Entering and exiting via Hong Kong and Macau, China: Transits, stops, and connections between the two places

Why Enter and Exit via Hong Kong and Macau

• Flight Density: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) connects to major cities worldwide, often offering competitive fares.
• Language and Cuisine: The lowest barrier for Chinese travelers, suitable as a buffer after long-haul flights.
• Opportunity for Stopover: Hong Kong and Macau themselves are well-developed destinations, making 2–3 days sufficient to explore.

Transportation from Hong Kong and Macau to Mainland China

• Hong Kong → Shenzhen: High-speed rail from Hong Kong West Kowloon → Shenzhen North/Futian, 14–20 minutes; or East Rail Line to Lo Wu/ Lok Ma Chau for border crossing.
• Hong Kong → Guangzhou: High-speed rail 48 minutes; or direct bus services.
• Hong Kong West Kowloon Station: Direct access to over 60 mainland cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, etc.), co-location clearance, pass through immigration and customs once at the station.
• Macau → Zhuhai: Walk across Gongbei Port or Hengqin Port, then connect to Zhuhai Airport or high-speed rail.
• Between Hong Kong and Macau: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge shuttle bus (Golden Bus) about 45 minutes; or TurboJET ferry 1 hour.

Document Regulations

• Taibao Certificate / Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents: For entering and exiting Mainland China; separate procedures needed for Hong Kong.
• Passport with Third-Country Ticket: Can transit through Hong Kong for up to 7 days (applicable to most nationalities).
• Home Return Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents: For Hong Kong and Macau residents entering and exiting Mainland China.
• Rules may change, check the latest announcements before traveling.

Stopover Plans

Hong Kong 2–3 Days

• D1: Central → Mid-Levels Escalator → Victoria Peak Night View
• D2: Half-day at Lamma Island or Tai O Fishing Village → Tsim Sha Tsui and Victoria Harbour Light Show
• D3: Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok Street Life → Tea Restaurant Tour

Macau 1–2 Days

• D1: Ruins of St. Paul → Senado Square → Mount Fortress → A-Ma Temple
• D2: Taipa Village, Rua do Cunha, Dragon Market, Coloane Fishing Village

Practical Tips

• Time for Co-location Immigration: It is recommended to arrive at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station 45 minutes in advance; 60 minutes in advance on holidays.
• Crowded Border Crossings: On weekends and holidays, queues at Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, and Gongbei border crossings can reach up to 1 hour, so try to choose the high-speed rail or non-peak hours.
• Currency: Hong Kong uses HKD, Macau uses MOP (HKD is also accepted). After entering mainland China, use RMB. Prepare for all three regions.
• Mobile Payment: The payment environment in Hong Kong and Macau is different from mainland China; Octopus cards and cash are still commonly used. After entering the mainland, switch to Alipay/WeChat Pay.
• Internet: Internet plans are not compatible between Hong Kong/Macau and mainland China. After crossing the border, eSIM or SIM card must be switched.