Mainland Chinese Hong Kong one-day tour guide: Unlock Chinese and Western customs and the hustle and bustle of the city!

HongKong.info
Tourism
15 Jan 2026 11:58:29 AM
Hong Kong, a city that blends modern prosperity with retro streetwear, can immerse you in its unique charm even for just one day.

1、 Must see before departure: Documents and Preparation (key to avoiding pitfalls)

The preparation before departure directly affects the gaming experience, especially the latest clearance policies that need to be closely monitored to avoid delaying the trip.

1. Core documents: indispensable

Mainland residents must hold a valid Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit and corresponding endorsement. At present, electronic visas nationwide have achieved "instant approval and immediate access". Tourists holding card passes can apply for them at 24-hour self-service visa machines and renew their visas in 3 minutes; This type of pass has been discontinued. If you still hold it, you need to replace it with a card type pass before you can apply for a visa. Attention: The validity period of the pass must exceed 6 months, and the type of endorsement must match the purpose of travel (G visa for individual travel, L visa for group travel, and proof of travel agency clearance required). Minors entering alone must bring their parents' consent and proof of family relationship, otherwise they may be refused entry.

2. Payment and Currency: Convenient and Cost saving

More than 90% of shopping malls, restaurants and attractions in Hong Kong support Alipay and WeChat payment. The system will automatically convert RMB according to the real-time exchange rate. Before payment, you can choose a better platform by comparing the two exchange rates. From the end of 2025 to the beginning of 2026, both major payment platforms will have a "Cross border Payment Reduction" activity, where designated merchants can receive a discount of 10-20 Hong Kong dollars on orders over 100 Hong Kong dollars, and can enjoy it once a day. It is recommended to carry a small amount of Hong Kong dollar cash (500-1000 yuan is sufficient) for use in scenarios where mobile payments are not covered, such as Dingding cars and street snacks. Priority should be given to mainland banks for exchange (with the best exchange rate and no transaction fees), and avoid exchanging large amounts of cash at airport exchange points (due to exchange rate differences and high transaction fees).

3. Transportation and Communication: Getting things done in advance is more worry free

It is recommended to purchase Octopus cards for transportation (which can be used by subway, bus, and convenience stores), or choose the "Tourist All Day Pass" subway ticket to take the MTR unlimited times within a day and efficiently shuttle through various attractions. Before customs clearance, you can download the "Hong Kong Customs" app to book a quick clearance channel. Elderly people over 70 years old, children under 14 years old, and tourists holding electronic passes can have priority clearance, saving queuing time. In terms of communication, it is recommended to subscribe to a Hong Kong one-day data package or purchase a local SIM card from the mobile operator in advance to ensure smooth network access throughout the entire process.

2、 Classic route: Explore core attractions in one day (efficient without detours)

Recommend the "Classic City+Victoria Harbour Night Scene" route, covering TVB filming locations, cultural landmarks, and natural landscapes, suitable for first-time visitors. The entire journey is connected by the MTR, saving time and effort.

Morning: Popular Style · TVB Same Style Check in

Customs clearance departure: Priority should be given to choosing Futian or Luohu ports in Shenzhen (direct to the city by MTR, with frequent trips), and customs clearance should be completed before 8:00 to avoid queuing during the morning rush hour.

Mong Kok&Yau Ma Tei (9:00-11:30): Exit from Tsim Sha Tsui East Station or Mong Kok Station to explore the city. Strolling through Women's Street (affordable clothing, souvenirs) and Sneaker Street (a hub for sports brands), experiencing the lively atmosphere of Hong Kong's streets; Check in at Yau Ma Tei Police Station (a retro red brick building, a classic TVB filming location) and Temple Street (to experience the embryonic form of the night market in advance, you can visit Tin Hau Temple to experience traditional beliefs). For breakfast, it is recommended to try curry fish eggs and egg waffles from street side snack shops, or find an authentic tea restaurant and order pineapple oil with frozen lemon tea to awaken your taste buds.

Noon: Roaming in Central, blending Chinese and Western architecture

Transportation: Take the MTR from Yau Ma Tei Station to Central Station.

Central check-in (12:00-14:30): First, go to Lanfang Garden on Jiezhi Street, taste authentic silk stocking milk tea and Kayang West toast, and experience the fireworks atmosphere of the old tea restaurant; Then take the automatic escalator from Central to Mid Levels (the filming location of "Chongqing Forest", free ride, and enjoy the unique scenery of the collision of old and new buildings along the way); Strolling through the gas lamps on Duddell Street and the former French Foreign Mission building, taking vintage Hong Kong style photos casually. If you have plenty of time, you can visit the Central Market or IFC Mall to experience the modern atmosphere of the financial district.

Afternoon: Victoria Harbour Scenery - Collision of Nature and Culture

Star Ferry (15:00-15:30): Take the Star Ferry from Central Star Ferry Pier to Tsim Sha Tsui, the whole journey takes 10 minutes, the ticket price is only a few yuan, and enjoy the magnificent sea view of Victoria Harbour along the way, with a high cost performance.

Tsim Sha Tsui Walk (15:30-18:00): Check in at the Kowloon Canton Railway Clock Tower (a statutory monument and popular filming location for Hong Kong dramas) and Avenue of Stars (admiring celebrity handprints and overlooking the Central skyline) after disembarking; If you are interested in culture, you can visit the Palace Museum in Hong Kong (reservation is required 3 days in advance on the official website, with a daily limit of 10000 people to experience the charm of the Palace Museum's cultural relics). In the evening, you can take a ride on the Hong Kong Ferris wheel and overlook the panoramic view of Victoria Harbour, waiting for the stunning light and shadow at sunset.

Evening: Light and Shadow Feast · Ending a Perfect Day

Colorful Symphony of Hong Kong (19:45-20:00): Every evening at 19:45, Victoria Harbour will hold the "Colorful Symphony of Hong Kong" light show. It is recommended to find a good viewing spot in advance at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to experience the visual feast of skyscraper lights and music interweaving.

Return journey: After the light show, take the MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui Station back to Shenzhen, or clear customs at Luohu/Futian Port to end the one-day trip.

Mainland Chinese Hong Kong one-day tour guide: Unlock Chinese and Western customs and the hustle and bustle of the city!

3、 Food and shopping: authentic experiences without pitfalls

1. Must try authentic cuisine

Tea restaurant must order: Desperate rice, Beef chow fun, Wonton noodles (bamboo noodles+fresh shrimp Wonton), Siduoshi, the first choice for drinks is frozen lemon tea, Hong Kong style milk tea (slightly bitter and sweet).

Street snacks: Curry fish eggs (chewy and flavorful), egg waffles (crispy on the outside and tender on the inside), fish egg powder, recommended braised dishes from Mong Kok's "Fei Jie Snack Shop".

Affordable Michelin: Crispy Cha siu bao and Shrimp Dumplings with "Good Luck" in Central are extremely cost-effective. Remember to queue up in advance.

2. Shopping Guide (Choose on Demand, Reject Impulsiveness)

Pharmaceutical daily necessities: Tsim Sha Tsui Mannings, Watsons, affordable prices, genuine product guarantee; The oil and facial mask in Longcheng Pharmacy (cash only) are cost-effective.

Luxury&trendy brands: Tsim Sha Tsui Harbour City (full range of brands), Causeway Bay SOGO Department Store, Central Landmark, suitable for tourists pursuing high-end shopping.

Accompanying gifts: Butterfly pastries and cookies from Qihua Bakery, and dried meat from Juji Handmade, suitable for bringing to friends and family.

Reminder for avoiding pitfalls: Don't pay attention to "enthusiastic guides" in Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay, look for legitimate shopping malls and chain stores; When shopping, ask if cross-border payment discounts are supported and keep the shopping voucher.

4、 Practical tip: Details determine the gaming experience

Wearing: Wear comfortable flat shoes and carry a thin jacket to cope with indoor air conditioning.

Etiquette: Smoking is prohibited in public places, and eating and drinking are prohibited in the subway; Stand on the right side while queuing or taking the escalator.

Weather: Carry a folding umbrella and sunscreen with you.

Language: Mandarin can communicate normally, feel free to ask.

Yue Che Southbound: Make an appointment in advance through the "Yue Che Southbound" system, submit a Hong Kong car insurance certificate, enter Hong Kong through the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, and stay in Hong Kong for no more than 3 days.

Disclaimers:

HongKong.info Committed to providing fair and transparent reports. This article aims to provide accurate and timely information, but should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Due to the rapidly changing market conditions, we recommend that you verify the information yourself and consult a professional before making any decisions based on this information.