Question:
What documentation do I need to travel to Shenzhen, and Hong Kong? Canadian citizen.?
Mr__Cool37
2010-02-24 10:37:06 UTC
I'm from Canada, and going to go to Shenzhen, China. Do I need any special documents, or am I fine with just my Canadian passport?

I also noticed that it is much cheaper to fly to Hong Kong, then I can take a train to Shenzhen, but I won't if it's too complicated. I speak a very small amount of mandarin, no Cantonese, fluent in english and french
Seven answers:
anonymous
2010-02-25 07:51:46 UTC
Welcome to HK,the Pearl of the Orient! Its stunning Victoria Harbour and The Peak have just been rated as Asia's No.1 skyline by a Japanese TV Station. If you take the MTR and train in HK, only takes 20 - 30 minutes to get to the border of Lowu, Shenzhen. English is an official language in HK, everybody able to understand the language.



HK has rich culture and history of a perfect blend of the west and east. Walk up the Escalator which begins from Central District and goes all the way up to the mid Levels. Along the Escalator you'll come across the early English settlement near Aberdeen Street, you'll also pass by Soho, South of Hollywood Rd which gives a very distinct bar and restaurant street. Hollywood Rd is the famous antique street where genuine Chinese antique are sold.



From Causeway Bay - Central District - Tsimshatsui District - Mongkok District along the MTR (subway) route are where most of the fascinating shoppings, restaurants, night life and gorgeous harbour view lies.

If you like green, sea and nature, and are not in a rush in going to places visiting one of the outlying islands ie the Silvermine Bay of Lantau Island is quite relax and gives a completely different impression of Hong Kong than the one often see in pictures. You've to catch a ferry from the Central Pier right outside IFC Building. The ferry trip takes about 20 minutes, a very nice ride if you like the sea and not in a rush.

Another beautiful mountain and sea area is Sai Kung District, there's a Seafood Street where you can handpick life seafood, have the restaurant cook them any way you like and enjoy it in front of the sea. There're many beautiful mountain trails in Hong Kong, there's one that goes all the way down to Aberdeen from the Peak. It'll take more than an hour to walk down. In Aberdeen District (you could also take a bus in Central, Causeway Bay or Wanchai Districts to get there), the boat restaurant "JUMBO" lying out in the sea is quite amusing.

Hong Kong is renowned as the world's shopping and dining paradise. You can eat like a billionaires, in the same token there're many affordable places with unbelivable prices. HK has the cheapest McDonald's prices on earth. A Cantonese wonton noodle soup is only around HK$15. A popular Chinese fast food chain all over the city, the De Coral Fast Food, with set meals under HK$30.

Buying brand names is popular in HK since there's zero sales tax nor import tariffs, brand names are often 10% - 50% cheaper than anywhere else in the world. Street vendors or flea markets is another interesting shopping paradise, they have all sorts of products selling at knockoff prices, eg the Ladies Street, the evening Temple Street vendors in Kowloon side, Stanley Market in HK side etc. Small street shops in Mongkok and Causeway Bay Districts may give you surprises too. There're also many street vendors that sell factory exports "left-overs". Most prices in HK are fixed, you may be able to bargain a few $ though in small shops and street vendors. You will hardly find any fakes or copies in HK as the law enforcement is rather strict.



Everywhere in HK is well connected by its efficient and timely public transportation system, the MTR (subway), big and mini buses. Cost is from under US$1 - $2 per ride. It's easiest to travel by MTR which runs pass all the central shopping and business districts, then either connect to a bus or walk to your destination. Separate fares are charged for each ride. Star Ferry that crosses the Victoria Harbour, and the Island Tram that runs from the East (Shaukeiwan District) to the West (Kennedy Town) of the HK Island are only HK$2 per ride which is a must for most tourists. If you like exploring on your own, simply follow the map, people on the streets always happy to offer directions. HK is one of the most foreigner-friendly cities on earth, plus lots of fun and excitment, visitors often find the place the most vibrant, exciting city that never sleeps, even when you get bored at 3 AM, you could go and have a drink in the bar or even have a delicious late snack. Convenience Stores are located in almost every corner of the main streets and are opened around the clock. The best of all, HK is extremely easy to get around being supported by affordable and well connected public transportation. Many Hongkongers are very responsive, efficient and persistent in their work that make shopping, dining or doing business a very wonderful experience. You'll also notice that Hongkongers will automatically stand by the side when walking up and down the stairs and escalators, not blocking those behind, which many Asian places are now following suit. Check www.discoverhongkong.com and have a wonderful stay!
flingebunt
2010-02-24 18:58:48 UTC
Well your destination is Shenzhen. To go to shenzhen you will need a Chinese visa which you should apply for in your home country. Though you could also apply for the Chinese visa in Hong Kong, the chinese government sometimes changes the rules, and so it depends on when you are going to China.



If you apply for a visa in Hong Kong to go to China it takes 2 or 3 days, and the price for business visas vary depending on which agent you talk to and which country you come from.



There used to be a 3 day on the spot visa for people visiting Shenzhen from Hong Kong, but I don't know if that exists anymore.



Hong Kong generally issues people on the spot visas (that is you do need a visa to go to Hong Kong, but you get it when you arrive in Hong Kong).



Going from Hong Kong to SHenzhen is pretty easy. Most people choose to take the bus from the airport. The buses stop in a variety of locations in Shenzhen, including the airport in Shenzhen and if you stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel, it will probably stop at your hotel.



There are also ferries, subways, trains and walking as means to shenzhen (you take the express train to Kowloon, you take the MTR to Lowu, walk across the border).
Craftylass
2010-02-24 18:27:12 UTC
You will need a visa to go to Shenzhen, but not for Hong Kong alone.



It is very easy to get to Shenzhen from Hong Kong. You can use the MTR (subway system); bus service or even ferry service. If you search "Hong Kong to Shenzhen" in your favorite search engine, you'll find lots of hits and suggestions.



Communication in Hong Kong is quite easy using English. MTR announcements are in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Most signs are bilingual.



Enjoy your trip!
Pierre O
2010-02-24 10:42:48 UTC
You will need a Chinese Visa to go to Shenzhen; you do not need it to go to Hong Kong. You should be OK with English in Hong Kong, but I have never tried the train to Shenzhen.

I suggest that you get the necessary papers before you leave Canada as that will be easier than trying to get a visa in Hong Kong.
anonymous
2010-02-25 17:21:41 UTC
Ports and Customs



Regarded as the most important port city in China, Shenzhen first set up a customs house by the Shenzhen River in 1900. It now boasts the latest number of border checkpoint sand the heaviest exit-entry flow of people and vehicles in the country.In 2001,shenzhen ports handled a total of 117 million passengers and 11.37 million vehicles,making it the busiest border crossing in China.Imports and exports amounted to 58.1 million tons and total container throughput was 5.07 minion TEUs, second only to shanghai. Shenzhen serves as a major gateway to world markets. Eighty percent of the container traffic between Shenzhen and Hong Kong provide services business in the Pearl River Delta and hinterland provinces, while 60 percent of the cargo crossing the border inward and outward through 10 Shenzhen is from the rest of the country.



Shenzhen is the only city on the Chinese mainland that has air,sea and land ports.



The city now has 12 first category ports,including four land ports. These include Luohu,Wenjindu, Huanggang and shatoujiao.The seaports are at Shekou,Chiwan, Dongjiaotou,Meisha,Yantian and Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant Accommodation Port.Air transport through Baoan international Airport.



24-hour border crossing between Huanggang and Lok Ma Chau checkpoints was timed to start Jan. 27,

2003, shortly before the Chinese Spring Festival.





As there has been so much confusion regarding the issuing of Chinese visas in Hong Kong in the wake of the ban during the Chinese Olympics, we've created a dedicated Chinese Visa in Hong Kong page which is updated monthly Please check there for the most current information and information on how and where to get the visa. The short answer, however, is yes, you can get a Chinese visa in Hong Kong. Alternatively, if you just want a quick peek at China, some nationalities can get a Shenzhen visa, which is specific for that city.



Please Check
?
2016-05-31 10:05:36 UTC
If you use an USA passport, and you don't have a entry VISA for China yet. I felt it is not worth the price for going to Shenzhen. The VISA costs USD100 - same price for multiple entries and single entry. Max valid about 1 year. It's too much of a price for going to Shenzhen for 1 day alone. (It's not a big deal if you are going to a whole bunch of cities.) Travelling to/from HK To Shenzhen is easy if the travelling doucment is not an issue. I saw many others have reported you with different ways.
anonymous
2010-02-24 21:20:21 UTC
All travelers entering China must have a valid Chinese visa. Travelers must apply for and be granted a Chinese visa in order to enter China.



Many people from western countries have a dis-functional sense of personal entitlement. However, there is no special treatment awaiting them in China. They must obey Chinese law when in China just like everyone else.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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