Hong Kong & Shenzhen Toddler / Kids Friendly Itinerary
Here's a summarized version of our recent HK & SZ itinerary for your reference. Scroll further down for more details and reviews.
Day 1: Arrival in Hong Kong
- 5:00 PM: Arrival at HK International Airport
- Take Airport Express to Kowloon Station
- Cab to hotel (Alternatively, take MTR)
- Dinner at Cantonese restaurant near Shangri-La Hotel
- Explore K11 Art Mall and K11 Musea
- Enjoy harbor view and light show at 8:00 PM
Day 2: Ocean Park and Shopping
- Breakfast at Red Tea House
- Visit Ocean Park (Grand Aquarium, indoor enclosure)
- Lunch at Harbour City Mall
- Explore Ocean Terminal rooftop for harbor view
- Dinner at Shang Palace
Day 3: Hong Kong Disneyland
- Visit Disneyland (Frozen Land, rides, shows)
- Utilize HK Disneyland app for reservations and information
- Set lunch and set dinner included
- Depart Disneyland around 7:00 PM
Day 4: Departure to Shenzhen
- Morning pastries from Bakehouse
- Take high-speed rail to Shenzhen from West Kowloon Station
- Arrive early for immigration queue to avoid missing the train!
- Lunch at Futian Train Station
- Check-in at hotel in Luohu District
- Explore COCO Park Mall and Dongmen Old Street
Day 5: Splendid China Folk Village
- Visit Splendid China Folk Village
- Sightseeing and photo opportunities
- Shopping at MixC Shopping Centre and KK Mall
- Dinner at Century Plaza Hotel
- Explore Luohu Commercial City
Day 6: Return to Hong Kong
- Return to Hong Kong via high-speed rail
- Lunch at Ichiran Ramen
- Try Kam’s Roast Goose in Wan Chai
- Window shopping at IFC Mall
- Take Star Ferry to Kowloon
- Visit Avenue of Stars and Bruce Lee statue
- Explore Ladies’ Street Night Market in Mongkok
Day 7: Departure from Hong Kong
- Morning breakfast at Red Teahouse
- Take high-speed rail to airport
- Enjoy indoor play area at departure gates
*****
Day 1: Arrival in Hong Kong
We landed at around 5:00 PM and collected our stroller just outside the plane. We had to wait until all the passengers have disembarked before the stroller came out. Depending on the airline, the stroller may come out from the odd sized luggage belt, so do check with the cabin crew so you don't miss it.
After filling in our Arrival card and going through immigration, we made our way to the Airport Express, our gateway to the bustling heart of Kowloon. With tickets in hand, we boarded the train, eager to start our journey. As the train whisked us away, we marveled at the sleek efficiency of Hong Kong's transportation system.
Tip: Purchase airport express tickets from the staff at physical counter for special discounted prices, not available at the machines/online. You may also get your Octopus card here. Get your Octopus card deposit refunded at the airport as well before leaving Hong Kong.
Arriving at Kowloon Station, we opted for a cab to our hotel, eager to settle in after our journey. We made the right choice here as going from Kowloon Station to Austin MTR stations is quite a long walk, which is not fun with a lot of luggage and child in tow.
Once settled into our accommodations, hunger beckoned, and we ventured out to a nearby Cantonese restaurant, tantalizing aromas leading the way. With bellies full and spirits high, we embarked on an evening stroll, drawn to the newly opened K11 Art Mall and K11 Musea. Amidst the modernity and artistry, we found a haven for our little one, with kid-centric stores and the enchanting Lego Discovery Centre.
As night descended, we found ourselves at the waterfront, gazing out at Victoria Harbour, a spectacle of lights and colors dancing across the skyline. The Symphony of Lights, a nightly extravaganza, painted the sky with a symphony of sound and light, a fitting welcome to the vibrant city of Hong Kong.
Day 2: Ocean Park and Shopping
With the morning sun casting its golden glow upon the city, we set out for a day of adventure at Ocean Park. The journey began with a hearty breakfast at Red Tea House, indulging in classic Hong Kong delicacies like the polo bun, egg tarts and milk tea.
Arriving at Ocean Park, we were greeted by the sight of towering cliffs and azure waters, a sanctuary for both marine life and thrill-seekers alike. Our first stop was the Grand Aquarium, a mesmerizing underwater world teeming with colorful fish, stingrays and sharks gliding through the waters.
Undeterred by the rain, we ventured uphill via the train, eager to explore the park's myriad attractions. While the cable car eluded us due to stroller restrictions. Unfortunately the dolphin show was closed due to the thunderstorms. After a meal at McDonalds, we went back down via the train and found solace in the indoor enclosures, where red pandas, giant pandas, and playful otters captivated our little one's imagination.
A stormy afternoon and dolphin show was cancelled :(
As the rain persisted, we sought refuge in Harbour City Mall, the perfect haven for a spot of shopping amidst the stormy weather. Bundled up in waterproof jackets, we braved the elements, discovering hidden treasures and sheltering from the storm.
Dinner beckoned at Shang Palace, a culinary oasis conveniently nestled within our hotel. Despite the hefty price tag, each dish was a symphony of flavors, a testament to the culinary mastery of Cantonese cuisine.
Day 3: Hong Kong Disneyland
Awaking to the promise of magic and wonder, we embarked on a journey to the happiest place on earth: Hong Kong Disneyland. With tickets in hand (pre-purchased from Klook) and hearts aflutter, we set out to make dreams come true.
Stepping through the gates of Disneyland, we were transported to a world of fantasy and enchantment. Our first stop was the newly opened Frozen Land, where the beloved characters of Elsa and Anna awaited, ready to weave their spellbinding tale.
Utilizing the HK Disneyland app, we navigated our way through the park, strategically planning our day to maximize fun and minimize wait times. The app is a must to reserve a free slot for the live theatrical show with Elsa and Anna. From thrilling rides to whimsical attractions, there was something for everyone, including our little one, who squealed with delight at each new discovery.
As the day unfolded, we found ourselves immersed in a whirlwind of adventure, from heart-pounding roller coasters to whimsical parades that ignited the imagination. With each moment captured in memory, we savored the magic of Disney.
As dusk descended upon the park, we bid farewell to Mickey and his friends with a beautiful night view of the Disney castle.
Day 4: Departure to Shenzhen
For breakfast, we bought some pastries from Bakehouse in Tsim Sha Tsui. This place is known for their sourdough egg tarts but has very limited quantities. Shop opens at 8am but queue already starts around 7am. If you arrive at 7:30am, there may be a chance that it’s sold out to the crowd in front of you. You could then pre-order and collect at the store a few hours later.
We bid farewell to the vibrant streets of Hong Kong, embarking on a new adventure across the border to Shenzhen. Armed with pre-purchased tickets from Klook and a sense of anticipation, we set out for West Kowloon Station, the gateway to our next destination.
Arriving 1.5 hour in advance to avoid the dreaded queues, we found ourselves swept up in a whirlwind of activity, the hustle and bustle of travelers echoing through the station. Despite our best efforts, we narrowly missed our initial departure by a few minutes.
We managed to secure new tickets at no additional costs from the ticketing counter for the next train, our spirits undimmed by the unexpected delay. Boarding the high-speed rail, we marveled at the seamless efficiency of the Chinese transportation system, whisking us away to Shenzhen in under 15 minutes.
Arriving in Shenzhen, we were greeted by a city brimming with possibility, its modern skyline a testament to its rapid development. Eager to explore, we hailed a taxi to our hotel in the bustling Luohu District.
Despite the forecasted thunderstorms, we refused to let the weather dampen our spirits, venturing out to explore the vibrant streets of Shenzhen. We visited COCO Park Mall and had dinner here followed by the Dongmen Old Street (Laojie station) for some night vibes, budget shopping and street food.
COCO Park mall (alight at Shopping Park station). A huge variety of shops and eateries can be found here.
Day 5: Splendid China Folk Village
As the sun rose over the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the cityscape, we set out to explore the cultural wonders of Shenzhen. Our destination: the Splendid China Folk Village, a sprawling theme park celebrating the rich tapestry of Chinese history and heritage.
Arriving at the park, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight: miniature replicas of iconic landmarks, from the Great Wall of China to the Forbidden City, each painstakingly recreated in exquisite detail. With each step, we embarked on a journey through time, immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of ancient China.
From majestic pagodas to serene temples, the park offered a wealth of photo opportunities, each corner revealing a new wonder to behold. We marveled at the intricate craftsmanship of the miniature buildings, a testament to the enduring legacy of Chinese culture.
Despite the sweltering heat, we pressed on, eager to explore every corner of the park. From the bustling streets of old Beijing to the tranquil villages of rural China, each section offered a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Chinese life.
Dinner was at Century Plaza hotel, reasonably priced dim sum and Cantonese fare. Very clean and nice restaurant with friendly staff. Overall we only spent SGD20+ here for 2 adults for their beef hor fun dish and a few plates of dim sum. Food was good but the noodles were still a bit too oily and salty.
After that we walked over to Luohu Commercial City, an old school mall known for selling Grade A fake luxury goods, clothings and luggages. While we didn’t buy anything, it was still fun to walk around the mall. However, some areas were a bit smoky as we saw people smoking right next to the no smoking sign.
Day 6: Return to Hong Kong
With our time in Shenzhen drawing to a close, we embarked on the final leg of our journey, returning to the vibrant streets of Hong Kong. Boarding the high-speed rail once more, we marveled at the seamless efficiency of the Chinese transportation system, whisking us back to the bustling heart of Kowloon in a matter of 15 minutes.
Arriving in Hong Kong, we were greeted by familiar sights and sounds. Eager to make the most of our final day, we set out to explore the vibrant streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, where the promise of culinary delights awaited.
Lunch at Ichiran Ramen was a highlight of the day, the rich flavors of the broth warming our souls as we slurped noodles with gusto. I became a fan ever since trying it in Japan but unfortunately they do not have a branch in Singapore.
Left: Half eaten ramen Right: Kids ramen for free!
From there, we ventured to Wan Chai to sample the famous Michelin-starred delights of Kam's Roast Goose, savoring each succulent bite with relish. The queue was short at 3pm but we decided to order takeaway since our bellies were still full with ramen.
With bellies full and hearts content, we embarked on a journey through the bustling streets of Hong Kong, from the gleaming halls of IFC Mall to the tranquil waters of Victoria Harbour on board the Star Ferry.
Later in the evening, we took a train to MongKok to the famous Ladies’ street night market. It is a very long street but the variety was limited and not as fun as how I remembered it 7 years ago. I would not really recommend visiting this place as we didn’t find any good buys here. Even the food options were a bit disappointing.
Day 7: Departure from Hong Kong
As the sun rose on our final day in Hong Kong, we savored every moment, determined to make the most of our remaining time in this vibrant city. With breakfast from Red Teahouse in hand, we bid farewell to the bustling streets of Kowloon and took the airport express to the airport.
There is an indoor play area for kids at the departure gates so do check them out. The airport is bright, spacious and equipped with clean diaper changing rooms.
Recommended apps to download if you head to China:
- Wechat to make payments, connect to a card like Youtrip for better FX rates
- AMAP as Google maps doesn’t work
- 大众点评 to find popular food places near you and read reviews
- ExpressVPN or NordVPN so you can access Whatsapp, FB, Google etc.
- Airalo app to purchase esims. Data is affordable at a few dollars for a week. However it only works on phones that supports esims. Use my Airalo referral code when carting out (VIVIAN6659) for USD3 off your first purchase!
Tips:
1. Pre-purchase tickets for attractions and transportation to save time and money.
2. Utilize apps for reservations and information, such as the HK Disneyland app (this app is a must!).
3. Check weather forecasts and prepare accordingly, especially for outdoor activities.
4. Arrive early for transportation, especially for high-speed rail, to avoid missing departure.
5. Download apps for discounts or freebies at restaurants, like the Ichiran Ramen app.
6. Explore a variety of shopping options, from modern malls to traditional markets.
7. Stay flexible with plans in case of unexpected closures or changes in weather.
8. Take advantage of kid-friendly amenities, like indoor play areas and diaper changing rooms.
9. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, especially in markets like Ladies’ Street.
10. Enjoy the unique experiences each city offers and create lasting memories with your family!
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