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Territory of China

Eastern Asia

Hong KongTravel guide

Explore Hong Kong visa rulesCommon scams in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a busy harbour city with strong Chinese and British influences. Beyond the crowded streets, you can find mountains, rocky islands and quiet countryside.

Why go

  1. Explore districts with different ways of life by bus or tram.

  2. Find wide views and quiet places in the countryside and Country Parks.

  3. Try Cantonese food, other regional Chinese dishes, and Asian and Western cooking.

Best time to go: Autumn, from September to November, is generally comfortable, with average temperatures around 20–25°C. Spring is more humid and rainy; summer is hot and humid, with typhoons usually occurring from June to September and sometimes into October.

Getting there

By land

  • Direct trains from mainland China arrive at West Kowloon Station. All direct rail services are high-speed trains.
  • Daytime journeys take about 23 minutes from Shenzhen and 48 minutes from Guangzhou. Longer services also connect Hong Kong with Shanghai and Beijing.
  • West Kowloon Station connects with Austin and Kowloon railway stations and a bus terminal. There is a food court before the gates, but no shops or restaurants after mainland immigration.

Customs

  • Use the Red Channel to declare banned goods or goods above your allowance. This also applies when arriving from mainland China, Macau or Taiwan.
  • Items requiring declaration include meat, eggs, animal products, fish and rice over 15 kg. The source also lists certain radio transmitters, goods with fake trademarks and substances that damage the ozone layer.
  • Smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and herbal cigarettes are listed as banned or restricted goods.

Getting around

  • Public transport and payment

    Public transport is extensive and relatively cheap. Google Maps works in Hong Kong. An Octopus card is the most convenient way to pay for public transport. It is also commonly accepted for small purchases. Contactless bank card payments are available on several transport services, but coverage varies. On the Mass Transit Railway, usually called the MTR, use the light blue gates for supported contactless payments.

  • Bus

    Buses reach more places than the railway, but city traffic can make them slower. English signs can be limited, so route planning apps can help. Check the fare on the display above the farebox. You can pay with an Octopus card or cash, but cash payments receive no change. Wait at the stop showing your route number and raise your arm as the bus approaches. Board at the front door. Press the red stop button before your stop. Leave through the centre door. Routes starting with A serve the airport, B serve land border crossings, and N are night buses. Routes starting with W end at West Kowloon Station. Most routes use double-decker buses. The front seats upstairs offer good views.

  • Car

    Traffic drives on the left. Heavy traffic and a complex road network can make driving difficult. Parking spaces are scarce and expensive. Most visitors can get around using public transport. Some parts of the New Territories, Lantau Island and southern Hong Kong Island have limited public transport.

What to see and do

  • Hong Kong's harbour and busy streets

    The harbour city has crowded streets and a mix of Chinese and British influences.

  • Mountains and rocky islands

    These show a quieter side of Hong Kong, with striking rural views.

  • Country Parks

    Much of the countryside is protected as Country Park, with pockets of wilderness away from the busy city.

  • Explore by bus or tram

    These cheap journeys let you see different districts and ways of life.

  • Go hiking

    The countryside offers views and quieter places to explore. Carry enough water and take regular rests because heat stroke is common.

  • Try different cuisines

    Hong Kong offers Cantonese, Hakka, Teochew and other regional Chinese food, along with Asian and Western options.

Food and drink

  • Porridge and noodles

    These are basic meal choices, with prices starting at about HK$30 per serving.

  • Cantonese meals

    Dishes include winter melon soup, steamed beef cake and rice.

  • Slow-boiled soup

    This is a local favourite; one example is pig lung and almond soup.

  • Hong Kong curry

    Local curries are generally adapted to Cantonese tastes and are much less spicy than many Indian curries.

  • Hakka and Teochew food

    Both communities have strongly influenced local cooking, and their restaurants offer alternatives to Cantonese food.

  • Cakes and pastries

    These remain popular and reflect British influence on local food.

Money

Hong Kong dollar (HKD)

  • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Carry some cash because some street vendors require it.
  • Octopus payments are common for transport, convenience stores and chain restaurants.
  • Mobile payments using square scanning codes are less common than in mainland China.
  • Hong Kong has no sales tax. Hotel rooms have a separate accommodation tax.

Tipping: Tipping is generally optional, and cheap restaurants do not expect it. Many mid-range and expensive restaurants add a 10% service charge; hotel room service and porters commonly expect HK$10–20, with porters expecting this per bag.

Typical costs

  • A comfortable mid-range hotel room costs at least HK$800 per night.
  • A hostel bed may cost less than HK$200.
  • Most public transport journeys cost a few Hong Kong dollars.
  • A basic meal of porridge or noodles starts at about HK$30.
  • Mid-range restaurant meals commonly cost HK$200–300 per person.

Language

  • Chinese and English are the official languages.
  • Cantonese is the main local spoken language.
  • English is common in business and tourist areas, but some people are less comfortable speaking it. Government offices must provide services in English.
  • Mandarin is spoken by many tourism workers, but local ability varies. If you do not speak Cantonese, try English first.
  • Hong Kong Sign Language is used by the deaf community.
唔該 — m' goi
Please, thank you or excuse me; it rhymes with 'boy' and ends with a rising tone.

Staying safe

  • Hong Kong is generally very safe, and violent crime is extremely rare. Watch for pickpockets in crowded places, especially on public transport at busy times.
  • Avoid loan sharks and illegal betting to stay away from organised crime groups.
  • Police officers must show their warrant cards when asked. English-speaking interpreters are available if an officer cannot speak English well.
  • Call 999 for urgent police, fire or ambulance help. If you cannot describe your location, give the operator the number on the nearest lamppost.
1 common scams in Hong Kong, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Ask hotel staff to write your destination and street name in Chinese characters. Taxi drivers and other locals may not recognise English street names.
  • Use traditional Chinese characters for written communication. Most locals cannot read Cantonese written with Roman letters.
  • To thank someone who pours your tea, tap two or three fingers on the table three times.
  • Leave the teapot lid open when you want more tea.
  • Ask staff for a serving spoon if your dishes do not come with one.

Don't

  • Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice. This is linked with death and funeral incense.
  • Do not use chopsticks to move plates or bowls, or to make noise.
  • Do not offer tips to government employees or police officers. This is treated as bribery and is illegal.

Laws to know

  • Fine dining can cost HK$1,000 or more per person.

Staying healthy

  • Medical care is excellent but expensive for tourists, who must pay the full cost. Emergency treatment is guaranteed even if you cannot pay immediately, but you will be billed later.
  • Tourists pay HK$570 for emergency services. Patients with less urgent problems may face long waits.
  • Carry a sweater even in summer. The change between hot outdoor weather and cold air-conditioned buildings can be uncomfortable and may cause cold symptoms.
  • When hiking, carry enough water and take planned rests before you feel unwell. Heat stroke is common.

Phone and internet

  • Google Maps can be used in Hong Kong.
  • Mobile internet in West Kowloon Station's Mainland Port Area is provided by Hong Kong operators. Mainland Chinese internet censorship does not apply there.

Where to stay

  • Hong Kong has a wide choice of places to stay, from hostels to luxury hotels. Accommodation is expensive compared with many other parts of Asia.
  • A comfortable mid-range room costs at least HK$800 per night. A budget hostel bed may cost less than HK$200.
  • Hotel rooms carry a 3% accommodation tax, calculated without service charges. You pay it when you pay for the room.

Trips to Hong Kong

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
Hong Kong, Harbour and HillsTsim Sha TsuiCentral and Victoria PeakLantau IslandWest KowloonFrom, per person~US$1,050
 6 nights
Hong Kong Family Days and DisneyTsim Sha TsuiVictoria PeakOcean ParkHong Kong Disneyland ResortFrom, per person~US$1,370
 8 nights
Hong Kong, City and Island DaysTsim Sha TsuiCentral and Victoria PeakLantau IslandWest KowloonFrom, per person~US$1,690

Outdoor adventures in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has mountain trails, country parks, quiet islands and beaches beyond its busy streets. You can hike, camp, surf, sail, watch wild dolphins or dive off the eastern coast of the New Territories.

  • Maclehose Trail

    HikeNew Territories

    October–February

    Choose a section of the trail. Many hiking starting points are accessible by bus, minibus or taxi.

    • Carry a detailed hiking map, a compass, a phone, food and plenty of water.
    • Steep paths and summer heat can make hiking strenuous.

  • Lantau Trail

    HikeLantau Island

    October–February

    Choose a section on Lantau Island. Many hiking starting points are accessible by bus, minibus or taxi.

    • Carry a detailed hiking map, a compass, a phone, food and plenty of water.
    • Summer heat and humidity increase the risk of heat stroke.

  • Hong Kong Trail

    HikeHong Kong Island

    October–February

    Choose a section on Hong Kong Island. Many hiking starting points are accessible by bus, minibus or taxi.

    • Carry a detailed hiking map, a compass, a phone, food and plenty of water.
    • Take planned rests and drink water before you feel unwell.

  • Wilson Trail

    HikeHong Kong Island and New Territories

    October–February

    Choose a section of the trail, which starts on Hong Kong Island and finishes in the New Territories. Many hiking starting points are accessible by bus, minibus or taxi.

    • Carry a detailed hiking map, a compass, a phone, food and plenty of water.
    • Steep paths and summer heat can make hiking strenuous.

  • Sai Kung Peninsula hikes

    HikeSai Kung Peninsula, New Territories

    October–February

    Choose a route through the peninsula's mountains and coastal scenery. Many hiking starting points are accessible by bus, minibus or taxi.

    • Carry a detailed map, a phone, food and plenty of water.
    • Summer heat and humidity can make even easier walks strenuous.

  • Victoria Peak hike

    HikeHong Kong Island

    October–February

    Walk up to Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island.

    • Carry enough water and take planned rests.
    • Hot, humid summer weather increases the risk of heat stroke.

  • Repulse Bay

    BeacheSouth side of Hong Kong Island

    Visit this large urban beach on the south side of Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong's urban beaches can be reached by bus.

  • Shek O

    BeacheHong Kong Island

    Take a bus from the north side of Hong Kong Island. The beach has a good bus service.

  • Big Wave Bay

    SurfingHong Kong Island

    Visit Big Wave Bay for its beach and waves that appeal to surfers. A coastal walking route connects it with Chai Wan.

  • Hung Shing Yeh Beach

    BeacheLamma Island

    Take a ferry from Central Pier to Yung Shue Wan. Walk about 20 minutes from the ferry terminal to the beach. There are no buses or taxis on Lamma.

  • Sai Kung junk boat trip

    SailingSai Kung and nearby beaches

    One day

    Rent a junk boat, a traditional-style boat, for a day trip from Sai Kung. Choose a route to nearby beaches. A smaller water taxi is a cheaper alternative for reaching a chosen destination.

  • Chinese White Dolphin watching off Tung Chung

    WildlifeWaters off Tung Chung, Lantau Islandnear Tung Chung

    The dolphins live in the waters just off Tung Chung on Lantau Island. Viewing arrangements are not specified.

  • East New Territories diving

    Scuba divingOff the east coast of the New Territories

    The main area highlighted for diving is off the east coast of the New Territories. Operators and departure points are not specified.

    • Hong Kong has busy shipping lanes.

  • Middle Bay

    BeacheHong Kong Island

    Walk about 20 minutes from Repulse Bay.

    • The beach has lifeguards and shark nets.

  • Big Wave Bay to Chai Wan coastal walk

    HikeHong Kong Island

    About one hour; longer if you are not used to steep climbs October–February

    Follow the coastal footpath from Big Wave Bay to Chai Wan. Chai Wan has MTR train and bus connections.

    • The route includes a steep climb up the mountain.
    • Carry enough water and take planned rests.

  • North East New Territories village trails

    HikeNorth East New Territories

    October–February

    Explore hiking trails that connect traditional abandoned villages. Check your route against maps of restricted areas.

    • Permit: Some unofficial trails in the New Territories enter restricted frontier or military areas. Entry requires official permission, and frontier entry permits are not issued to hikers.
    • Avoid restricted frontier and military areas.
    • Stay away from areas marked with red flags or red lights for live firing.

  • Hong Kong Wetland Park boardwalks

    HikeNew Territories

    Easy

    Visit Hong Kong Wetland Park and stroll along its network of boardwalks.

  • Pui O beach camping

    More to do

    October–February

    Choose Pui O beach for a camping stay. Access details are not specified.

    • Cost: Hong Kong campsites are free of charge.
    • Check fire warnings during the cooler camping season.
    • Light fires only in designated places.

  • Lantau Island mountain biking

    CyclingLantau Island

    Visit Lantau Island for mountain biking in its countryside. Routes and bike-hire arrangements are not specified.

Airports, metros and trains in Hong Kong

Airports with scheduled flights

  • HKGHong Kong International AirportHong KongMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
268 km
Electrified
268 km
High-speed lines
26 km
Top speed
200 km/h

People and safety in Hong Kong

Religion

Most people are No religion. Very mixed.

  • No religion56%
  • Christian14%
  • Buddhist13%
  • Folk religions13%
  • Muslim2%
  • Other2%
  • Hindu<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #41 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

92% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 148 of 198 countries can visit Hong Kong easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required147
  • eTA required1
  • eVisa45
  • Visa required4
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe44 of 46 countries
  • Americas33 of 35 countries
  • Oceania13 of 14 countries
  • Africa31 of 54 countries
  • Asia27 of 49 countries

Questions

Is Hong Kong part of China?

Hong Kong is a territory linked to China, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit China.

Does a China visa let me visit Hong Kong?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for China may not cover Hong Kong. Check the Hong Kong visa page for your passport.

When is the most comfortable time to visit?

Autumn, from September to November, is generally comfortable, with average temperatures around 20–25°C. Spring is usually more humid and rainy.

Do I need to rent a car?

Most visitors can use the extensive public transport system. Driving involves heavy traffic, a complex road network and expensive, scarce parking.

Can I pay by card everywhere?

Cards are widely accepted, but some street vendors require cash. An Octopus card is useful for public transport and small purchases.

Can I get by speaking English?

English is common in business and tourist areas, though ability varies elsewhere. Ask hotel staff to write destinations in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.

How do I get a table at a busy restaurant?

You usually register, collect a ticket and wait for an empty seat. Reservations are generally available only at more expensive restaurants.

Do I need to leave a tip?

Tipping is generally optional, and cheap restaurants do not expect it. Many mid-range and expensive restaurants add a 10% service charge.

How much should I expect to pay for accommodation?

A comfortable mid-range hotel room costs at least HK$800 per night, while a hostel bed may cost less than HK$200. Hotel rooms also carry a 3% accommodation tax.

Can I drink tap water?

The water authority says it is safe unless old plumbing or poorly maintained tanks affect it. Most locals boil and cool tap water or use bottled water.

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