Just stayed in Hong Kong for 3 days! I got totally fooled by the "high expenses"!
Who would have thought! Before leaving, I was clutching my wallet trembling, always afraid of "spending a month's salary in one day in Hong Kong." But after walking around for 3 days, I completely tore apart the "expensive" label—turns out the joy here can be ridiculously "big cup for small money"!
Day 1: The vibrant "fireworks" of Yau Tsim Mong 🎇
Landed and rushed to a guesthouse near Jordan MTR station, a bright single room for 300 HKD/night that dazzled the eyes. Just a 5-minute walk and I was immersed in the crowd on Nathan Road. Dropped off my luggage and headed straight to Tung Choi Street: fish balls wrapped in curry aroma for 15 HKD, biting into juicy, springy meat, paired with iced lemon tea for 12 HKD, the ice crystals wrapped in tea fragrance slid down smoothly, instantly kicking away the stereotype of "high consumption in Hong Kong."
In the afternoon, no need to squeeze into malls in Tsim Sha Tsui, just stroll along the Avenue of Stars stepping on cobblestones, watch the waves crash against the Victoria Harbour waterfront for free, the skyscrapers of Central on the opposite shore look like blocks stacked in the clouds, the sea breeze mixed with ship horns is more healing than any paid observation deck. Want to get closer? Take the Star Ferry for 20 HKD, wooden seats gently rocking across the sea, Cantonese announcements blending with the sound of waves, melting away all travel fatigue in the wind.
For dinner, don’t just focus on trendy spots, turn into a tea restaurant in the alleys of Yau Ma Tei: roast meat combo rice for 45 HKD, the char siu’s charred aroma wrapped in fat, paired with radish soup that’s soft and flavorful, squatting by the shop door holding the bowl, fully wrapped in the local vibe.
Day 2: The "quality stroll" of Central + Victoria Peak 🌆
In the morning, took the subway to Central, free check-in at the Legislative Council Building’s vintage stone pillars, pigeons flying around the century-old bronze statue at Statue Square, old buildings and glass skyscrapers squeezed together, every casual photo with your phone is a "vintage blockbuster." On the way, climbed the Mid-Levels escalator, following the shots from "Chungking Express," bought a freshly ground latte for 30 HKD, sat by the window of a niche coffee shop, watching suited white-collar workers and slipper-wearing grandmas pass by, the Hong Kong flavor soaked right into the bones.
Lunch was solved in a Central alley: wonton noodles for 28 HKD, thin skins wrapping whole fresh shrimp, biting into sweet juice, the broth so fresh you could lick the bowl clean. In the afternoon, spent 52 HKD on the cable car to Victoria Peak, the cabin climbing along the hillside, tree shadows flickering past the glass window, standing still at the Sky Terrace—daytime Victoria Harbour is blue velvet wrapped with scattered diamonds, neon lights at dusk like a spilled palette, this kind of "stepping on the city" shock can’t be bought with money.
In the evening, no need to splurge in Causeway Bay, just sit on the steps of Times Square, egg waffles for 18 HKD burning your fingertips, biting into crispy milk fragrance, watching neon dye the night sky orange, the wind wrapped in the crowd’s laughter, so cozy you don’t want to get up.
Day 3: The "fairy tale cost performance" of Disneyland 🎠
Spent the whole day at Hong Kong Disneyland, pre-booked tickets around 600 HKD, played from opening to closing—almost no queues for rides, roller coaster wind wrapped in screams, carousel lights like stars falling on you. Eating inside the park doesn’t hurt the wallet: chicken leg rice piled high for 70 HKD, crispy skin and tender meat wrapped in sauce, limited edition ice cream for 35 HKD with strawberry filling, sweet fragrance mixed with fairy tale vibes, awakening childhood cravings.
No need to rush for souvenirs, just squat by the parade route, watch Mickey waving with a bow tie, Donald Duck’s flat bill brushing a kid’s cheek, the shutter sounds of free photos mixed with laughter, more solid joy than buying dolls. In the evening, wait for fireworks to explode over the castle, light fragments falling on the crowd’s shoulders, that warm feeling of "being embraced by a fairy tale" is more comforting than any luxury item.
After leaving the park, detour to Tung Chung Outlet, spent 200-300 HKD on a pair of sports sneakers, strolling the mall in new shoes with the evening breeze, stepping all the fatigue of 3 days into the soles.
I used to think Hong Kong was a "playground for the rich," but after experiencing it myself, I understand: there are ten-thousand-dollar bags, and there’s happiness for 10 HKD; there are luxurious hotels, and cozy guesthouses for 300 HKD. No need to pay for "face," just follow locals to nibble fish balls, climb escalators, squat by the roadside to eat, you can fill Hong Kong’s vibrant life and romance with small money.