Weekend escapes in Hong Kong and Shenzhen

Just an hour apart by high-speed rail, Hong Kong and Shenzhen offer two distinct sides of modern southern China. From acclaimed bakeries and scenic hiking trails to standout restaurants and cocktail bars, here are four reasons to spend a weekend in each city.

The queues at Hong Kong’s Bakehouse show no signs of slowing for its signature sourdough egg tarts, prized for their flaky, buttery croissant-like crust and silky custard filling. For something more indulgent, opt for one of its filled doughnuts, available in a rotating selection of seasonal flavours.

Meanwhile, Butterful & Creamorous (originally from Seoul) has become a Shenzhen staple. Must-tries include its bestselling Blueberry Greek Yogurt Croissant for a tangy sweet treat, and the savoury Wellington Steak Croissant.

Jardine’s Lookout in Hong Kong is a short 3.5km hike that rewards walkers with sweeping sunset views over Central and Victoria Harbour, offering a quieter, local alternative to Victoria Peak.

In Shenzhen, Tanglang Mountain offers a rewarding climb along well-maintained forest trails and stone steps, culminating at Jimu Pavilion, where panoramic views stretch across the city’s skyline and Shenzhen Bay.

Hong Kong’s Ho Lee Fook – Cantonese for “good fortune for your mouth” – reimagines classic Cantonese cuisine with a contemporary touch. Executive chef ArChan Chan’s expertly wok-fired dishes include the signature Ho Lee Duck.

In Shenzhen, Black Pearl-rated Gem Garden , led by chef Xu Zhen-kun, showcases refined Chaoshan cuisine, drawing on seasonal ingredients and time-honoured techniques.

Named after the French phrase l’enfant terrible, Terrible Baby at Eaton HK pairs an art- and music-driven concept with a rebellious spirit. Sip inventive cocktails on its leafy terrace or stay for the live music performances.

In Shenzhen, Mixy Bar is a hidden speakeasy tucked inside a converted house in the OCT district, serving well-balanced signature cocktails and expertly crafted classics in an intimate setting.

Singapore Airlines flies to Hong Kong 35 times weekly and to Shenzhen seven times weekly.

For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to both cities, visit singaporeair.com.