Trip Summary
The softest landing in mainland China: start visa-free in Hong Kong, cross the border on foot into Shenzhen's theme parks and tech towers, then bullet-train to Guangzhou for dim sum, Canton Tower and old Linglan lanes. No mainland visa needed if you enter as a tour group or via the 240-hour transit rules from HK.
Trip Highlights
- Victoria Peak and Star Ferry in Hong Kong, then walk across the Lo Wu border
- Window of the World and the OCT theme-park belt in Shenzhen
- Canton Tower's neon and Pearl River night cruise in Guangzhou
- Morning yum cha — the dim sum heartland of the world
Day by Day
Day 1 — Hong Kong
Arrival, Peak tram, Star Ferry and Temple Street night market.
Flight in · Hong Konginternational flights, destination pre-filledBook → Stay · Tsim Sha Tsuiharbour front — Star Ferry, Nathan Road and the MTR hubBook → Car rental · Hong Kongpick up at Hong Kong International Airport on arrivalBook → 
Day 2 — Cross to Shenzhen
MTR to Lo Wu, immigration on foot. Afternoon at Window of the World or the OCT parks; evening light show at Civic Center.
Hong Kong → Shenzhen trainMTR high-speed from West Kowloon ~20 minBook → Cross to Shenzhen: 15-min rail from West Kowloon or MTR via Futian/Lo Wu checkpointStay · Futiancivic-centre skyscraper quarter on Lines 1/2/3Book → Car rental · Shenzhenpick up at Shenzhen North Railway Station on arrivalBook → Tickets · Shenzhen OCT Tourist Resortskip-the-line entryBook → 
Day 3 — Shenzhen modern
Ping An tower deck, Dafen art village, or Mission Hills for golf/spa; Huaqiangbei electronics market for the brave.
Stay · Futiancivic-centre skyscraper quarter on Lines 1/2/3Book → 
Day 4 — Guangzhou
30-min HSR. Old Town lanes, Chen Clan Academy, Canton Tower at dusk and a river cruise.
Shenzhen → Guangzhou trainHigh-speed rail ~30 minBook → Stay · Shamian Islandcolonial riverside — quiet lanes, cafés, old trading housesBook → Car rental · Guangzhoupick up at Guangzhou South Railway Station on arrivalBook → Day 5 — Out
Morning yum cha, then Baiyun airport (directs worldwide) or HSR onward.
Flight out · Guangzhoudeparture flights from Guangzhou, destination openBook → 
Travel in China