ATMs abound and we change our leftover Yuan. And there’s a sign for the MTR (the Hong Kong Metro). We buy our tickets down to Tshim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, although we have to go to the counter.
The automatic machines don’t accept HKD$100. There are about 12 HKD$ to the GBP at the moment, but it still feels expensive saying that it’s going to cost us HKD $39 ( that’s only £3 or US$5) to get to our hotel. And that’s ordinary class, not first class. Who knew eh? That there would be first class on the metro either.
It’s hot. And humid. But, we have a metro map we can understand and follow.
And that’s it. We’re in Hong Kong and I can’t help it, but each time I think I’m in Kowloon, I think that sounds incredibly exotic. Even more so than saying I’m in Hong Kong.
Right, we have a hotel to find and a whole new Special Administrative Region to explore.
- Where we stayed in Hong Kong – The new China guest House
- Read our Common Sense Guide to VPNs – and why you need one especially in China
- Get a VPN from US$8.32 a month with ExpressVPN
- How to get around Hong Kong on a Budget
Travel Tips for Exploring Hong Kong
- Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here.
- Get online immediately with an eSIM for Hong Kong
- Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Hong Kong > discount coupon here
- Book the best Hong Kong tours and guides on Get Your Guide
- Save money in Hong Kong with a Wise debit card
- Book Transfers and Transport in Hong Kong here
- Book accommodation in Hong Kong with Booking
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