As of November 2026, you can combine mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao in a single 7 to 14 day itinerary using separate travel documents for each region, with direct high-speed rail links between Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao removing most cross-border travel friction. HXXC Travel, based in Jiangmen Guangdong, has curated 3 popular pre-built routes that cater to 7, 10 and 14 day trip durations for first-time visitors.
Key Entry Rules as of November 2026
All policy details below are current as of November 2026, confirm official requirements 2 weeks before your travel date as rules can change without prior notice.
Visa and Travel Document Requirements
Most US, UK, EU, Australian and New Zealand passport holders get 90 days visa-free entry in Hong Kong, and 30 days visa-free entry in Macao, with no prior application required for leisure travel.
For mainland China, you need a valid C or L tourist visa unless you qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which applies to 57 nationalities at all Guangdong province ports, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao cross-border checkpoints.
Note that Hong Kong and Macao operate as separate immigration jurisdictions, so a mainland China visa does not grant you entry to either region, and vice versa.
Cross Border Transport Basics
High speed rail runs from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station direct to Guangzhou South Station in 48 minutes. Standard class tickets cost 210 HKD, with customs and immigration checks completed once at West Kowloon before departure, no further checks at intermediate stops.
To reach Macao from mainland China, take the Guangzhou-Zhuhai intercity rail from Guangzhou South to Zhuhai Station, a 1 hour 10 minute journey that costs 70 CNY. You then walk 5 minutes to the adjacent Gongbei border crossing to enter Macao.
Direct ferries run between Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal and Macao Outer Harbour Terminal, with a travel time of 55 minutes. One way standard class tickets cost 170 HKD on average.
3 Pre-Planned Itinerary Options
All routes below start and end at a major international airport, so you can connect directly to your international flight without extra backtracking.
7-Day Short Combo (For Travellers With Limited Time)
This route covers all three regions without requiring extended time off work, and is the most popular option for first-time visitors to the region.
- Day 1-2: Hong Kong, stay in Tsim Sha Tsui, visit Victoria Peak, take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, eat dim sum at Tim Ho Wan in Central
- Day 3: Take the 48 minute high speed rail from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Guangzhou South, check in to a hotel near Shamian Island
- Day 4: Explore Guangzhou, visit the Chen Clan Academy folk museum, walk along the Pearl River waterfront, eat Cantonese roast goose at a local family run restaurant in Liwan District
- Day 5: Take 1 hour 10 minute intercity rail from Guangzhou South to Zhuhai Station, cross the Gongbei border into Macao, spend the afternoon walking the Macao Historic Centre district
- Day 6: Visit the Ruins of St Paul, walk through Taipa Village, eat Portuguese egg tarts at Lord Stow's Bakery
- Day 7: Fly out directly from Macao International Airport, or take a 45 minute cross border coach back to Hong Kong International Airport for your departure flight
Total estimated cost per person for this itinerary, excluding international flights, ranges from 1200 to 1600 USD, including 3 star accommodation, all intercity transport, listed attraction entry fees and three daily meals.
10-Day Mid Length Combo
This route extends the 7 day base itinerary with 3 extra days in Guilin to add a nature stop, ideal for travellers who want to mix city sightseeing with outdoor scenery.
After day 4 in Guangzhou, take the 2 hour 45 minute high speed rail from Guangzhou South to Guilin Station. Spend two days on the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, cycle around Yangshuo's karst peak surrounded rice fields, then take the 2 hour 45 minute high speed rail back to Guangzhou to continue the Hong Kong and Macao portion of the trip.
Total estimated cost per person excluding international flights ranges from 1700 to 2100 USD.
14-Day Full Experience Combo
This route adds 4 extra days in Yunnan to the 10 day itinerary, for travellers who want to experience a mix of large city culture, natural scenery and local minority communities.
After your 2 day stay in Guangzhou, take a 2 hour 15 minute direct flight from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Kunming Changshui Airport. Spend 2 days visiting Kunming's Stone Forest and Dali Old Town, then take a 1 hour direct flight back to Guangzhou before proceeding to Hong Kong and Macao.
Total estimated cost per person excluding international flights ranges from 2400 to 2900 USD.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not assume your mainland China visa is valid for Hong Kong and Macao. You will be denied entry if you do not hold the correct entry permission for each separate region.
- Do not bring all your large luggage for day trips across the border. You can store suitcases at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station or Zhuhai Station for 20 CNY per day to travel light.
- Do not attempt to enter Hong Kong or Macao while using the 240-hour mainland China visa-free transit policy. Any border crossing into Hong Kong or Macao will reset your transit eligibility, and you will be required to exit mainland China immediately.
- Do not schedule a cross border train or ferry trip right after your international flight. Allow a minimum of 2 hours between your flight arrival and any cross border transport booking to account for delays.
FAQ
Do I need separate travel insurance for Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China?
Most standard international travel insurance plans issued in your home country cover all three regions, but double check your policy wording to confirm, as a small number of plans exclude Hong Kong and Macao from their "China" coverage.
Can I do a day trip from Hong Kong to Macao and back without a mainland China visa?
Yes, as long as you have the required Hong Kong and Macao entry permissions, you can travel directly between the two regions by ferry or high speed rail without passing through mainland China immigration at all.
How much time should I allocate for cross border customs checks?
Most crossings take between 15 and 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready, but the Gongbei border crossing between Zhuhai and Macao can take up to 90 minutes during weekends and Chinese public holidays, so plan accordingly.
Can HXXC Travel arrange a custom private tour for my combined China, Hong Kong and Macao trip?
Yes, our Jiangmen based team has been designing private combo itineraries for international travellers since 2008. We can arrange all your train tickets, hotel bookings, private local guides and cross border transfer services for a seamless trip without any self-planning work on your end.
Related private tours
- 7 Days Yunnan Classic Private Travel Itinerary — 7 days
- 25-Day China Cross-Country Travel Itinerary — 25 days
- Best of China — 19-Day Private Tour — 19 days · From US$2,450