Before you go
We now organise this city in ten chapters. The page you want is Before you go.
Entry & border
Which rule, which crossing.
Hong Kong → Shenzhen crossings
Which border to use and which visa rule applies.
Read →240-hour transit: Shenzhen ports
For entry, only Bao’an Airport, Shekou port and the West Kowloon high-speed rail count. The national rules are in China essentials.
Read →144-hour Greater Bay Area groups
HK/Macau tour groups have historically been able to stay up to 144 hours in the Greater Bay Area — confirm the current official rule.
Read →Getting around
Metro, taxis and a card for the driver.
Metro: just tap your card
Since 10 Sep 2026, all 17 lines and 432 stations accept contactless foreign cards. Contactless must be enabled.
Read →Taxis & DiDi
How to hail and pay, being written.
Read →Show-the-driver cards
Ten free printable cards in big Chinese with English names.
Read →Local tips
Small things that save money and time.
Seafood without getting ripped off
Official advice: read the price tag, watch the weighing, and agree the total before it’s cooked.
Read →Yum cha manners
Ordering, pouring tea and the tea charge, coming soon.
Read →Bargaining at Huaqiangbei
How to shop the electronics markets, coming soon.
Read →