I discovered a stunningly beautiful and super off-the-beaten-path mountain and sea trail in Hong Kong for a one-day trip

Having been to Hong Kong so many times, I’m sharing a day trip route that’s both photogenic and less crowded❗️ ✅Highlights 🌸Ride the glass cabin cable car overlooking the mountains and sea (P10) 🌸Authentic Ngong Ping Village Market (P7) 🌸34-meter tall Tian Tan Buddha (P6) 🌸Breathtaking mountain and sea trail (P1) 🌸“Venice of the East” Tai O fishing village, also Hong Kong’s “cat island,” with many cats in the streets and alleys (P8) ✅Route ❶ Morning Ngong Ping Cable Car Station (next to Tung Chung Station 🚇) → Take Ngong Ping Cable Car (25 minutes) → Ngong Ping Village Market → Tian Tan Buddha → Po Lin Monastery ❷ Afternoon Take Bus No. 21 to Tai O fishing village → Walk around Tai O fishing village → Visit Tiger Hill Lookout → Take Bus No. 21 back to Ngong Ping and take the cable car back 🌟Refer to our itinerary schedule: 10:00: Ngong Ping Cable Car Station 10:25: Cable car arrives at Ngong Ping Village Market, visit the market, Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery 12:00: Lunch at the market 13:20: Take Bus No. 21 from Ngong Ping Village Market to Tai O fishing village (departs at 20 minutes past every hour) 13:30: Explore Tai O fishing village 15:30: Visit Tiger Hill Lookout 16:45: Take Bus No. 21 from Tai O fishing village back to Ngong Ping, then take the cable car back ✅Trip tips ✔️Time arrangement: Cable car operating hours 10:00~18:00, recommended to arrive at the cable car station between 10:00~11:30 to start the trip ✔️Time arrangement: Last bus from Tai O fishing village to Ngong Ping is at 16:45, remember to return before then ✅How to get to the starting point Ngong Ping Cable Car Station ✔️If coming from Shenzhen or Zhuhai, the Cross-Border Island Express bus goes directly there ✔️If coming from within Hong Kong city, take the MTR directly to Tung Chung Station ✔️Exit from Tung Chung Station Exit B and walk 200 meters ✅Photo spots P1, 3, 4, 11: Tiger Hill Lookout P2: Tai O heritage hotel 🏨, perfect for afternoon tea by the sea P5, 10, 18: Ngong Ping Cable Car P6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16: Ngong Ping Village Market P13: Tai O fishing village P9: Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok South Road Below is a Hong Kong travel guide compiled based on the latest 2025 information, covering pre-trip preparation, transportation, accommodation, attractions, food, and practical tips to help you plan efficiently: --- ### **1. Pre-trip Preparation** 1. **Documents and Visas** - Mainland visitors need to apply for the “Home Return Permit” and valid endorsements (G endorsement for individual travel, L endorsement for group travel). Cross-location application is supported, taking about 7-15 working days, costing 80 HKD. - At immigration, use the self-service channel, prepare fingerprint and facial recognition, and fill in the “Customs Passenger Fingerprint Service” QR code in advance. 2. **Currency and Payment** - Most malls and chain stores support Alipay/WeChat Pay, but it’s recommended to exchange a small amount of HKD (about 500-1000 HKD per person) for street snacks, Star Ferry, etc. Exchange rates at border crossings are poor; prioritize booking exchange at mainland banks. 3. **Communication and Electronics** - SIM card: Recommended to buy “MySIM” card after arrival (33 HKD/month for 50GB), cheaper than international roaming. - Power adapter: Hong Kong uses British three-pin plugs; bring an adapter or USB charging cables. 4. **Luggage Suggestions** - Light backpack, sunscreen, sun umbrella (Hong Kong summers are hot and humid), sports shoes (expect a lot of walking). Hotels do not provide toothpaste or toothbrushes, bring your own. --- ### **2. Transportation** 1. **Airport to City** - **Airport Express**: 24 minutes direct to Central, fare about 115 HKD, suitable for time-sensitive travelers. - **Bus/Taxi**: A-line buses cover main areas at affordable prices; taxis are more expensive (red/blue/green taxis serve different areas). 2. **City Transportation** - **MTR**: Covers the whole city, recommended to use Alipay “Travel” QR code or buy an Octopus card (150 HKD including deposit, refundable). - **Special transport**: Star Ferry (4 HKD), tram (2.3 HKD) are great for experiencing city vibes. - **Ticket options**: - **One-day pass** (65 HKD): Good for frequent MTR rides within 24 hours, but not valid on Airport Express or Lo Wu station. - **Airport Express Tourist Ticket** (250-350 HKD): Includes one-way/round-trip Airport Express and 3-day MTR pass. --- ### **3. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Luxury hotels**: Tsim Sha Tsui (The Peninsula), Central (Mandarin Oriental), near shopping and attractions. - **Budget hotels**: Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei offer good value, recommended “Metropark Hotel Mongkok Hong Kong.” - **Avoid**: Chongqing Mansions and unlicensed guesthouses, especially for female travelers. --- ### **4. Must-visit Attractions and Suggested Itineraries** 1. **Classic route (5 days 4 nights)** - **Day 1**: Victoria Harbour night view + Star Ferry + Peak Tram (best night view). - **Day 2**: Disneyland (must-see fireworks) or Ocean Park (animal shows + rides). - **Day 3**: Mong Kok street snacks + Tsim Sha Tsui shopping (Harbour City, K11). - **Day 4**: Cheung Chau Island (seafood + beach) or Lamma Island hiking. - **Day 5**: Central historic district (PMQ) + Lan Kwai Fong nightlife. 2. **Off-the-beaten-path experiences** - **Sai Wan Swimming Shed**: Sunset photo spot. - **Shek O Village**: Colorful houses and beach, filming location of “King of Comedy.” - **Temple Street Night Market**: Affordable night market with Hong Kong movie vibes. --- ### **5. Food Recommendations** - **Must-try at cha chaan teng (tea restaurants)**: Silk stocking milk tea, pineapple bun, wonton noodles (recommended “Mak An Wonton Noodle”). - **Street snacks**: Curry fish balls, egg waffles, shark fin soup (Mong Kok Fa Yuen Street). - **Seafood and roasted meats**: Typhoon shelter crab (Lei Yue Mun), Yung Kee Restaurant roast goose. - **Dessert shops**: Yee Shun Milk Company (double skin milk), Jiajia Dessert (black sesame soup). --- ### **6. Shopping Guide** 1. **Cosmetics**: Sa Sa, Bonjour (check expiry dates), counters (Times Square Causeway Bay). 2. **Luxury goods**: Harbour City (most brands), Citygate Outlets (discounts). 3. **Jewelry and watches**: Nathan Road “Gold Street” (Chow Sang Sang, Chow Tai Fook), Emperor Watch & Jewellery (Rolex agent). 4. **Streetwear and sneakers**: Mong Kok Sneaker Street, Tsim Sha Tsui THE FOREST mall. --- ### **7. Practical Tips** - **Smoking ban and fines**: No smoking in public places; eating and drinking in MTR fined 2000 HKD. - **Customs limits**: Duty-free allowance of 1 liter alcohol, 19 cigarettes, 1.8 kg milk powder. - **Safety tips**: Keep valuables safe, avoid walking alone in remote areas at night. --- This guide combines core information on transportation, attractions, and food; you can adjust the itinerary based on your personal interests.