"Ferries to Macau from HK - what's the ride like? Is it easy to get
seasick, or is it quite a smooth ride (I'm thinking winter-time
(January or February)?"
It's very rough, but it's only 45 minutes so even if you're sensitive
it shouldn't be too bad.
"What's there to do in Guangzhou & Shenzhen just for a day trip (or
things to look at which are either typical or unique to the cities)?"
Shenzen is a completely new city which has absolutely nothing of
historical or cultural interest. The only reasons to go there would
be for discount shopping or if you want to see the Chinese economic
boom firsthand.
Guangzhou has the Qingping market: "The most infamous section of
Qingping is the meat market where live chickens, rabbits, cats, dogs,
anteaters, turtles and all sorts of animals are sold, and often
slaughtered on the spot to provide fresh meat."
"What is crime like in HK, SZ, GZ & Macau?"
HK is very safe. Be careful if you buy electronics since there are a
lot of scams.
Macau seemed fine when I was there, even late at night. It used to
have a gang violence problem under the Portuguese, but the Chinese have
pretty much wiped out the gangs from what I understand.
Shenzen has a lot of pickpockets and also has electronics scams. Wear
a money belt.
"What island in Hong Kong is most worth visiting (If I could only
visit one)?"
Lantau, with the fishing village near the ferry port, the hiking
trails, and then the big Buddha at the summit.
"Any suggestions on unusual but really interesting places in HK that
are not totally inhabited by tourists but are definitely worth a
visit?"
You're going to the wrong city if you want to get away from tourists.
|