Southern China itinerary: Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen in 7 days
A one-week China itinerary works best when the cities are close but genuinely different. Hong Kong gives you harbour energy and mountain views, Macau combines Portuguese streets with the Cotai Strip, and Shenzhen shows modern mainland China from the inside.
The route at a glance
Best pace: one hotel change plus a flexible Macau decision.
You can start in Shenzhen if the flight is better, but Hong Kong is a straightforward international gateway for many visitors. Do not add Guangzhou only because it looks close on a map. Seven days are better spent understanding three places than checking four hotel lobbies.
Days 1–2: Hong Kong without rushing it
Day 1 — harbour and neighbourhoods
Keep arrival day flexible. Walk the Central–Sheung Wan area, take the Star Ferry and finish at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. If energy allows, add Victoria Peak near sunset, but do not lock an expensive timed plan to an uncertain flight arrival.
Day 2 — choose one side of the city
For classic Hong Kong, combine a market neighbourhood, a local lunch and a harbour viewpoint. For nature and culture, use the day for Lantau, the Big Buddha and Tai O. Hong Kong rewards depth: one proper district is more memorable than six MTR exits.
See the detailed Hong Kong travel guide for neighbourhood and transport choices.
Day 3: Macau — history, food and the Cotai Strip
Take a ferry or the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge connection based on your hotel and schedule. Begin around Senado Square and the Ruins of St Paul’s, then move through the old lanes for Portuguese-Chinese food and an egg tart.
Macau is not only a heritage stop. The scale of the Cotai Strip is part of the city’s identity. Walk through major casino resorts such as the Venetian, Londoner or Galaxy even if you do not gamble. Their architecture, entertainment and sheer size explain why visitors cross the region to see Macau.
You can return to Hong Kong, sleep in Macau or continue toward Shenzhen. The best answer depends on ferry times, luggage and the next hotel — not a fixed rule. Read the Macau travel guide.
Day 4: cross into Shenzhen
If you return through Hong Kong, choose the route in the Hong Kong to Shenzhen guide. West Kowloon high-speed rail is comfortable with luggage; Futian/Lok Ma Chau works well for a flexible metro journey.
After checking in, make the first mainland day about orientation: set up payments, learn the metro, walk a central district and have a Cantonese dinner. Do not plan a remote attraction immediately after immigration.
Days 5–7: experience modern Shenzhen
Day 5 — Futian and the modern city
Combine Shenzhen Museum or a design stop with Lianhuashan Park, Civic Center and an evening skyline. This day answers the question “how did this city grow so quickly?” rather than simply collecting towers.
Day 6 — neighbourhood, food and creativity
Choose OCT Loft and Nantou Ancient Town, or explore Shekou and the waterfront. Add a dim sum lunch, local seafood or hotpot according to the group. Shenzhen’s strength is not one ancient monument; it is the variety of contemporary Chinese life.
Day 7 — coast or flexible departure
With a late flight, use the morning for Shenzhen Bay, a museum or shopping. With a full day, head east for the coast. Keep the final plan aligned with the actual airport or train departure and allow time for traffic.
The Shenzhen travel guide has specific attractions and a two-to-three-day city plan.
Where to stay
- Hong Kong: Central/Sheung Wan for island atmosphere; Tsim Sha Tsui or Jordan for Kowloon access.
- Macau: historic peninsula for old-city evenings; Cotai for casino resorts and entertainment.
- Shenzhen: Futian for a first visit and easy transport; Nanshan/Shekou for a more relaxed, coastal base.
Pick location before star rating. I would rather place a client in a well-reviewed four-star hotel beside the correct metro than a nominal five-star hotel an hour from the itinerary.
Travel costs you control directly
I can prepare the full itinerary, shortlist suitable hotels, connections and tickets, send direct booking options and check that every confirmation fits together. You choose the hotel category, location and budget, and pay each hotel, carrier or ticket provider directly. That gives you the real provider price, no hidden travel markup and complete control of the trip.
How many people are travelling?
The estimate includes my preparation and personal guiding, a good 4-star hotel, planned local transport, agreed admissions and an ordinary food budget. A 5-star hotel can be priced individually.
This is a realistic, non-binding estimate, not one package price or the price of a package holiday. You choose each hotel, transport, admission and other travel service and pay its provider directly. International flights, travel insurance, shopping and other personal spending are excluded.
See the full seven-day private guiding service or request an individual proposal after a short conversation.
Seven-day southern China questions
Is seven days enough for Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen?
Yes for a focused first visit. Three nights in Hong Kong, one Macau day or night and three Shenzhen days give each place a distinct role without constant packing.
Where should a one-week southern China trip start?
Hong Kong is the easiest international gateway for many travellers. You can then continue to Macau and cross into Shenzhen, or reverse the order around flight prices.
What does the estimated stay budget include?
It is a non-binding estimate per person for my preparation and guiding, a good 4-star hotel, planned local transport, agreed admissions and an ordinary food budget. It is not a package price. You select and pay hotels, transport, tickets and other third-party providers directly. International flights, insurance, shopping and personal spending are excluded.
I live in Shenzhen and build routes around the real border, transfer and neighbourhood logic of Hong Kong, Macau and southern China.
Make this route yours
Tell me your dates, flight and preferred pace. I will prepare the route and direct booking options, then guide your group privately.
Plan my China trip