Looking for Macao’s easiest getaway? Look no further than Hengqin, where the skyline, visible from almost every part of Macao, seems to grow taller daily.
The nearby island beckons with theme parks, a range of hotels, and affordable dining. The LRT’s recently opened Hengqin Line also makes getting there a breeze, whether you plan to pop over for a few hours, stay the night or spend even longer. And ease of transport means you have even less excuse not to venture to the area that policymakers deem essential to Macao’s development
[See more: Zhuhai’s government makes Hengqin a major focus for 2025]
Read on for the rundown on getting to Hengqin from Macao.
What is the connection between Macao and Hengqin?
Physically, they’re only 187 metres away from each other at their nearest point, and connected by the Lotus Bridge, which culminates at Hengqin Port. Administratively, Hengqin is a district of Zhuhai – the mainland Chinese city that immediately abuts Macao, separated only by a few government checkpoints.
In planning terms, the island is wedded to Macao in the form of the “Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.” It’s an unwieldy name that you’ll only ever see used in official communiqués, but the thinking behind it is elegant. Essentially, it envisages the gradual assimilation of the two jurisdictions, as a way of giving Macao some much needed room for expansion, since Hengqin offers over 100 square kilometres and Macao consists of just 33.3.
[See more: Hengqin unveils a new development plan for the next 10 years]
Already, there are thousands of people from Macao living in Hengqin (in the purpose built Macau New Neighbourhood), many of them commuting to and from Macao daily. There are Macao government service centres, schools and university campuses in Hengqin too. Lawmakers are keen to accelerate the assimilation process.
Do I need a visa to go there?
For Macao and Hong Kong residents holding a Mainland Travel Permit, entry into Hengqin is a straightforward process. However, international visitors should find out their visa requirements.
[See more: What to know about the Mainland Travel Permit]
Depending on nationality, visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies may apply for limited durations. Consult the latest visa regulations prior to getting on the bus or train and ensure your passport is readily available for checkpoint inspection.
Can I get there by bus?
Absolutely. Economical and readily accessible, public buses such as the 50 or 701X routes connect central Macao to Hengqin Port. Passengers should disembark at the Posto Fronteiriço Macau-Hengqin stop. Bus fares in Macao are standard, regardless of service or route: 3 patacas for a single journey with a prepaid Macau Pass card, otherwise 6 patacas.
[See more: This is how you catch a public bus in Macao]
Cash is accepted, but why fumble for coins when getting a prepaid card is so simple? Find out more here.
What about by train?
This is a quick and efficient way across. The recently launched LRT Hengqin line connects Lotus and Hengqin stations, taking two minutes to travel the 2.2 kilometre distance that goes through a tunnel beneath the Shizimen Waterway for part of the journey.
[See more: How to use Macao’s LRT train system like a pro]
Ticketing follows the same rules as the bus, with vending machines available for single journey tokens.
Could I get a taxi?
You could. They cost between 50 to 150 patacas, depending on your starting location. You’ll have to leave the vehicle at the checkpoint, however, and complete formalities, before taking another taxi, or rideshare service like DiDi, to reach your destination in Hengqin.
[See more: ‘Macao can forget about being an international destination until it fixes its taxi problem’]
If you have a lot of luggage or otherwise need to avoid transferring vehicles, there are some private car services that provide a more seamless journey between Macao and Hengqin.
What travel time should I allow to get to Hengqin from Macao?
The journey usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the mode of transport, your point of origin and the time spent at checkpoints. The LRT is probably your fastest option, while taxis and private cars are quicker than buses.
What happens when I get to the checkpoint?
Crossing into Hengqin is straightforward. At Hengqin Port, you complete Macao formalities, showing your permit (if you’re a resident) or passport (if you’re a tourist). Then you proceed over to the mainland Chinese side and do the same again.
[See more: Hengqin Port is introducing card-free automated barriers]
To avoid delays, make sure your documents are ready to present at both checkpoints. While the process is efficient, crossing during peak hours like mornings and evenings may result in longer wait times.
What are some things to do in Hengqin?
One of the highlights is the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, a water theme park with various rides and aquariums. When it first opened in 2014, the park broke five Guinness World Records by having the world’s largest aquarium, largest aquarium tank, largest aquarium window, largest underwater viewing dome, and largest acrylic panel.
Daytrippers can enjoy a popular if short (1.5 kilometre) walking trail. The famous Flower Corridor is a lush, 13.6 kilometre coastal greensward that offers blossoming flowers virtually year round. You can even camp there.
[See more: Here are 10 of the best things to do in Zhuhai]
If you don’t fancy sleeping in a tent, but want to stay overnight in Hengqin, consider booking a room at the luxurious Angsana Zhuhai Hengqin which is close to Chimelong. Alternatively, the smart, brand new Artyzen Habitat hotel is next to Hengqin Port.
What else do I need to know?
Although assimilation between the two jurisdictions grows closer daily, Hengqin is under mainland administration – and that means different financial, legal and communication systems.
As with anywhere in mainland China, cash is frowned upon or simply not accepted. Even street hawkers will proffer a QR code for you to scan instead of taking your banknotes. Outside of the hotels, you also might have trouble getting anyone to take a physical credit card. The easiest thing to do is download a widely accepted digital payment app such as Alipay or WeChat Pay and link them to your cards or bank accounts. It only takes a few minutes.
[See more: Six apps you need to survive in mainland China]
Mobile connectivity may require a dedicated SIM card or a data roaming plan for mainland China. And you’d be wise to download popular Chinese apps like WeChat (since hardly anyone uses WhatsApp) and Baidu Translate (as Google Translate may not load).
If you’re a first time visitor to the Chinese mainland, start here.
—With additional reporting by Don Lei
