Avoid the National Day crowds, I’m watching the whole city cheer for China from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong

3 people, 9,680 RMB to explore Hong Kong! Stay at a hotel by Mong Kok MTR | Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour | Climb Victoria Peak | Hike Lamma Island and eat seafood | A Hong Kong-flavored twin-city story for less than 3,300 RMB per person “You think Hong Kong is just shopping and skyscrapers? In this magical city, we take the ferry across Victoria Harbour at dawn, climb Victoria Peak at dusk to see thousands of lights, barefoot on the beach and eat freshly caught seafood on Lamma Island in the afternoon, and dive into alleys for curry fish balls at night... The three of us spent only 9,680 RMB for two days and one night, no crazy shopping, no rushing to check off spots, just the ding-ding tram bells, the steam from cha chaan tengs, and the phrase ‘Hong Kong, we’re here!’ Only then did we realize: the most authentic Hong Kong isn’t in TVB dramas, but in the streets and alleys.” One-sentence recommendation: This isn’t a rushed sightseeing tour, but a condensed essence of city exploration + island slow life + Hong Kong-style cuisine + mountain and sea views. Here: ✅ Stay in the heart of Mong Kok, 1-minute walk from the MTR station, super convenient transportation ✅ Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, 5 HKD to experience a century of romance ✅ Climb Victoria Peak for sunset + night views, excellent value ✅ Hike Lamma Island’s Family Trail, from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan, enjoy sea breeze and seafood ✅ Taste authentic Hong Kong flavors: silk stocking milk tea, pineapple bun, curry fish balls, typhoon shelter crab Itinerary overview (2 days 1 night) Travelers: 3 people (suitable for friends, couples, or family short trips) Best season: Autumn and winter (October to March), cool climate, clear air, best night views Total budget: under 10,000 RMB ✅ Actual cost 9,680 RMB Pace: city sightseeing + light hiking + food adventure + night view relaxation Day 1｜Arrive in Hong Kong → Check in at Mong Kok → Victoria Harbour night view → Stroll in Tsim Sha Tsui Morning｜Departure & Arrival in Hong Kong Recommended route: Cross from Shenzhen Futian Port directly to Hong Kong Shenzhen Metro Line 4 → Futian Port After crossing, take the East Rail Line to Hung Hom, transfer to Tsuen Wan Line to Mong Kok Station Total about 40 minutes, fare: 28 HKD/person × 3 = 84 HKD Alternative: Take high-speed rail from Guangzhou South Station to West Kowloon Station (195 RMB/person), suitable for out-of-town visitors Tip: Prepare your Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau with valid endorsement, bring ID card + Home Return Permit Accommodation recommendation: 【Langham Place Hong Kong Mong Kok】 or 【Seymour Hotel】 We chose Seymour Hotel (family-run, great value) Standard twin room × 1 + extra bed for 1, total for two nights: 2,100 HKD ≈ 1,940 RMB (tax included) Excellent location: 1-minute walk from Exit B3, right below are Goldfish Street and Fa Yuen Street Market Clean rooms, elevator, electric kettle, free Wi-Fi Tip: Avoid expensive areas like Lan Kwai Fong and Causeway Bay; Mong Kok/Prince Edward is the best value choice! Noon｜First meal: authentic cha chaan teng lunch “Aussie Dairy Company” (Jordan Parkes Street) Set menu for three: Curry beef brisket rice → 48 HKD Chicken chop sandwich + yuanyang milk tea → 58 HKD Baked pork chop rice → 45 HKD ✅ Total: 151 HKD ≈ 140 RMB Must-try: silky smooth milk tea, crispy rice crust at the bottom! Afternoon｜Check in classic landmarks · Walk from Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui Walking route (about 5 km total, walk and take photos): 1. Goldfish Street (Tung Choi Street): colorful fish tanks hanging overhead, like an underwater tunnel 2. Sneaker Street (Fa Yuen Street): sneaker lovers’ paradise, limited editions galore 👟 3. Ladies’ Market (South section of Tung Choi Street): representative of street stall culture, great for small accessories 🛍️ 4. Langham Place: check out the “mechanical escalator,” overlook the trendy crowd 🚤 Evening｜Take the Star Ferry across the harbor → Tsim Sha Tsui Pier About 10 minutes, one-way fare: 4.2 HKD/person × 3 = 12.6 HKD ≈ 12 RMB Recommended to sit on the open deck, feel the sea breeze and see the skyscrapers lining both sides of Victoria Harbour Must-capture moments: Classic shot of the ferry heading to the opposite shore Sunset reflection on Central IFC Silhouette of Bruce Lee statue on Avenue of Stars Night｜Climb Victoria Peak to see Victoria Harbour night view Transportation (budget option): Walk to Exchange Square in Central → take New World First Bus route 15 to the Peak (much cheaper than the tram!) Bus fare: 11.9 HKD/person × 3 = 35.7 HKD ≈ 33 RMB 20-minute ride, winding mountain road with nice scenery 🎫 Peak Galleria free entry, viewing platform open all day 🌅 Best time: 6:30–7:30 PM to catch both sunset glow and city lights turning on 📷 Photo tips: Use telephoto lens to compress buildings Turn on time-lapse to capture lights gradually brightening Take a “three-person silhouette” shot facing Victoria Harbour 🍽 Dinner can be had at Peak Galleria: Recommended “Forrest Gump Shrimp Restaurant,” American style, window seats with night view Simple meal for three: shrimp burger + fries + drinks → about 420 HKD ≈ 390 RMB Day 2｜Lamma Island hike → seafood feast → return trip Morning｜Explore the island secret: Lamma Island Family Trail 🚢 Transport: Take ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island 25-minute ride, fare: 22.4 HKD/person × 3 = 67.2 HKD ≈ 62 RMB Schedule: hourly (first at 8:00 AM, last at 6:00 PM) 🥾 Hiking route: Yung Shue Wan → Family Trail → Sok Kwu Wan (about 2.5 hours, easy and relaxing) Coastal boardwalk + forest path, stunning views See wind turbines, fine sandy beaches, fishing boats moored Restrooms and pavilions along the way 📸 Must-shoot: “SOUTH LANTAU” yellow sign Reflections on seaside rocks Kids playing in water or dogs running Noon｜Seafood feast at Sok Kwu Wan “Tian Tai Restaurant” or “Fu Kee Seafood Restaurant” 👉 Menu for three (fresh catch): Steamed grouper → 280 HKD Boiled prawns → 180 HKD Garlic scallops → 120 HKD Soup vegetables → 60 HKD Rice + soup → free ✅ Total: 640 HKD ≈ 595 RMB 🌊 After lunch, stroll at Sok Kwu Wan pier, wait for ferry back. Afternoon｜Return + last snack Ferry back to Central (22.4 HKD/person × 3 = 67.2 HKD ≈ 62 RMB) Taxi from Central to Mong Kok (about 100 HKD ≈ 93 RMB), pick up luggage Before leaving, have a bowl of curry fish balls + egg waffles Fish balls 15 HKD + egg waffles 18 HKD × 3 = 99 HKD ≈ 92 RMB 🚗 Take East Rail Line from Mong Kok back to Futian Port, end of wonderful trip. 💰 Total expenses (for 3 people) | Item | Cost (RMB) | |------|------------| | Mainland round-trip transport (Futian↔Mong Kok) | 84 RMB | | 2 nights accommodation (Seymour Hotel) | 1,940 RMB | | Meals (4 main + 1 breakfast + snacks) | 1,367 RMB | | Victoria Peak bus round trip | 66 RMB | | Lamma Island ferry round trip | 124 RMB | | Local transport (taxi + metro) | 185 RMB | | Seafood feast | 595 RMB | | Other expenses (water + snacks + souvenirs) | 200 RMB | | Emergency fund | 200 RMB (unused, can be saved) | | Total | ≈ 9,680 RMB | ✅ Only 3,227 RMB per person! Under 10,000 RMB budget, yet saw Victoria Harbour night view, climbed Victoria Peak, hiked Lamma Island, ate seafood feast, experienced the Star Ferry—truly a “high-density + high-quality” short city trip! Blogger’s honest summary: Hong Kong is small, small enough to cover several dimensions in two days; but it’s also big, big enough that every bowl of wonton noodles has a story and every neon light holds a life. If you’re tired of the same old trips, why not take a trip to Hong Kong— ride a ding ding tram, drink a cup of silk stocking milk tea, walk a little-known seaside path, and you’ll find: the most touching city isn’t how prosperous it is, but when you walk the streets and suddenly feel, “Ah, this is how I want to live.” Hong Kong Travel Guide