Itinerary question

Question

Hi all,

I will be traveling to Shenzhen on the 21st of december from Frankfurt and fly back on the 3rd of January from Shanghai. I am in doubt about my itinerary.

Arrive 21st in Shenzhen and stay there till the 25th of december. Go to HK and stay till the 28th. Enter fly to Shanghai and stay till my return flight on the 3rd of January.

We have been to China before and also visited Hong Kong which we loved. At first we wanted to skip Shenzhen and focus on HK and Shanghai. But after realizing that in Shenzhen we ll get better quality hotels for the same price as HK we were tempted to add Shenzhen. We like to take it slow since we will be traveling with a 6 year old kid (used to travel, so not his first time). Will we enjoy Shenzhen? If we are bored is it an easy process to cross in to HK and back for a day trip? ( We will be travelling on a Dutch passport so we do not need a visa).

Also we would like to visit disneyland. Would you recommend the one in HK or Shanghai?

Thank you.

Answer

Shenzhen can be an interesting addition to your itinerary, especially if you are looking for modern city experiences, shopping, and high-quality hotels at relatively good prices compared to Hong Kong. For families traveling with a child, there are several attractions that might appeal:

Theme parks such as Window of the World, Happy Valley, and Splendid China Folk Village.
Coastal areas and parks like Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches for a slower-paced day out.
Shopping and modern urban areas such as Coco Park and Futian CBD.

While Shenzhen may not have the historical charm of Beijing or cultural depth of Shanghai, it offers convenience and comfort, which can be appealing for travelers with children and those who prefer a relaxed pace.

Crossing from Shenzhen to Hong Kong for a day trip is generally straightforward for Dutch passport holders, as you do not need a visa. You can use the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) via Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau border crossings or take a taxi/bus to the border. Typical travel time from central Shenzhen to Hong Kong city center is about 1–1.5 hours, so a day trip is very feasible. However, be prepared for potential queues at the border, especially on weekends and holidays.

Regarding Disneyland:

Hong Kong Disneyland: Smaller, more compact, and easier to navigate for younger children. It’s ideal for a one-day visit and less overwhelming.
Shanghai Disneyland: Much larger with more attractions and areas, potentially better for older kids or those wanting a more extensive park experience. However, it can be more tiring for a 6-year-old if you try to see everything in one day.

Recommendation:

For a relaxing family trip with a 6-year-old, Hong Kong Disneyland is likely the more convenient and manageable option.
If you want to experience both cities comfortably, Shenzhen first for its hotels and kid-friendly attractions, followed by Hong Kong for Disneyland and some sightseeing, then Shanghai at the end for cultural and urban experiences, is a reasonable itinerary.

Overall, your plan is feasible. Shenzhen can provide a comfortable start to your trip, crossing into Hong Kong is relatively easy for a day trip, and choosing Hong Kong Disneyland over Shanghai Disneyland may suit your child’s age and stamina better.

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