How to get across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge? A complete guide to booking shuttle buses and crossing the border.
Preface
On October 24, 2018, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, currently the world's longest cross-sea bridge, officially opened to traffic. Driving from Hong Kong to Zhuhai and Macau will now take only 45 minutes. The 55-kilometer-long Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world's longest cross-sea bridge, comprises a 22.9-kilometer steel structure, four artificial islands, and a 6.7-kilometer section of the world's longest subsea immersed tube tunnel, setting numerous world records.
I believe many of you can’t wait to check in, but don’t worry, here is a complete guide to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
How to cross the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge?
Currently, the only way to cross the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is to take a shuttle bus. There are several shuttle bus routes to choose from, including Zhuhai-Hong Kong/Hong Kong-Zhuhai, Macao-Hong Kong/Hong Kong-Macao.
How to buy tickets?
The current ticket purchasing methods are:
Purchase tickets from the self-service ticket machines at the port
Manual ticket window purchase
WeChat reservation and ticket purchase
Purchasing tickets at both the self-service ticket machine and the ticket counter is straightforward. There are also many volunteers and staff on site who can assist with any questions. I'll also explain how to book tickets via WeChat. Since the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge recently opened, daily passenger traffic is enormous. Currently, the shuttle bus service is limited to 1,000 passengers per hour. To avoid awkward wait times, we recommend booking online.
Note: There is no need to worry about the time period. Even if you are delayed and cannot arrive on time, the ticket can still be used. The ticket is valid all day on that day.
How to pass the level?
There are special buses from Zhuhai Railway Station to the Zhuhai Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. After getting off the bus, follow the signs for "Hong Kong." When entering the station, queue for security checks in an orderly manner. Once inside, the first step is to go through immigration. The immigration procedures are the same as those at other ports of entry to Hong Kong. Those with a card-type Hong Kong and Macau Pass can use the self-service machine, while those with a small booklet will need to go through the manual channel.
After passing through customs, you can go to the shuttle bus station to take the shuttle bus.
Where to go in Zhuhai?
Since you are here to walk on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, how can you miss its two protagonists, Zhuhai and Hong Kong? Of course, you have to have a good time.
Zhuhai, known as the "City of a Hundred Islands," boasts 146 islands of varying sizes. The best way to enjoy Zhuhai is to explore the islands and savor their seafood. The most famous of these is the Wanshan Islands, often called the Maldives of Guangdong. Each of these numerous islands offers a unique charm.
The Pearl of Lingdingyang - Wailingding Island
Among Zhuhai's numerous islands, Wai Lingding Island is renowned for its natural beauty, unique rocks, picturesque waters, elegance, tranquility, and unique charm. It is a paradise shared by the four major cities of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Macao. With neither winter cold nor summer heat, the island offers a spring-like atmosphere year-round. The island boasts a rich and diverse range of tourism resources, including typical subtropical rainforest scenery and island paradise landscapes. It stands as a dazzling pearl nestled at the confluence of the Pearl River Estuary and the South Pacific. The famous line from the poem "Crossing the Lingdingyang" by national hero Wen Tianxiang, "Since ancient times, all men have been mortal, but I will leave behind a loyal heart that will shine through history," originated here.
Tips:
Transportation: You can take a boat to Wai Lingding Island from Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port or Shenzhen Prince Port.
Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port - Wailingding Island reference ferry schedule: Flight 1 - departure 11:20; return 12:50; Flight 2 - departure 14:20, return 16:50;
For reference from Shenzhen Shekou Port-Prince, Flight 1 - departure 10:40, return 12:15; Flight 2 - departure 10:10, return 11:45;
Accommodation: The tourism development of Wai Lingding Island is relatively mature, and there are many hotels or B&Bs to choose from on the island. I personally recommend the Youhuo Resort Hotel, which has a good environment and cost-effectiveness.
Dining: There are many food stalls on the island, but since all supplies are shipped in from outside, prices are slightly higher than in Zhuhai. Seafood restaurants are mostly located near the entrance to the seafood market, where prices are relatively uniform and there's little risk of overcharging. You can also purchase seafood at the market and have it prepared at the restaurant.
Guishan Island, a literary island comparable to Gulangyu Island
Guishan Island is the most developed and populated island in the Wanshan Archipelago. It was the site of the first landing operation by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. Its charming fishing village, stunning night views under the harbor's traffic lights, and its position as a national defense outpost and patriotic education center create a beautiful island tourism landscape.
Guishan Island stands as a pearl on the shores of the Lingdingyang. Commerce flourishes on the island, and high-rise buildings stand in rows. The villas at Zhuiyue Villa are uniquely designed and magnificent. Fish farming in cages is renowned, primarily producing species such as grouper and snakehead. Guishan Island possesses unique cultural and historical significance. The statue of Wen Tianxiang, standing by the sea, invites reflection on the centuries-long vicissitudes of this sea. The majestic Guishan Warship Martyrs' Monument, commemorating the heroic first naval battle of the liberation of the Wanshan Islands in the early 1950s, offers a place for remembrance and admiration. Visiting the scenic spot is a delightful experience, and tasting the fresh, cage-raised seafood is a truly delightful experience.
Tips:
Transportation: You can take a boat to Guishan Island from Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port or Shenzhen Prince Port Terminal.
Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port - Guishan Island Reference Ferry Schedule: Flight Time 1: Departure 09:00, Return 17:00; Flight Time 2: Departure 14:20, Return 17:30
Shenzhen Shekou Prince Port - Guishan Island Reference Ferry Time: Departure 13:50, Return 15:50
Accommodation: There are no luxury hotels on the island. Accommodation is mainly in unique and literary B&Bs. I personally think that when you come here, you must experience the style of B&Bs. The Blue Coast B&B and New Kapok Hotel are worth recommending.
Departing from Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Hong Kong | 2 days and 1 night
Tap Mun Island + Hoi Ha Wan | 2-Day Hong Kong Summer Island Getaway
￥550 from 280 people have registered Register nowLuxury Resort Style-Dong'ao Island
Dong'ao Island has preserved its pristine natural environment remarkably well. Its white sandy beaches, azure waters, bright sunshine, and lush forests create a nearly perfect ecotourism environment. Beginning in 1997, the Zhuhai Municipal People's Government developed the Dong'ao Tourism Resort at the foot of Nansha Bay, awakening the tranquil and charming Nansha Bay.
Dong'ao Island boasts lush vegetation, with 80% forest coverage. Its pristine natural environment is remarkably well-preserved, offering unique natural landscapes and captivating scenery. The island's blue skies, white clouds, verdant mountains, and lush waters cleverly blend to create a captivating spectacle: majestic ocean vistas and gentle, graceful forest scenes; pristine natural scenery and vast historical sites; diverse land customs and a mysterious underwater world, all captivating visitors. Climbing Fudan Mountain, gazing at the sea from Honeymoon Pavilion, listening to the waves at Dazhu Bay, and watching the sunrise at Dong'ao Bay constitute the magnificent natural scenery of Dong'ao Island; the Neolithic relics in Nansha Bay, the remaining walls of Chongcheng, the remains of the beacon tower, and the stone carvings of "Wudang Scenic Spots" unfold the long history of Dong'ao; deep-sea diving, playing in the water on the beach, fishing from the shore, and touring the island showcase the magnificence and affinity of the ocean; seafood directly from the sea and the rich fishing village style will make your trip to Dong'ao novel, romantic, and comfortable.
Tips:
Transportation: To get to Dong'ao Island, you can take a boat from Zhuhai Hengqin Wharf, Xiangzhou Port Wharf or Shenzhen Prince Port Wharf.
Reference flights from Zhuhai Hengqin Terminal to Dong'ao Island: departure: 10:10, 13:00, return: 11:00, 14:00;
Reference flight from Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port to Dong'ao Island: departure: 12:20, return: 13:30;
Reference flights from Shenzhen Shekou Port-Dongao Island: departure: 13:50, return: 15:20.
Accommodation: Dong'ao Gree Hotel is the only hotel on the island. Its five-star luxury is definitely the best choice for a vacation. Although there are some B&Bs on the island, the accommodation conditions are relatively poor and are not recommended.
Dining: The island's restaurants are concentrated in Dong'ao Fishing Village. If you are staying at the Dong'ao Gree Hotel, you can take the hotel's shuttle bus to the fishing village. Of course, you can also choose to dine in the hotel's restaurant.
Where to go in Hong Kong?
We always have a feeling for Hong Kong, perhaps it is the golden age of the past, when many old movies left us with feelings deep in our memories.
Wandering the streets of Hong Kong
If you want to go to the Mid-Levels escalator for "Chungking Express," go to Mong Kok for "Young and Dangerous," go to Yau Ma Tei Police Station for legal dramas, or go to Duddell's Terrace in Mong Kok for TVB's romantic encounter spot...
Tips:
Transportation
1. Airport Express: From 5:54 a.m. to 11:28 p.m., with a frequency of approximately 10 minutes; from 11:28 p.m. to 12:48 a.m., with a frequency of approximately 12 minutes.
2. MTR: Octopus Card: You can buy it at 7-11 or pre-order it on Taobao. This card can be used for the MTR, buses, and the Star Ferry. It's easy to top up your Octopus card, which is refundable upon departure.
All-Day Pass: The ticket price is HK$65 and can only be used for one day. It is valid for 24 hours after the first entry. During this 24 hours, you can take the MTR and light rail unlimited times.
3. Bus: You can use Octopus card or coins. You need to ring the bell before the bus stops, so for friends who don’t understand Cantonese, it is best to look at the map on your phone to avoid missing the stop.
4. Taxi: Taxis in Hong Kong are expensive and you need to wait at designated taxi stands.
Hong Kong's Most Beautiful Hiking Route - MacLehose Trail
The MacLehose Trail is Hong Kong's first and longest hiking trail, recently recognized by the National Geographic Society as one of the world's best. Opened on October 26, 1979, the 100-kilometer trail begins at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung, skirts the High Island Reservoir, and traverses the New Territories from east to west, ending in Tuen Mun. It is divided into ten sections. Signposts are clearly marked along the route, and each section has a check-in point and rest area.
Tips:
Transportation: To get to Hong Kong Geopark from Sai Kung, you'll first pass through Pak Tam Chung and then Mak Path Section 1. Since there's no bus service to Mak Path Section 1, the most direct way is to take a taxi, which costs about HK$130 per taxi, seats 4-5 people, and takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take Minibus No. 7, Minibus No. 9, KMB No. 94, or KMB No. 96R to Pak Tam Chung (about HK$6), then take a taxi (about HK$70). The first option is recommended for large groups, while the second option is recommended for smaller groups.
Hong Kong's most artistic outlying island - Tap Mun Island
Tap Mun Island (Cantonese: Tap mun, English: Grass Island) is a small island north of Sai Kung. It's said that the name Tap Mun comes from the character "Lü" (Lü), meaning "stacked stones," which are towering like a tower, with a hole at the bottom resembling a door. Besides the stacked stones, the island also boasts other scenic spots, such as the Dragon's Neck Tendon, offering distant views of Gong Chau and Chek Chau. The main tourist route runs from the pier to the east and west coasts, converging at the pavilion in Sheung Wai. A well-marked trail then leads to Mao Ping Shan, Tap Mun's highest point.
Tap Mun Island, known as "Sea Paradise," may be part of Hong Kong, but its atmosphere is distinct from the city's. It's neither bustling nor bustling, but rather aesthetically pleasing. If you're tired of Hong Kong shopping and the crowds, spend half a day here to refresh your eyes and enjoy the deserted sea views.
Tips:
Transportation: There are two piers to Tap Mun Island: Ma Liu Shui Pier and Wong Shek Pier. Ma Liu Shui Pier has fewer sailings, but it's conveniently located near the MTR station, making it convenient for commuting to and from the city. The earliest departure is at 8:30 AM, with another at 3:00 PM. On holidays, there's an additional departure at 12:30 PM. Return trips depart at 11:10 AM and 5:30 PM, with an additional departure at 1:45 PM on holidays. Wong Shek Pier has more sailings but is more remote. Which one to choose depends on your itinerary.
Price: From Huangshi Pier: HK$9.5 on weekdays, HK$14 on weekends (one-way); from Ma Liu Shui Pier: HK$18 on weekdays, HK$28 on weekends (one-way)
Accommodation: There's no accommodation on the island, but many people camp. It's a popular camping spot, with camping available on the vast grasslands near Dieshi. To wash up, you'll need to go down the mountain to the public restroom near the harbor, or spend around HK$30 at a local's house. For food, I recommend buying your own ingredients and cooking a meal there. Enjoy the sea breeze, the starry sky, and some casual conversation – it's a truly relaxing escape from the city.
Conclusion
The reason why the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has attracted so much attention is not only because of its magnificent project, but more importantly because of the strategic significance it carries. It is not only a bridge for transportation, but also a bridge that opens up in-depth exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong, Macao and the mainland, and a bridge that allows the cultural life of the people of the two places to blend.
