For many people, going to Hong Kong means shopping—and nothing but shopping. Or they join a tour group for a whirlwind of sightseeing. But when you’re facing a short holiday like the Qingming Festival, even if you take extra leave to stretch it to seven days, it’s not very realistic. Staying at home feels like a waste, yet Hong Kong is actually a great choice. With a three-day trip, you can enjoy a relaxed and comfortable time in Hong Kong without the hassle of lugging heavy bags and squeezing into crowded trains or subways. Hong Kong is a seaside international metropolis with beautiful sea views, delicious food, and exotic spots that are very appealing to many mainlanders. If it’s not your first visit to Hong Kong, you can skip the popular tourist spots and instead take this short break to soak in the local vibe.
Day 1
Border Crossing Options
Personally, I prefer taking the Guangzhou-Kowloon Through Train to Hong Kong or going by ferry, as there are fewer people at the border. If you move quickly after getting off the train, you might even be first in line, so you basically save time on immigration. Of course, the best option is to stay overnight near Shenzhen Luohu or Huanggang and take the early morning train the next day when it’s less crowded. For friends coming from other provinces, I really think it’s unnecessary to rush with kids in tow. Fly to Shenzhen, take a breather there—Shenzhen has plenty of worthwhile places to explore. Plus, staying in Shenzhen on the first day means more affordable hotel prices. There’s a direct train from Guangzhou East Station to Kowloon Hung Hom, with the earliest departure at 8:10 AM, arriving in Hong Kong around 10:00 AM. If you’re coming from Shenzhen, it’s best to cross the border before 8:00 AM to ensure you have ample time to explore the same day.
First-Day Shopping OptionsTsim Sha Tsui – Yau Ma Tei – Mong Kok – Kowloon City – Avenue of Stars
Why choose to shop on the first day? Maybe many of you don’t quite understand, but moms will definitely relate. If you’re staying two nights in Hong Kong, the first day is the best time for shopping. At this point, kids are full of curiosity about new things and in an excited state, so taking them out won’t result in complaints about being tired. If you’re traveling alone or with friends, I usually set aside the afternoon of the last day for shopping. First, do some window shopping around Times Square in Causeway Bay to get a sense of the latest trends—I’ll share photos of these in upcoming blog posts. Then head to Mong Kok for a major shopping spree. Before you go, do your homework: make a list of what you want to buy and the prices, then head straight to your destinations. With kids in tow, you won’t have the luxury of leisurely strolling. Of course, I’d suggest skipping the shopping part, but since many people rarely get to Hong Kong, not shopping might feel like missing out.
Recommended Shopping Route: Tsim Sha Tsui – Yau Ma Tei – Mong Kok – Kowloon City
Right after exiting the Hung Hom MTR station, there’s a big mall. In the southern part of Guangdong, this is a large shopping center. The outdoor rooftop of Harbor City offers stunning sea views, and the sea breeze is refreshing. The flagship stores of brands like LV, YSL, and D&G in Harbor City are sure to delight. If you’re staying near Tsim Sha Tsui, you can head back to your hotel for an hour’s rest after lunch before setting out again. In the afternoon, stroll along the famous Nathan Road shopping district—Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard—where you can enjoy the thrill of shopping all along the way. The street is lined with shops,
restaurants, and bars. Yau Ma Tei’s streets are lined with dazzling jewelry and clothing stores. Mong Kok is definitely a must for shoppers. On Sai Yeung Choi Street, you can find the latest and most affordable digital cameras, with both licensed and unlicensed options available. For licensed products, simply head to Broadway or Fortress, which only sell genuine goods—no unlicensed items—so visitors can shop with peace of mind. Nearby Nathan Road is known for its audio and video products, offering the latest CDs, VCDs, and DVDs. Ladies’ Market, located between Argyle Street and Nathan Road, sells all kinds of cheap goods. The section of Flower Market Street near Mong Kok is called Sneaker Street, where you’ll find all the latest sportswear and products, along with discounted seasonal clothing and sneakers. It’s a hub for various global brands and the latest sports shoes, with brand stores like Nike, Reebok, Adidas, and Puma, as well as many independent shoe shops.
You can explore the area near Tsim Sha Tsui on the first night—the hotels there are also quite affordable.
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1. Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower: Exit E at Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, walk to Salisbury Road, turn right, and take the pedestrian tunnel next to the YMCA to reach the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, then turn right toward the clock tower. The clock tower is located next to the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui. If you’re interested, take the Star Ferry—the kids love boat rides.
2. Temple Street Night Market. Located in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, this is Hong Kong’s most famous open-air market. It’s divided into northern and southern sections, with a temple in the middle, hence the name. Temple Street is a rough-and-tumble part of Hong Kong and was once a bustling nightlife spot, so keep an eye out for stalls selling pirated goods, counterfeit items, and adult content. Under the buildings along the street, you might even spot people soliciting for prostitutes. Many Hong Kong movies have used Temple Street as a backdrop. There are four temples in the area, all clustered near Public Square Street (take Exit A at Jordan MTR Station or Exit C at Yau Ma Tei MTR Station, then walk along Man Ming Lane to Temple Street). At the entrance, you’ll also find fortune-tellers, astrologers, and other interesting stalls—feel free to try your luck.
Day 2: Kowloon Park [Hong Kong Comics Avenue] – Hong Kong Museum of History – Hong Kong Science Museum – Avenue of Stars [Symphony of Lights]
Kowloon Park features several themed gardens, a children’s playground, a sculpture gallery, a maze, and more. But what’s truly exciting is the indoor heated swimming pool that meets international standards. Between the Kung Fu Corner and the Art and Hobby Corner in the park, there’s the Hong Kong Comics Avenue, showcasing a collection of beloved local comic characters. For lunch, you can find something to eat near Tsim Sha Tsui. The park also has the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre.
After exiting the back gate of Kowloon Park, cross the overpass to reach China Hong Kong City. Parents can shop there and grab lunch, then exit and take Kowloon Motor Bus Route 6 nearby, getting off at Austin Road. Not far from there is the Hong Kong Museum of History (see attraction p), next to which is the Hong Kong Science Museum (see attraction p). Consider buying a museum pass. If you want to learn more about Hong Kong’s folklore and history, the Hong Kong Museum of History is the place to go. If you’re looking to expand your scientific knowledge, the Hong Kong Science Museum’s 500+ exhibits will surely satisfy you—with about 70% of them interactive, such as playing with soap bubbles, connecting circuits, and examining household appliances.
Additionally, the Hong Kong Space Museum near the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, not far from these two museums, is also worth a visit—check it out if it interests you. In the evening, don’t miss the Symphony of Lights show at the Avenue of Stars. Take KMB Bus 8A (or 8) from outside the Science Museum and get off at the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier stop. The Victoria Harbour night view is breathtaking—don’t forget to take a photo with McDull and Bruce Lee.
Day 3: Hong Kong Disneyland
If you’re not in a rush, consider buying a two-day ticket and staying overnight in the park. The two hotels inside the park are Disney-themed and very popular with kids. If you’re returning the same day, after leaving the park in the evening, you can head to the Temple Street Night Market in Mong Kok or the nightlife spots on Knutsford Terrace, Ashley Road, or Forest Hill Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Staying at Disneyland is a fantastic experience—the rooms are huge. If you’re bringing the whole family, especially kids, the best option is to spend a night inside the park. Disneyland hotels are a bit pricey, but they have two major advantages: first, the rooms are spacious—one standard room can accommodate a family of four, making the price reasonable. Second, if you stay at a Disneyland hotel, you can extend a one-day ticket to two days for free, giving you an extra day in the park. Check-in time at Disneyland hotels is 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
There are two hotels in Disneyland: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. If you’re going specifically for Disney, it’s best to book rooms and tickets online for significant discounts.
Day 4: Ocean Park – Causeway Bay
Ocean Park is enough for a full day of fun—you mustn’t miss “Tropical Rainforest,” which promises a surprising adventure for the whole family. Enter the “Rainforest Trail” and encounter rare animals, including the world’s smallest monkey (the pygmy marmoset), the rhinoceros beetle (which can lift up to 850 times its body weight), and the capybara (the world’s largest rodent). Hop on an adventure rubber boat to experience the thrilling Tropical River Rapids, navigating sharp turns—but watch out for surprise water gun attacks.
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If you still have energy in the evening, parents can head to Causeway Bay for a one-stop shopping spree.
Shopping in Causeway Bay
1. Times Square (MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit A): Located at 1 Matheson Street on Hong Kong Island in Causeway Bay, Times Square is the largest shopping mall in the area. The complex consists of two towers, one 46 stories and the other 39 stories tall. The basement and first floor house Lane Crawford department store, which also carries La Mer. If you’re looking for a wide variety of items and want to save time and energy, Times Square in Causeway Bay is your top choice. Each floor has a distinct focus, making it easy to find what you need. Rule of thumb: the higher you go, the lower the prices and the more Hong Kong brands you’ll find. It’s quite famous, mostly featuring boutique-style stores. The square also hosts exhibitions from time to time, displayed at the entrance or in the second-floor lobby—definitely worth checking out. But every time I go to Times Square, I just do some window shopping—the items are mostly new arrivals and quite pricey. I’ll share more details in upcoming blog posts.
2. SOGO (Causeway Bay Station Exit D3): Sogo Department Store is located at 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island. The store houses approximately 290 franchised sales counters of top international brands. It is just a short walk from Times Square. Heading west from Sogo (toward the direction of Causeway Bay Plaza Phase I), you’ll find over a dozen jewelry stores such as Chow Sang Sang, Chow Tai Fook, Diamondmark, TSL, and MaBelle within just a few dozen meters.
3. Marks & Spencer is located on the 3rd to 4th floors of Times Square. This traditional British department store is especially popular among locals for its plus-size clothing and underwear. Discounted items are available in the store’s bargain corner, where slightly damaged men's, women's, and children's apparel, as well as leather shoes, are sold at 30% off. I always pick up their promotional newspaper at the entrance gate—great for us smaller-sized ladies to hunt for little treasures.
D5 Second Day Itinerary: Stanley + Repulse Bay + The Peak
1. Stanley
(MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D, walk to Central Exchange Square Bus Terminus and take bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66, or 260 to the Stanley Terminus. Fares vary; bus 6 seems to be the cheapest.) Moms traveling with kids might prefer taking the direct tourist bus 260—it’s a shorter ride, the buses are newer and more spacious, though the fare is a bit higher, about HK$10.6 per person. Hong Kong Maritime Museum, also known as Murray House; Stanley Market; Stanley Pier. This area is great for photos, but you’ll need cash for food and shopping. Clothes at Stanley Market are more suited to middle-aged and elderly people—not too trendy—but the prices are surprisingly affordable. Stanley Pier is perfect for photography, with many private yachts and sailboats floating on the water—a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
The legendary Murray House, where many TVB-style afternoon teas are enjoyed
2. Repulse Bay
(From Stanley, take bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66, or 260 to Repulse Bay. Note: if paying with cash, even though it’s only three stops from Stanley to Repulse Bay, the full fare is charged. If using an Octopus card, remember to tap in and out to get a half-price refund upon exiting.)
The first impression of Repulse Bay is how clean it is
The beach and water here are both very clean
3. Apart from Stanley and Repulse Bay, I personally think South Lamma Island or Cheung Chau are better choices for families with kids, especially South Lamma Island, which I’ll highlight in a future blog post. My first visit left me amazed—it felt like I had arrived at Gulangyu. The banyan tree-lined streets of Wong Wan are very quaint and artistic, with colorful boats docked in the harbor, making it fantastic for photography. South Lamma Island is actually quite large; exploring both bays could easily take a whole day. You can take a ferry from Central Pier, with tickets at HK$16.1—you can either toss coins into the machine or use your Octopus card. The trip takes about half an hour. I think if you have time, staying overnight on the island is totally worthwhile—the place is really laid-back. I highly recommend it.
Later in the afternoon, you can visit the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum on The Peak. Just walk uphill along Garden Road to reach the Peak Tram terminus. Aside from taking photos with celebrity wax figures, you can also step into classic Hong Kong cha chaan teng settings and have your parents take pictures with the newly arrived Hong Kong cartoon characters—McDull and McKee. Have fun in the vibrant world of the Pineapple Bun Prince. Hong Kong Madame Tussauds showcases over a hundred lifelike wax figures of international and local celebrities and offers interactive games—each figure is incredibly realistic. Don’t miss the night view from The Peak in the evening.