Visit China Q+A - for all questions about visiting the Middle Kingdom!!

[Aan]

1) of course, why not? just check Wikitravel and LP
2) subway to border Lo Wu AFAIR, walk through border and board subway on the other side or go straight to railway station, it's just after immigration
3) yes, there are direct trains from HKG to Guangzhou, but from border (Shenzhen side) it's even more trains and cheaper
4) no language needed, very fast procedure, depends on queues, it took me about 10-20mins max., you can get visa in HKG as well, maybe cheaper and easier than in Spain (no documents needed except photo and passport, price depending on speed, next-day visa of course pricier than 3rd or 4rd day visa), but only for 30 days for mainland China, HKG 90 days visa free for EU citizens
5, 6 and 7) would consult with Wikitravel, I just passed through Shenzhen on my way from HKG (great city) to Beijing

[jserradell]

Hello Aan

Thank you very much for your tips about my travel to Hong Kong-Guangzhou. They´ll be very useful to me.
I did not know about wikitravel ! Today I visited wikitravel and there is a lot of information, with even a train timetable!
But of course I prefer your first-hand counsel.

If anyone on the Chinese forum can help me with more answers to my questions on the previous page, I will be very grateful.

Thank you very much again.
Jordi

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by jserradell

Hello friends,

I do not know if this is the right thread to ask for this, but...

On Easter I am going to stay 5 days in Hong Kong and 3 more in Taipei.
From Hong Kong I would like to visit the cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Can please answer the next questions?

1) Is it possible to visit both cities without a guide? I mean if I can visit the cities alone, by myself ?
2) How can I go to Shenzhen? Is it possible by metro? (Hong Kong metro to the Chinese border and then Shenzhen metro?
3) is there a railway service from Hong Kong to Guangzhou? I would like to stay just 6-8 hours in Guangzhou, arriving early in the morning and coming back to Hong Kong on the evening. Where the train departs from ? Do you know how much is a return ticket? Where can I buy the tickets?
4) I know I need a visa to visit China. I will get it from the China Embassy in Spain. But do you know if the border procedures are long? Lots of questions? Problems with the Language (Unfortunately, I do not speak Chinese...)
5) If I take the train to Guangzhou, where will be the border procedures?
6) What do you recommend to visit in Shenzhen and Guangzhou? (I like skycrapers, metro, and the historical center of Guangzhou...)
7) Anything you consider worth telling me, I will appreciate it.(food, safety tips...)

Thank yoy very much
Jordi Serradell

1) Generally, the major attractions are accessible by subway in both cities, which have English signage. You can easily visit on your own. English is not widely spoken in either city, so bring a good map. You can buy street-level maps for both cities in Hong Kong.

2) You can reach Shenzhen from Hong Kong via either Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau. Both border crossings connect to the Shenzhen subway network. Lo Wu connects to the CRH on the Shenzhen side, while Lok Ma Chau is closest to the new financial district Futian.

3) Guangzhou for a day trip is a bit tough, since even the through train takes 90 minutes or so + immigration. I recommend you stay overnight. The through train website is : http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/getting_ar...ity_index.html. Even transferring to the CRH in Shenzhen will take a while (45 minutes to the border on the Hong Kong side + immigration + 1hr10 CRH to Guangzhou East). The cheapest option is actually by bus from various points in Hong Kong (Prince Edward, Wanchai CTS, etc.) but it may be a bit challenging if you don't speak Chinese. Travel time by bus is 3 hours.

5) Yes - all travel to/from China will require immigration formalities. If you carry a foreign passport, check whether you need a visa to enter China (likely). You may not need a visa for Hong Kong but you may need one for China.

6) Both Guangzhou and Shenzhen have sparkling new business districts with plenty of skyscrapers. Guangzhou also has some historic attractions as well. You can check my website for photos and places of interest.
http://www.globalphotos.org/guangzhou.htm
http://www.globalphotos.org/shenzhen.htm

7) Avoid hot-pots. There is a recent scandal on eateries using recycled waste oils that will greatly harm your health. Food scandals are common nowadays in China. Eat at reputable establishments (not your neighborhood food stall).

[jserradell]

Hello hkskyline

Thank you very much for your answers and for your travel tips.

About my trip to Guangzhou:

- I prefer train to bus. I am sure it will be easier for me.
- I would like to take the T812 train departing Hung Hom at 07:25 in the morning (arrives Guangzhou East Station at 09:20). I suppose bording procedures are included in this timetable?
- I would like to return to Hong Kong with the T819 train departing Guangzhou at 18:15 and arriving in Hong Kong at 20:08.
- if I could take this trains I would be in Guangzhou for nearly 8-9 hours. I think it is Ok. And in fact, (unfortunately) I do not have more holidays.
- Do you think all this is possible?
- Is it possible to buy a return ticket? Or I have to buy two different tickets (HK to Guangzhou and another one for Guangzhou to HK?)
- I do not remember now where I read that I need to buy the Guangzhou to HK ticket 6 hours in advance. Do you know if this is true?

And more questions:

- Are the signage in Guangzhou railway station (platform number, train to...) in English?
- Subway ticket machines in English?
- apart from the Guangzhou TV tower is it possible to go another observation deck (in Guangzhou and Shenzhen?) (by the way, your pictures are absolutely amazing, stunning and very very nice!!!, thank you very much for the link)

And thank you for your tips about food! It is always better to go to reputable restaurants!

Thank you very much again.

(Maybe I will ask you more questions...)
Jordi

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by jserradell

- I would like to take the T812 train departing Hung Hom at 07:25 in the morning (arrives Guangzhou East Station at 09:20). I suppose bording procedures are included in this timetable?

You need to arrive earlier to factor in immigration formalities. The train will depart at 0725 assuming you've cleared immigration.

Originally Posted by jserradell

- I would like to return to Hong Kong with the T819 train departing Guangzhou at 18:15 and arriving in Hong Kong at 20:08.
- if I could take this trains I would be in Guangzhou for nearly 8-9 hours. I think it is Ok. And in fact, (unfortunately) I do not have more holidays.
- Do you think all this is possible?

Should be a good day trip if you can get 8-9 hours, although it will be very exhausting! Not all of Guangzhou's key attractions are near the main railway station Guangzhou East.

Originally Posted by jserradell

- Is it possible to buy a return ticket? Or I have to buy two different tickets (HK to Guangzhou and another one for Guangzhou to HK?)
- I do not remember now where I read that I need to buy the Guangzhou to HK ticket 6 hours in advance. Do you know if this is true?

Not sure if you can buy a return ticket but you should check with the Hong Kong agent in advance as they're likely able to communicate in English. Seems the Guangzhou side imposes more time restrictions on ticketing, such as the 6-hour deadline. For full details, check : http://www.it3.mtr.com.hk/B2C/frmNotice.asp?strLang=Eng

If possible, get a return ticket from the Hong Kong side. I recall the Guangzhou East ticketing desk is very small and the station is quite run-down.

Originally Posted by jserradell

And more questions:

- Are the signage in Guangzhou railway station (platform number, train to...) in English?
- Subway ticket machines in English?
- apart from the Guangzhou TV tower is it possible to go another observation deck (in Guangzhou and Shenzhen?) (by the way, your pictures are absolutely amazing, stunning and very very nice!!!, thank you very much for the link)

Shenzhen has an observation deck at Shun Hing Square (Metro : 大剧院)
Guangzhou views can also be seen from Baiyun mountain, although it's a bit off-the-beaten track and not near the subway so best to skip it on your day trip. Beware that the TV tower is very popular. I waited in line for about 90 minutes when I visited in January.

I recall the subway ticketing machines have English, and the CRH section at Guangzhou East had some English signage :

[jserradell]

Thank you very much again Hkskyline for your answer.

Yesterday I sent an e-mail to the MTR link you posted. I asked them lots of questions. I am waiting their answer.

But unfortunately I do not yet know if it would be possible to buy both train tickets in advance (via web site or in the Hung Hom station).

And I do not understand what this text means: (from the MTR web site) :


Intercity Through Train Customer Service Centre at East Rail Line Hung Hom Station 20 mins before train departure

* 6 hours before train departure for Guangdong Line
5 days before train departure for Beijing/Shanghai Line


Do I need to BE in the Guangzhou station 6 hours before train departure?
Do I nedd to BUY the Guangzhou to Hong Kong train ticket 6 hours before train departure? (just in case I can not buy the return ticket in Hong Kong...)

It is a little confusing...

Thanks again
Jordi Serradell

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by jserradell

Intercity Through Train Customer Service Centre at East Rail Line Hung Hom Station 20 mins before train departure

* 6 hours before train departure for Guangdong Line
5 days before train departure for Beijing/Shanghai Line


Do I need to BE in the Guangzhou station 6 hours before train departure?
Do I nedd to BUY the Guangzhou to Hong Kong train ticket 6 hours before train departure? (just in case I can not buy the return ticket in Hong Kong...)

It is a little confusing...

Thanks again
Jordi Serradell

The latest you can buy tickets for the train is 20 minutes before departure at the Hong Kong ticket counter and 6 hours before departure at the Guangzhou counter. I suggest you try to buy a return ticket in Hong Kong. If not, get it upon arrival in Guangzhou that morning. I doubt you need to be at the train station 6 hours before departure in Guangzhou - they must be able to sell advance tickets if their cutoff is so early.

In the worst case where they give you trouble when trying to buy a Guangzhou - Hong Kong ticket, go for the CRH to Shenzhen and walk across the border at Lo Wu, then transfer to a local MTR East Rail train. CRH trains run very frequently (every 10-20 minutes) and you will likely find a ticket for the next train or the one after.

[jserradell]

Thank you hkskyline:

I have just received the answer from the MTR web site (Thanks for the link you sent me...), and they said that I can reserve both tickets (Northbound and southbound) by e-ticketing, and then I can collect them in Hung Hom Station (both tickets).
I think this is perfect as I do not need queuing in a Ticket desk in Guangzhou and I no need to worry about the 6h timeline. I have just to be 1h in advance for border procedures /clearance.

Thank you very much again, and if you have more counsels / tips, please let me know. They will be welcome. Surely, in the next months, while planning the trip, I will ask for more counsel!

Jordi Serradell

[jserradell]

I have a new question for you:

On 4th April, 2012 I am going to stay in Taipei (or Hong Kong, I do not know, it depends on the flight booking...).
I have read that 4th April is Tomb Sweeping Day and a public Holiday in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
I would like to ask you some questions about this day:
- Do you know if the public transport is running that day? (I mean buses, subway, planes, taxis...)
- Do you know if restaurants are open this day?
- Do you know if museums and public attractions are open?

Any other tip on this day will be very appreciated
Thank you very much

[Yellow Fever]

you should ask this question in the Taiwan or HK forum since that's where you gonna be next year.

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by jserradell

I have a new question for you:

On 4th April, 2012 I am going to stay in Taipei (or Hong Kong, I do not know, it depends on the flight booking...).
I have read that 4th April is Tomb Sweeping Day and a public Holiday in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
I would like to ask you some questions about this day:
- Do you know if the public transport is running that day? (I mean buses, subway, planes, taxis...)
- Do you know if restaurants are open this day?
- Do you know if museums and public attractions are open?

Any other tip on this day will be very appreciated
Thank you very much

Public transport runs on all public holidays and restaurants are open. Exception is during Typhoon 8 signal but even then, there is still some MTR service.

I believe most attractions remain open as well but best that you check each one's website to confirm.

[jserradell]

Thank you!
I hope there will be no typhoon on April !!!

[dean87]

ni hao peng you, heard that these days, any tourist including muslims, can't have their technical visit to all old mosques in all over beijing n tianjin. Is that true? Can anyone please explain it?

[yudibali2008]

Hi...greetings from Bali...

I'll be in China with friends between June 16-30. I'd like to meet Chinese forumer if possible.

My scheduled will go to the following cities like Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Xian, QingZhou and Beijing.

Please PM if anyone lives in those cities, i looking forward to meet local forumer

Cheers