Trip Young & Dangerous (HK, Macau & Shenzhen) : Day 3 - Shenzhen

Shenzhen, along with Macau is the quickest and easiest Quick Trip from Hong Kong (if you don’t count worthy destinations within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region). Shenzhen is close enough to go for a day or even part of a day but has enough to entertain a visitor for many repeat trips (by population, Shenzhen is actually bigger than Hong Kong, and so it makes sense that it has a lot to offer). A border crossing and a significant difference in environment add to the feeling of adventure, and for that reason, our itinerary on the 3rd day was to Shenzhen. Looking for what Shenzhen is famous of... Shopping and The Window of The World (WOTW).


i) Shenzhen Border, Lu Wo Station

Shenzhen, in southeastern China, is a modern metropolis that links Hong Kong to China’s mainland. It's known for its shopping destinations, including Luohu Commercial City, a massive mall with a vast array of wares, from tailors’ custom clothing to faux designer bags. The city also features contemporary buildings, such as the 600m-tall skyscraper Ping An International Finance Centre, and a number of amusement parks.

Getting there
The easiest way is by MTR Subway. The HK Metro System connects to the city of Shenzhen (just across the boarder into China).

Direction: Take the East Rail Line to Lo Wu MTR station (pale blue line)
Travel time : Approx 35mins (Hung Hom - Lo wu)

We started our journey around 10pm. Ya, a bit late since we were still recovering from yesterday's full packed trip and  needed more rest to recharge our energy. As ussual, we had a light breakfast (Biscuits and Nestum), packed Brahims instant Fried Rice for lunch and off we went to explore. Luckily our hotel was not very far from the MTR station. We went to find the East TST Station, take purple line to Hung Hom, then transit to East Rail Line to Lo Wu.

Almost 12 stops to reach Lo Wu station. It's better that you find a seat to sit because it'll be a long journey :D


Travel to Shenzhen on Oct & Nov is considered the best as the weather is cool and pleasant. We had a nice view along the journey, nothing like the Hong Kong skyline. After about 45mins, we reached the Lo Wu Station and I started to feel a leap of excitement.

At Lo Wu Station, we exited the station by scanning our Octopus Card (still can be used in this border) then just followed the crowds and entered the immigration building. Make sure also you followed the correct signboard (either for foreigners / HKID / Citizens etc).

MTR station at the border of Hong Kong - China.

Following the crowds to the immigration building.


Lo Wu Control Point is an immigration control point of Hong Kong located in Lo Wu, North District, within the Closed Area along the border with mainland China. Its counterpart across the border is the Luohu Port, located within the Luohu District of Shenzhen in mainland China. The control point is connected with MTR's Lo Wu Station, whereas the Luohu Port is connected to Shenzhen Railway Station Plaza, Luohu Commercial City and Shenzhen Railway Station, as well as Shenzhen Metro's Luohu Station.
Please note also as Lo Wu is a border area on northern district for Hong Kong and China, but in Shenzhen (China) it is known as Luohu District. So don't get confused by the name :D

Then follow the correct signboard.

Not much people around this time.


Remember my post on preparation to HK, those travelling from Hong Kong can apply for the 5 days Visa On Arrivals (VOA) which could get on the spot.


ii) How to Apply for Visa On Arrival (VOA)

Operation Hours :
9am to 10.30pm

Fees :
RMB168/per entry

Direction :
- The visa office is at Lu Wo immigration building. Just past through the Hong Kong immigration.
- Walk over an indoor foot bridge, pass a ‘Welcome to a Shenzhen’ sign
- Just before the entrance to the China Immigration, head to the left, do a 180-turn, you will see two plain escalators. Go up.
- Go into the room with seats. Take the application form at the counter and fill in. Then get a number.
- When it’s your turn hand in your application form and passport, they will take a photo of you. Don't forget payment in Chinese Yuen (RMB)
- Wait a few minutes – you will be given your passport back with the visa inside.
- Go down the escalators and proceed through China immigration in a ‘Visitors’ line.
- Ensure you don’t overstay your visa, and ensure you stick to the Shenzhen area.

Step by step instructions.

The counter.


It took less than 1/2hour for the Visa application, but quite a long line at the China Immigration. We saw lots of people with luggages everywhere, some even have big boxes coming from and to Shenzhen. I guess you can expect lots of cheap and nice shopping experience here. We did asked one Chinese lady with her mother (we reckon she's Malaysia based on the passport colour she was holding) who is a frequent visitor to Shenzhen (coming here once a month!) to shop. She told us that most of the items sold at Kenanga Wholesale are from here. She also owned one of the shops there. I've asked her, what is the famous item that people normally sought after here, she answered accessories like belts, watches and sunglasses (where u could get around RM1 here!). I will tell you about our shopping experience here later in next post.

Once we passed through the China Immigration, finding our way out of Lo Wu station is pretty straight forward. But since our main target in Shenzhen was to visit Windows of The World, we searched direction for Shenzhen Metro (train) to go there.

Going down the escalator to exit from the immigration.

This is the scene outside of the immigration building.


I shall continue on how to get to the Window of The World on next post ok. Stay tuned.


Trip to HK, Macau and Shenzhen Fast Link Here
Preparation
Day 0 – Departure to Hong Kong and First Night at Chungking Mansion
Day 1 – Star Ferry Ride from Kowloon to HK Island
Day 1 – HKCEC and Golden Bauhinia Square
Day 1 – Repulse Bay and Stanley Village
Day 1 – Lunch at Islamic Muslim Centre, Ammar Mosque and Tram Ride
Day 1 – The Mid Level Escalator
Day 1 – The Peak Tram and Night at Victoria Peak (Sky Terrace 428)
Day 1 – End of Day 1

MACAU Day Trip
Day 2 – Journey to Macau by TurboJET Ferry
Day 2 – The Venetian, Macao
Day 2 – City Of Dreams and Hard Rock Hotel
Day 2 – The Galaxy Macau
Day 2 – Grand Lisboa and Senado Square
Day 2 – The Ruins of St. Paul’s
Day 2 – Macau back to Hong Kong

Shenzhen Day Trip
Day 3 – Window of The World
Day 3 – Shopping at Shenzhen and back to Hong Kong

Hong Kong Trip Continues
Day 4 – Ngong Ping 360, Lantau Island
Day 4 – Aberdeen Floating Village and Jumbo Kingdom
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 1
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 2
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 3
Day 5 – Shopping at Ladies Market, Mongkok
Last Day – Avenue of Star
Last Day – HK Museums, 1881 Heritage and Back to Malaysia
Total Expenses