Learn how to sell the Greater Bay Area: a multi-centre marvel in Asia

The excitement of a multi-centre holiday contrasting culture, food and landscapes has long been a popular request for travellers to Asia, but your clients may have yet to discover the easy twinning possibilities of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

This part of coastal China includes eleven interconnected cities, linking well-loved Hong Kong to other vibrant areas. Within just two to three hours visitors can explore multiple cities using the excellent public transport links, soaking up cultural, cutting edge and culinary highlights. Here are some of the destinations your clients should have on their radar: 

Hong Kong

Cosmopolitan Asian gateway Hong Kong has a diverse culture reflecting its Chinese roots and British colonial past.

Spread across a peninsula and islands, it's best known for its skyscraper skyline edging Victoria Harbour but has kilometres of lush national parks, and beaches besides.

Your clients can ride the tram to The Peak for famous views, live it up in rooftop bars and watch the spectacular nightly Symphony of Lights laser show. Perhaps they’ll take the scenic cable car ride to Lantau Island’s giant Buddha or visit Hong Kong Disneyland Park. But they may equally find their highlights in more understated experiences such as browsing specialist markets, visiting fishing villages and sampling the best Cantonese cuisine.

There are multiple connections to other GBA destinations, not least via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge; the world’s longest sea crossing by bridge and tunnel.

Macao

Few places have such an unusual cultural mix as Macao. This Chinese Special Administrative Region, once a Portuguese colony, is now best known for its entertainment and hotel resorts. Visitors can stroll black and white cobbled streets in the Unesco-listed centre, call in to the incense-heavy 15th century A-Ma temple, and feast on dim sum and pastel de nata custard tarts, before spending the evening on glittering Vegas-style Cotai Strip. 

Buses and coaches make the 45-minute journey over Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

Ferries take around an hour from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal, Sheung Wan and China Ferry Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also handy sea and land services from Hong Kong International Airport. Clients can even through-check their luggage.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen, China’s first Special Economic Zone has grown into a thriving, tech-forward mountain-backed metropolis with enticing malls and nightlife. 

Modern hangout OCT Loft Creative Culture Park is a design hub where visitors can enjoy cafés, galleries, street art and live bands. By contrast, Dapeng Fortress and Gankeng and Nantou ancient towns feature centuries-old restored and recreated buildings. Golfers will meanwhile welcome the destination’s array of courses. 

The coastline is easily accessed at Shenzhen Bay Park which is laced with cycle paths. 

Shenzhen is just seven to 12 minutes via the MTR East Rail Line from Hong Kong’s Sheung Shui Station, while by high-speed train it’s 14 to 19 minutes from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. Coaches run from other points.

Guangzhou 

 

 

China’s third largest city is a well-known commerce and shopping hub set on the Pearl River. It boasts the country’s tallest structure, Canton Tower, but there are heritage attractions besides. 

Shawan Ancient Town has dwellings dating back 800 years, while 19th century Chen Clan Ancestral Hall incorporates beautiful folk art designs. But the must-see is the Nanyue King Museum, a 2,000-year-old burial site featuring a jade tile shroud. There are more priceless artefacts in Guangzhou Museum.

Cruises along the neon-lit river are popular in the evening before enjoying the city’s celebrated Cantonese cuisine.

Guangzhou is an hour’s high-speed train ride from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, with longer coach transfers available from other Hong Kong locations. 

Explore the destinations 

Learn more about these incredible destinations in this video from content creators CP Collective. 
 

Spreading the word 

To help raise awareness of the diverse travel experiences offered across the GBA, more than 80 members of the travel trade joined the first-ever UK trade roadshow on 16 October. The event in London showcased the array of multi-destination itineraries that can be enjoyed across the GBA, with a focus on Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao. 

In the UK the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has partnered with agencies including Trailfinders, Flight Centre, Southall Travel, Brightsun and Imagine Cruising to jointly promote Hong Kong as a must-visit destination and a gateway to other cities across Asia. HKTB UK also recently partnered with Wendy Wu Tours, Ying Wah Travel and journaway to launch and promote GBA packages.

Speaking at the event, the HKTB deputy executive director Becky Ip said: “The GBA seamlessly integrates world-class infrastructure with deep cultural richness, offering European travellers a unique opportunity to explore multiple captivating cities in one trip.”

Huang Xizhong, inspector at Level 2, Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, said the recent event "showcased the GBA’s cultural diversity, the harmony between tradition and modernity and the synergy of openness and innovation." He highlighted the upcoming 15th National Games in November, which features 34 sports and will be jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time. 

Jennifer Si Tou, deputy director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, added: “We hope the London event will further enhance the GBA tourism brand’s influence in international markets. By combining the tourism resources of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao under the multi-destination travel model, we aim to present European travellers with a rich and diverse travel experience.”