When you have to go to Hong Kong for visa, business or entertainment, where do you begin?
If traveling alone or you’re short of time, Try to get a discount air-fare to Shen Zheng for around 800rmb, it can be as cheap as 500rmb but full price is around 1500rmb one way.
The train takes 24 hours to Shen Zheng but costs around 400rmb for a hard-sleeper. If you have plenty of time and a good interpreter, the train can be an interesting trip. The heated diner packs available on the train are edible and are basically boiled rice with beef, pork or chicken for around 25-35rmb. Another option is to split your journey, part sit-up and part sleeper.
I prefer to stay in Shen Zheng for the night and travel to Hong Kong early in the morning.
I tend to stay in Sho Kou which will cost about 100rmb from the airport including toll or you can take the shuttle bus for about 25rmb. Sho Kou is alive with a great atmosphere and a variety of entertainment, international food and beers at quite reasonable prices. Compared with Hong Kong it’s much cheaper and more entertaining.
The 7 Days Inn for around 200rmb is comfortable and best of all “convenient” to the nightlife of Shen Zheng and walking distance to the ferry terminal.
It’s advisable to leave Shen Zheng with at least HK$150.oo in 10 and 20’s, less than this may be a pain to change when you need something important. Get used to the money quickly as there are many bank currencies used in Hong Kong.
The ferry to Hong Kong costs about 100rmb and berths in Hong Kong, near Admiralty which is really close to the Chinese Embassy.
If you are at the Embassy before 08.15am you will beat the crowds, if you arrive after 8.30, the re will usually be 50 to 100 people before you. The Embassy opens at 9.00am. You can leave bags outside the Embassy which has security guys and cameras.
Remember to empty your pockets before you go through the security scanners, including lighters and steel capped boots. Also have all your documents ready and a pen. You may be lucky enough to be able to get your visa processed the same day but usually not till 10.00am the next morning.
I usually look for an hourly hotel in Kowloon where I can store my gear during the day but have to wait until they are available for sleeping, usually after 1.30am and you can stay till around 7.00am. That’s fine by me because I usually like to walk around and soak up the Hong Kong ambience till after 2.00am anyway and be up early to get to the Embassy or what ever I’m there for. The cost will vary from 70-120rmb depending on the season and you bargaining skills.
Kowloon is a bustling section of the New Territories and is easy the get to by subway. If you are planning on being in Hong Kong for any length of time, the Octopus card is a very handy item to have. It’s a prepaid card you can use for transport, admission and purchases. You can get them from any news agent or ticket office, just look for the yellow and orange sign that you see on all the buses, taxis and trains.
The train has 3 basic options;
1. Soft sleeper which is 4 bunks in an enclosed room. They certainly are more comfortable and private. This is a great option if you are traveling with companions.
2. Hard sleeper which is 6 bunks per open cubicle. Try to get the upper or middle bunk but never the bottom one. Bottom one always have people sitting and stepping on you. Up top often has extra compartment space at the end of the bunk which is perfect to stretch out, you get some length, peace and the air-conditioning. The air-con is usually to cold for some to sleep comfortably in the top bunk though.
3. Sit-up which is your standard cramped carriage. Often they are hard plastic seats and it’s not a very pleasant trip. 3-5 hrs in these seats is about my limit.
