China’s Pearl River Delta sprints toward the future, and nowhere shows it better than Shenzhen—a fishing-village-turned-tech-titan in just four decades. Paired with Hong Kong’s neon-laced harbor and Beijing’s imperial grandeur, this itinerary balances modern innovation with old-world depth.

Expect scenic hiking (Escursionismo) from sea-view ridges to Great Wall ramparts, night markets and craft cocktails (Attività della vita notturna), and intimate looks at neighborhoods and rituals (Vivere come un locale). We’ve woven in unique experiences (Attività uniche) like a vintage junk-boat cruise and Shenzhen’s robotaxi/drone demos.

Practical notes: Most travelers need a visa for Mainland China (Shenzhen and Beijing), while Hong Kong is visa-free for many nationalities; check your requirements. Payments are increasingly cashless; consider Alipay/WeChat Pay travel versions and carry a physical card. For flights and trains, browse Trip.com flights, Trip.com trains, or Kiwi.com for deals.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen is China’s innovation crucible—home to mega-markets of microchips, dreamy coastal hikes, and creative hubs in reimagined factories. Its neighborhoods are distinct: Futian’s skyscrapers and Coco Park nightlife, Shekou’s expat-friendly harbor, OCT-LOFT’s design studios and live music, and Dapeng’s ancient walled village by bright beaches.

Top highlights include Huaqiangbei electronics market (a paradise for tinkerers), Nantou Ancient City (a 1,700-year-old town turned arts quarter), Dafen Oil Painting Village (workshops galore), and skyline views from Lianhuashan Park. Hikers love Wutong Mountain—the city’s highest peak—and the wild shores of the Dapeng Peninsula.

• Where to stay (midrange-friendly): Base in Futian for transit/nightlife or Nanshan for OCT-LOFT/Shekou. Browse VRBO Shenzhen or Hotels.com Shenzhen. Look for properties near Coco Park (nightlife), Chegongmiao (metro hub), or Sea World (harbor dining).
• Getting in: Fly to SZX (Shenzhen Bao’an). Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Airport to Futian by metro: ~50–60 minutes, ~$2–3.

Days 1–5: Tech, creative streets, and coastal hikes

Daytime ideas: Start at Lianhuashan Park for a panoramic city read. Dive into Huaqiangbei’s gadget labyrinth, then switch gears in OCT-LOFT’s galleries and bookstores. Save a full day for Dapeng: wander Dapeng Fortress, then hike to Xichong Beach or take the Maluan Mountain waterfall trail.

Hiking (Escursionismo): Wutong Mountain East Route is a 3.5–5-hour, stair-heavy ascent with Pearl River Delta views—go early, pack water, and descend via the gentler paved path.

Eat & drink like a local: Breakfast at Old Heaven Books & Café (OCT-LOFT; literary vibes, pour-overs). Try Cantonese dim sum at Tang Gong (唐宫) or dim sum chains in MixC. For lunch, hit Dongmen Old Street for rice rolls (cheong fun) and oyster pancakes. Dinner: Haidilao (legendary hotpot, late-night) or Din Tai Fung (precise xiaolongbao). Nightlife: Coco Park’s Xpats Bar & Grill, Bionic Brew (craft beer), and live music at The Terrace in Sea World.

Coffee breaks: Seesaw Coffee or % Arabica (Shenzhen Bay) for specialty pours; finish with a Heytea fruit tea—the chain was born here.

Recommended Shenzhen activities (Viator):

• Shenzhen 1/0.5 Day Trip, by Private Car/ Taxi/ Public Transport

  

  Flexible deep-dive into skyline viewpoints, museums, and markets—great first-day orientation with a local expert.

• Shenzhen Tech Tour: Robotaxi, Drone Delivery & Innovation Demos

  

  Perfect “Attività uniche” pick—see why Shenzhen is called China’s Silicon Valley through hands-on futurist experiences.

• Private Shenzhen Evening Tour With Shenzhen Top Scenic Spots

  

  Glide through OCT-LOFT, Sea World, and Futian’s light shows—night photography and bar-hopping made easy.

Transit to Hong Kong (morning of Day 6): Take the high-speed rail from Shenzhen North/Futian to Hong Kong West Kowloon: 15–20 minutes, ~$15–25, tickets via Trip.com trains. Alternatively, MTR East Rail via Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau border: ~60–80 minutes, ~$8–10.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a vertical city of vintage trams, glass towers, incense-wreathed temples, and stellar hiking minutes from urban buzz. Its kitchen never sleeps—from cha chaan teng comfort to Michelin-star roast goose—and its harbor views rival any skyline on Earth.

Base yourself on the Island (Central/Sheung Wan/Wan Chai) for trams, galleries, and cocktail bars, or in Tsim Sha Tsui for museums and nightly harbor light shows.

• Where to stay: Splurge on The Peninsula Hong Kong (heritage glamour, harbor views) or The Upper House (serene design). Value options: YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel (retro public-housing-turned-museum hostel) and Hop Inn (artsy, central). For Disney fans: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

Days 6–9: Peak panoramas, street eats, and island day-trips

Classic intro: Ride the Peak Tram or hike the Morning Trail to Victoria Peak, then circle Lugard Road for the postcard panorama. Hop on the Star Ferry between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central for the best-value harbor cruise.

Hiking (Escursionismo): Dragon’s Back (easy-moderate, 2–3 hours) rewards with cliffline views over Shek O. For a bigger day, Lantau Peak sunrise or Lion Rock for Kowloon and Harbor vistas.

Eat like a local: Breakfast at Australian Dairy Company (scrambled eggs, silky milk tea) or Kam Wah Café (pineapple buns). Lunch at Mak’s Noodle (wonton noodles) or Yat Lok (legendary roast goose). Dinner picks: Under Bridge Spicy Crab (Wan Chai), Ho Lee Fook (contemporary Cantonese). Coffee stops: The Cupping Room, NOC Coffee; sweets at Bakehouse (sourdough egg tarts).

Nightlife: COA (agave temple; Asia’s 50 Best darling), Ozone at ICC (sky-high cocktails), and Aqua’s harbor-facing lounge for laser-show views.

Recommended Hong Kong activities (Viator):

• Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more

  

  “Vivere come un locale” through cha chaan tengs and alleyway snacks; fantastic for first-timers or food-focused travelers.

• Hong Kong: Dukling , Antique Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour

  

  Glide the harbor on the city’s last original junk boat—history, skyline, and sea breeze in one unique ride.

• Lantau Island Day Trip Big Buddha & Tai O Includes Cable Car

  

  Pair the Big Buddha and stilt-house village of Tai O with sweeping cable-car views—culture plus nature in a single day.

• Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

  

  Effortless overview of island coves, peak roads, and heritage streets—hop off for Man Mo Temple or Stanley Market.

Transit to Beijing (morning of Day 10): Fly HKG → PEK or PKX, ~3h15m–3h40m, typical fares ~$150–$300. Compare on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Allow time for airport express/metro on both ends.

Beijing

Beijing layers dynastic pageantry with neighborhood life: vermilion palace gates, willow-lined lakes, and hutong lanes where breakfast buns steam at dawn. The city’s culinary scene spans time-tested roast duck to hop-forward craft breweries.

Beyond the Forbidden City, you’ll find temple parks, contemporary art at 798, and world-class hiking along less-crowded Great Wall stretches.

• Where to stay: Design-forward splurge at The Opposite House or The Peninsula Beijing. Excellent midrange: New World Beijing Hotel or Novotel Beijing Peace. Budget: 365 Inn Beijing or its Qianmen branch 365 Inn Beijing Qianmen.

Days 10–15: Palaces, hutongs, and Great Wall hikes

Imperial core: Spend a day on Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then climb Jingshan Park’s hill for a golden-roof panorama. Explore the Summer Palace for lakeside pavilions and arched bridges.

Great Wall (Escursionismo): Mutianyu offers restored walls and big views (2–3 hours walking); add the toboggan descent for fun. Jinshanling is wilder, with rolling ramparts ideal for photographers.

Live like a local: Wander Wudaoying and Yandai Xie Street hutongs; sip at Metal Hands Coffee or % Arabica (Sanlitun), snack on jianbing (egg crepes), and end with craft pints at Great Leap Brewing or Slow Boat Brewery.

Food picks: Roast duck at Siji Minfu (book or queue), contemporary courtyard dining at TRB Hutong, handmade dumplings at Mr. Shi’s. Nightcaps at Atmosphere Bar (China World Summit Wing) with sweeping city views.

Recommended Beijing activities (Viator):

• All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall

  

  One efficient day wrapping Beijing’s “greatest hits” with door-to-door transfers—ideal for a first overview.

• MuBus: Mutianyu Great Wall ENG/ESP/RUS Guided Bus Tour

  

  Budget-friendly yet well-organized Great Wall day with multilingual guides—great match for a 52/100 budget.

• Forbidden City&T-Square Small GroupTours w/ ticket(Eng/Esp Guide)

  

  Short, focused storytelling inside the palace complex—pair it with a self-guided hutong afternoon.

Suggested Multi-Day Flow

• Days 1–2 (Shenzhen): Lianhuashan, Nantou Ancient City, OCT-LOFT; evening Coco Park. Optional: Private city intro tour (Viator).
• Days 3–4 (Shenzhen): Wutong Mountain hike or Dapeng Peninsula; tech tour day featuring robotaxis/drone demos (Viator).
• Day 5 (Shenzhen): Huaqiangbei browsing and Dafen Oil Painting Village; night tour with skyline light shows (Viator).
• Day 6 (AM train to Hong Kong): Check-in; Peak circuit and Central/SoHo wander; cocktails at COA.
• Day 7 (Hong Kong): Street food tour (Viator), Sheung Wan temples, sunset junk-boat cruise on Dukling (Viator).
• Day 8 (Hong Kong): Lantau Big Buddha + Tai O with cable car (Viator). Night markets in Temple Street.
• Day 9 (Hong Kong): Dragon’s Back hike; Big Bus hop-on/off for beachy Stanley or Aberdeen (Viator).
• Day 10 (AM flight to Beijing): Hutong check-in stroll; roast duck dinner.
• Day 11 (Beijing): Forbidden City + Tiananmen small-group tour (Viator); Jingshan sunset; craft beer crawl.
• Day 12 (Beijing): Great Wall Mutianyu—choose MuBus or private all-inclusive (Viator); toboggan down if available.
• Day 13 (Beijing): Summer Palace and lakes; 798 Art Zone late afternoon.
• Day 14 (Beijing): Temple of Heaven dawn tai chi, hutong cafes, tea tasting; evening views at Atmosphere Bar.
• Day 15 (Depart): Airport transfer; browse Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Budget & Practical Tips

• Daily spend (midrange 52/100): ~$120–$170 per person excluding flights (meals $20–$40, metro/taxis $5–$12, attractions/tours variable). Splurge selectively on one premium hotel night or a private Great Wall day.
• Transport cards: Hong Kong’s Octopus is widely accepted; in Mainland, top up transit cards or use QR codes in metro apps.
• Trains vs flights: Shenzhen ↔ Hong Kong is fastest by high-speed rail; Hong Kong ↔ Beijing is best by air. Book on Trip.com trains and Trip.com flights.

Across two weeks you’ll sample Shenzhen’s frontier spirit, sail Hong Kong’s storied harbor, and walk in the footsteps of emperors atop the Great Wall. It’s a rare mix: innovation, island energy, and timeless history—paced for hikers, night owls, and curious food lovers.