I discovered a stunning mountain and sea trail in Hong Kong for a super niche day trip

I've been to Hong Kong so many times, and I'm sharing a photogenic and niche day trip route with everyone❗️ ✅ Highlights 🌸 Take a glass carriage to overlook the mountains and sea (P10) 🌸 Authentic Ngong Ping Market (P7) 🌸 34-meter-high Tian Tan Buddha (P6) 🌸 Breathtaking mountain and sea trail (P1) 🌸 "Venice of the Orient" Tai O Fishing Village, also known as 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 the Ngong Ping Cable Car (25 minutes) → Ngong Ping Market → Tian Tan Buddha → Po Lin Monastery ❷ Afternoon Take Bus 21 to Tai O Fishing Village → Stroll around Tai O Fishing Village → Visit Tiger Hill Viewing Point → Take Bus 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: Arrive at Ngong Ping Market by cable car, check in at the market, Tian Tan Buddha, and Po Lin Monastery 12:00: Have lunch at the market 13:20: Take Bus 21 from Ngong Ping Market to Tai O Fishing Village (departs every hour at 20 minutes past the hour) 13:30: Visit Tai O Fishing Village 15:30: Visit Tiger Hill Viewing Point 16:45: Take Bus 21 from Tai O Fishing Village back to Ngong Ping and take the cable car back ✅ Itinerary tips ✔️ Time arrangement: The cable car is open from 10:00–18:00. It is recommended to arrive at the cable car station between 10:00 and 11:30 to start the trip. ✔️ Time arrangement: The 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 you are coming from Shenzhen or Zhuhai, China HK Travel has a direct bus ✔️ If you are coming from Hong Kong city, take the subway directly to Tung Chung Station ✔️ Take Exit B from Tung Chung Station and walk 200m ✅ Camera positions P1, 3, 4, 11: Tiger Hill Viewing Point P2: Tai O Heritage Hotel, you can have afternoon tea by the sea P5, 10, 18: Ngong Ping Cable Car P6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16: Ngong Ping Market P13: Tai O Fishing Village P9: South Road, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong The following is a Hong Kong travel guide compiled based on the latest information in 2025, covering pre-trip preparations, transportation, accommodation, attractions, food, and practical tips to help you plan your trip efficiently: --- ### **I. Pre-trip preparations** 1. **Documents and endorsements** - Mainland tourists need to apply for the "Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents" and a valid endorsement (G endorsement for individual travel, L endorsement for group travel). Currently, it supports applying in different places, which takes about 7–15 working days and costs CNY 80. - When entering the country, you need to go through the self-service channel, prepare your fingerprint and facial recognition, and fill in the "Customs Passenger Fingertip Service" QR code in advance. 2. **Currency and payment** - Most shopping malls and chain stores support Alipay/WeChat Pay, but it is recommended to exchange a small amount of HKD (HKD 500–1,000 per person) for street snacks, Star Ferry, and other scenarios. The exchange rate at the port is poor, so prioritize making an appointment to exchange at a mainland bank. 3. **Communication and electronic equipment** - SIM card: It is recommended to buy a "MySIM" card after arriving in Hong Kong (HKD 33/month for 50G), which is more cost-effective than international roaming. - Conversion plug: Hong Kong uses British three-pin sockets, so you need to bring a converter or USB charging cable. 4. **Luggage suggestions** - Lightweight backpack, sunscreen, parasol (Hong Kong is hot and humid in summer), and sneakers (high daily walking volume). Hotels do not provide toothpaste and toothbrushes, so you need to bring your own. --- ### **II. Transportation** 1. **Airport to city** - **Airport Express**: Direct to Central in 24 minutes, fare is about HKD 115, suitable for tourists with limited time. - **Bus/Taxi**: A-line buses cover major areas and are affordable; taxi fares are higher (red/blue/green cars correspond to different areas). 2. **City transportation** - **Subway**: Covers the entire city. It is recommended to use Alipay "Travel" to scan the code or purchase an Octopus card (HKD 150 including deposit, refundable). - **Featured transportation**: Star Ferry (HKD 4), Ding Ding Tram (HKD 2.3) are suitable for experiencing the city's charm. - **Transportation ticket options**: - **One-day pass** (HKD 65): Suitable for frequent subway rides within 24 hours, but Airport Express and Lo Wu Station are not available. - **Airport Express Tourist Pass** (HKD 250–350): Includes one-way/round-trip Airport Express and 3-day subway pass. --- ### **III. Accommodation recommendations** - **Luxury hotels**: Tsim Sha Tsui (Peninsula Hotel), Central (Mandarin Oriental), etc., are adjacent to shopping areas and attractions. - **Budget hotels**: Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei are cost-effective, and "Hong Kong Mong Kok Vejune Hotel" is recommended. - **Avoidance tips**: Avoid choosing Chungking Mansions and unlicensed hostels, especially for female tourists. --- ### **IV. Must-see attractions and itinerary suggestions** 1. **Classic route (5 days and 4 nights)** - **Day 1**: Victoria Harbour night view + Star Ferry + Peak Tram (best for night view). - **Day 2**: Disneyland (fireworks show is a must-see) or Ocean Park (animal show + amusement facilities). - **Day 3**: Mong Kok street snacks + Tsim Sha Tsui shopping (Harbour City, K11). - **Day 4**: Cheung Chau Island (seafood + beach) or Lamma Island hike. - **Day 5**: Central historical district (PMQ) + Lan Kwai Fong nightlife. 2. **Niche experience** - **Sai Wan Swimming Shed**: Holy place for sunset photography. - **Shek O Village**: Colorful huts and beaches, the filming location of "King of Comedy." - **Temple Street Night Market**: Affordable night market, feel the atmosphere of Hong Kong movies. --- ### **V. Food recommendations** - **Must-eat in tea restaurants**: Silk stocking milk tea, pineapple bun, wonton noodles (recommended "Mak's Noodle"). - **Street snacks**: Curry fish balls, egg waffles, bowl pudding (Mong Kok Fa Yuen Street). - **Seafood and roasted meat**: Typhoon shelter fried crab (Lei Yue Mun), Yung Kee Restaurant roast goose. - **Dessert shop**: Yee Shun Dairy Company (double-layered milk custard), Kai Kai Dessert (sesame paste). --- ### **VI. Shopping guide** 1. **Cosmetics**: Sasa, Bonjour (pay attention to the expiration date), counters (Times Square, Causeway Bay). 2. **Luxury goods**: Harbour City (most complete brands), Citygate Outlets (outlet discounts). 3. **Jewelry watches**: Nathan Road "Golden Mile" (Chow Sang Sang, Chow Tai Fook), Emperor Watch & Jewellery (Rolex agent). 4. **Trendy brands and sneakers**: Mong Kok Sneaker Street, THE FOREST shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui. --- ### **VII. Practical tips** - **No smoking and fines**: Smoking is prohibited in public places, and eating and drinking in the subway will be fined HKD 2,000. - **Customs restrictions**: Duty-free for alcohol within 1 liter, cigarettes within 19, and milk powder within 1.8 kg. - **Safety tips**: Take care of your belongings and avoid walking alone in remote areas at night. --- The above guide integrates core information such as transportation, attractions, and food. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests.