Did you know that Hong Kong is part of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region which comprises cities such as Macao, Guangzhou and Shenzhen? Dubbed the Crown Jewel of China, the region’s unique diverse history and attractions make it a haven for travellers!
Get this, the recently opened Hong Kong Macao Zhuhai Bridge now lets you explore the whole area with just ONE single flight!
Well, before we get into the deets on how you can do this, here are a few must-visit places within the PRD for you to cross off of your bucket list!
Hong Kong
1. Enjoy the views from Sai Wan Swimming Shed
Source: thesmartlocal
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting the last remaining swimming shed in Hong Kong.
What to expect:
- A magnificent sunset view by the Sulphur Channel, a narrow inshore passage between Green Island and the northwest tip of Hong Kong Island.
- Enjoy the calming sea breeze whilst walking along the pier as waves crash against the surrounding rocks.
- Originally built in the 1950s, this shed was once used as a changing room and wooden pier for those who swam the Sulphur Channel.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
2. Marvel at the Symphony of Lights at Victoria Harbour
Source: Videoblocks
A natural landform harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Victoria Habour offers a stunning view of the city skyscrapers.
What to expect:
- Take a stroll along the Victoria Habour promenade whilst enjoying spectacular views of Hong Kong’s skyline.
- Enjoy the daily Symphony of Lights, a stunning light and laser show featuring more than 40 buildings and skyscrapers on both sides of the harbour.
- The Symphony of Lights is even awarded “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Records and starts at 8pm daily.
- When you’re there, don’t forget to eat the best cookie in the world from Jenny’s Bakery nearby. Make sure it’s not some cookie counterfeit though!
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Macao
1. Enjoy peace and tranquillity at Taipa Village
Source: Macao Lifestyle
A hidden gem in the midst of all the flashy casinos, Taipa village provides a contrasting change of pace to your visit to Macao.
What to expect:
- Old houses with a unique fusion of Portuguese and Chinese architecture.
- A blend of the old and new with old buildings on one side of the road while hip, trendy shop lots are just across.
- Go on a foodie trip at the famous food street, Rua do Cunha.
- Take a bike ride and travel back in time through the scenic streets and narrow alleyways of the village.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
2. Take a trip through time at Coloane Village
Source: wego
Once a sea salt farm for China until the Portuguese’s arrival in 1864, it was left deserted and used as a base by pirates until 1910. It became more populated after the nearby Estrada do Istmo was completed in 1969.
What to expect:
- A host of interesting and historical tourist sites where locals still maintain the traditional ways of Macanese living.
- There are a lot of colourful temples and local shops along this narrow island.
- A definite must-see attraction is the Chapel of St Francis Xavier on the southern coast of the island.
- Don’t forget to eat Macao’s world-famous Portuguese Egg Tart from the ovens of Lord Stow’s Bakery when you’re there!
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Shenzhen
1. Release your inner creativity at OCT-LOFT Creative Culture Park
Source: unseen
Once a factory compound within Shenzhen’s industrial zone, it has now been renovated into a huge creative park and serves as a focal point for the megacity’s blossoming art and design scene.
What to expect:
- Old buildings redesigned and given new life with various styles of graffiti.
- DIY craft shops, boutiques and little bars can be found throughout the compound.
- Displays of fine art, modern architecture and it even boasts its very own Jazz festival!
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
2. Glimpse through the culture and history of China at China Folk Cultural Village
View this post on Instagram
Located by the Shenzhen Bay, this cultural village details the traditions of China’s 56 ethnic groups.
What to expect:
- Enjoy colourful ethnic costumes and model villages of all ethnicities in China.
- Marvel at the spectacular dance shows, dancers on stilts, acrobats and more!
- As you visit the villages you can even see miniature models of top attractions in the country.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Guangzhou
1. Go sightseeing on Shamian Island
View this post on Instagram
Previously known as Zhongliusha, Shamian Island is an elliptic sandbar in the Liwan District of Guangzhou City.
What to expect:
- Surrounded by water, the whole island feels like a giant ship mooring alongside the wharf.
- Visit historical buildings with unique architectures ranging from Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical and more!
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
2. Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall-Folk Craft Museum
View this post on Instagram
This massive gathering hall was once a place for meeting and worship of the Chen clansmen but now it is used mainly as an ancestral hall.
What to expect:
- It is constructed in the traditional Chinese symmetrical style with the main hall, the Juxian Hall being the centre of the temple.
- There’s a stone gazebo surrounded by stone balustrades at the front of the halls.
- Admire the exquisite woodcarvings throughout the complex which can be dated as far back as the Qing Dynasty.
View this post on Instagram
Okay, these places are certainly making my wanderlust levels skyrocket! Here’s a pro-tip on how you can visit all FOUR places at ONE go:
Malaysia to Macao:
- Take a flight (the whole flight takes around 3 hours 45 minutes)
- Fly with AirAsia for the best deal in town!
Macao to Hong Kong:
- Travel through the Hong Kong Macao Zhuhai Bridge from Macao to Hong Kong for just MOP65 (about RM35)!
- Not just an architectural wonder, the newly opened bridge also allows straight passage from Macao to Hong Kong!
Crossing the Hong Kong borders to Shenzhen:
- Take the MTR subway to Lo Wu Station, the immigration checkpoint to enter Shenzhen.
Shenzhen to Guangzhou:
- Travel via the state-of-the-art Guangzhou-Shenzhen high-speed train
- The train ride is only 40 minutes and starts from just RM30!
Thanks to the high-speed train and the seamless connectivity from the newly-opened Hong Kong Macao Zhuhai Bridge, travelling around the PRD has never been easier!
And from Guangzhou, you don’t have to rush back to Macao for your return flight back home as you can just choose to fly out from Guangzhou or any of the FOUR cities with AirAsia! Wah so convenient!
And that’s how you can explore 4 cities with just one return flight!
Feel free to mix and match any cities below to personalize your trip across all four destinations within China’s Crown Jewel with AirAsia!
Book now until 25 November 2018 and travel now until 5 May 2019. Hurry while promotions last!
Find out more about these amazing deals here!