Hong Kong to Shenzen Windows on the World

Have previously spent a quite a bit of time in Hong Kong previously so am looking for something different.

Will be in port 0700-1700 and was wondering if it's feasible to head to Shenzen and visit Windows on the world.

I realise will need to do Chinese Immigration twice so don't know if it's with the hassle.

Has anyone done this from the cruise port ? And if so would you recommend it by public transport as against a private tour ?

Cheers

This is technically feasible but will not leave you much time there. Not only will you have to pass Chinese immigration twice but you'll have to pass HK immigration twice also. Or is it 4 times? You probably have to pass HK immigration also when to get off the cruise and back on again.

It is easy to do yourself by public transportation (subway).

This is on the assumption that you are familiar with the MTR - KCRC transfers and interchange @ Kowloon Tong and the Lowu border crossings, as most visitors use that as the point of entry into the mainland on the other side. That you do not need or have valid multiple re-entry visas for PRC mainland as visitors ... otherwise, the costs involved plus time, etc. are probably not worth it. Better off staying in HK and do something off the beaten path, maybe a seafood lunch out to Clear Water Bay / Sai Kung - Junk Bay or Tseung Kwan O would be the closer alternative if you are docking at the new KT Cruise Terminal instead of good old Ocean Terminal in TST.

Since you didn't specific which month you are planning to do this & your sailing info - I would just caution you on the long lines & wait to cross into & leaving China's mainland, due to border control and the random customs inspection (odds are that they will waive or not pull "laowai" out of the queues for secondary inspection as runners for goods.

Border control on HK's end, both immigration & customs are just formalities, quick & friendly - although if you are coming off one of the trains and not fast runners - you will be following thousands of "comrades" charging ahead of you and coming from behind ... you've possibly seen that since you say you are familiar with & been to HKG previously. Otherwise, be "prepared" with the rush & pushing if you are on a slower pace and don't move out of their ways ... even witnessed this when we're on a layover flight in ICN airport last Fall when just planeload of them came in from Bejing on a 6 AM redeye turnaround, like swarm of bees converging on the duty-free shops.

Let's see:

disembark ship - HK immigration & customs

border crossing - HK side: immigration & customs

border crossing - PRC side: immigration & customs

border crossing - PRC side: immigration & customs

border corssing - HK side: immigration & customs

return to ship - HK immigration & customs

lots of stamps and/or slips on the passports and filling out those short forms