SOME OF MY SAN FRANCISCO FRIENDS ARE PLANNING A FOUR DAYS THANKSGIVING LONG WEEKEND. I AM CURIOUS TO FIND OUT FOUR DAYS IN SHANGHAI VS. FOUR DAYS IN CALIFORNIA
Why Living in Hong Kong or China’s Greater Bay Area Offers Affordable Travel Opportunities
By Johnson Choi, MBA
International Business Consultant since 1985
Imagine living in Hong Kong or China’s Greater Bay Area and having four days available to visit friends, reconnect with university classmates, enjoy excellent food, and explore some of China’s most exciting cities.
My wife Carmen and I could take an overnight high-speed sleeper train from Hong Kong to Shanghai, enjoy four days and three nights in Shanghai, and return to Hong Kong on Monday morning.
我的部分三藩市朋友正在計劃感恩節四天長週末假期。我很好奇：同樣是四天假期，在中國上海與美國加州旅遊，費用究竟相差多少？
為甚麼居住在香港或中國粵港澳大灣區，可以享受更多經濟實惠、方便快捷的旅遊機會？
作者：蔡永強，工商管理碩士（MBA）國際商務顧問，1985年至今
試想像一下，如果你居住在香港或中國粵港澳大灣區，剛好有四天假期，可以探望老朋友、與大學同學重聚、品嚐各地美食，並遊覽中國一些最繁華、最具吸引力的城市，那會是多麼方便和寫意的生活！
我和太太 Carmen 可以在星期三晚上，從香港乘坐高鐵臥舖列車前往上海，在上海享受四天三夜的假期，並於星期一早上返回香港。
整個旅程，我們不需要租車、不需要長途駕駛，更不需要花費大量時間在機場候機及轉乘交通工具。
這種便利的旅遊生活方式，正是我們選擇在中國粵港澳大灣區退休的重要原因之一。
一、我們兩人在上海度過四天假期，究竟需要多少錢？
從香港乘坐夜間高鐵臥舖列車往返上海，估計每人的來回車票約為400美元。
我和太太 Carmen 兩個人的往返交通費，合共約為 800美元。
在上海，視乎酒店位置及入住日期，一間舒適的四星級酒店，每晚房價約為100美元或以下。
我們兩人入住同一間客房，連續住宿三晚，酒店總費用約為 300美元。
至於餐飲方面，上海的選擇非常豐富，從經濟實惠的地道小吃、街頭美食，到高級中西餐廳，應有盡有。
如果選擇普通本地餐廳及特色小吃，每人每天的三餐開支約為20美元。
如果希望享受較高檔的餐廳，每人每天的餐飲開支可以提高至65美元左右。
因此，我們兩人四天的餐飲費用，估計介乎 160至520美元。
把所有基本開支加起來：
我們兩人在上海四天三夜的假期，包括往返高鐵臥舖車票、四星級酒店及四天餐飲，總費用估計約為 1,260至1,620美元。
以上預算尚未包括景點門票、購物、市內交通及其他雜項開支。
換句話說，我和 Carmen 兩個人只需要準備大約1,500美元，便有機會在上海享受一個舒適愉快的四天假期。
二、夜間高鐵臥舖列車，讓我們充分利用四天假期
星期三晚上約8時，我和 Carmen 可以從香港西九龍高鐵站出發，乘坐夜間高鐵臥舖列車前往上海。
星期四早上約6時58分，列車抵達上海虹橋站。
我們幾乎可以利用整個星期四遊覽上海，與夏威夷大學（University of Hawai‘i）的校友及老同學聚會，享受美食，重溫當年的校園生活。
星期四、星期五、星期六，以及星期日的大部分時間，我們都可以在上海自由活動。
期間只需要入住四星級酒店三個晚上。
到了星期日晚上約8時15分，我們再次乘坐高鐵臥舖列車離開上海，星期一早上7時25分抵達香港。
如果入境手續順利，加上工作地點交通方便，我們甚至有機會在星期一早上9時準時返回工作崗位。
這意味着，我們不需要額外請假，也不必把大量寶貴的白天時間浪費在長途交通上。
更值得注意的是，自2026年1月起，香港與上海之間的夜間高鐵臥舖服務已擴展至每日開行，使星期三等平日出發的旅遊安排更加方便。
對於退休人士，這種旅遊方式尤其吸引，因為時間安排更有彈性，可以避開繁忙時段，享受更多生活樂趣。
三、如果從三藩市出發，安排類似的四天假期，又需要多少錢？
現在讓我們換一個角度比較。
假設我和 Carmen 居住在三藩市，準備利用四天長週末前往洛杉磯旅遊。
與中國多個主要城市已經建成四通八達的高鐵網絡不同，加州目前仍然沒有正式營運、連接三藩市與洛杉磯的高速鐵路。
我們雖然可以選擇自行駕車，或者乘搭普通城際火車，但對於只有四天的短途假期而言，乘坐飛機通常比較快捷。
從三藩市往返洛杉磯，兩個人的經濟客位機票，視乎航空公司、出發日期及訂票時間，估計約為 260至600美元。
在洛杉磯，一間四星級酒店，每晚可能需要200至300美元。
如果入住三個晚上，住宿費用便需要 600至900美元。
由於洛杉磯地區幅員廣闊，旅遊景點、餐廳及朋友的住所可能相距甚遠，因此租車通常比較方便。
租用汽車四天，估計需要 200至300美元。
此外，汽油及停車費可能再增加 100至200美元。
至於兩個人四天的餐飲開支，視乎餐廳選擇，估計約為 320至600美元。
因此，我和 Carmen 在洛杉磯度過四天三夜的假期，總開支估計約為 1,480至2,600美元。
相比之下，我們在上海四天三夜的基本預算約為1,260至1,620美元。
這個比較說明，交通、住宿、餐飲，以及租車、汽油和停車等額外開支，都會直接影響整個假期的預算。
當然，實際費用會受到旅遊日期、季節、酒店位置、機票供應及個人消費習慣等因素影響。
美國並非每個城市都需要租車，而且上海與洛杉磯也不是完全相同的旅遊目的地。
不過，兩者的旅遊方式及基本成本結構，確實值得我們深入比較。
四、如果居住在香港或中國大灣區，四天假期還可以去哪裏？
居住在香港、深圳、珠海、廣州，或其他粵港澳大灣區城市，其中一個重要優勢，就是可以透過發達的交通網絡，方便地前往中國各地旅遊。
即使只有四天假期，我和 Carmen 仍然有很多不同的選擇。
- 廣西桂林及陽朔
我們可以前往桂林及陽朔，欣賞著名的山水風光、河流、田園景色，以及中國獨特的自然地貌。
如果兩人乘搭經濟座位的高鐵，入住舒適酒店三晚，再加上四天的普通餐飲開支，整個旅程的初步預算約為 500至1,000美元。
- 福建廈門
廈門是一座美麗的海濱城市，擁有優美的海岸線、新鮮美味的海鮮、充滿歷史特色的街區，以及著名的鼓浪嶼。
我們兩人在廈門度過四天三夜，整體旅遊預算估計約為 500至950美元。
- 浙江杭州
杭州以西湖、龍井茶、中國傳統園林、歷史文化景點，以及精緻的江南美食聞名。
我和 Carmen 可以乘坐高鐵前往杭州，入住酒店三晚，享受四天的旅遊及餐飲。
兩人的預計總開支約為 650至1,150美元。
- 湖南長沙
如果喜歡中國美食，特別是香辣可口的湖南菜，長沙絕對是一個值得考慮的旅遊目的地。
除了著名的湘菜，長沙還有現代化購物商場、文化景點，以及優美的湘江沿岸風光。
兩個人四天三夜的旅遊費用，初步估計約為 500至950美元。
以上金額均屬一般旅遊預算估算，並非特定日期的實際報價。真正費用仍須根據高鐵票價、酒店房價及旅遊日期確認。
五、居住在中國粵港澳大灣區的真正優勢
當人們比較不同退休地點時，通常只會考慮房地產價格、醫療費用、稅務負擔，以及日常生活成本。
但我認為，還有一個同樣重要、甚至更值得重視的問題：
退休之後，究竟需要花多少錢，才能真正享受人生？
居住在香港或中國粵港澳大灣區，可以方便地利用世界上規模最大的高速鐵路網絡之一。
對於退休人士而言，這意味着我們有更多機會經常外出旅遊、探望老朋友、與大學同學重聚、遊覽歷史古城、品嚐不同地方的特色美食，並體驗中國各地豐富多彩的文化。
而且，這些活動未必需要花費大量金錢。
在美國某些旅遊行程中，我們可能需要購買機票、安排機場交通、租車、支付汽油及昂貴的停車費。
但在中國，很多旅遊目的地都可以透過高鐵或其他鐵路服務方便抵達。
此外，夜間臥舖列車還有一個重要優勢，就是可以充分利用晚上睡覺的時間趕路。
旅客晚上上車休息，第二天早上抵達目的地，便可以開始遊覽。
這樣不但節省白天的旅遊時間，有時更可以減少額外住宿酒店的費用。
對於退休之後時間較有彈性、希望經常旅遊的人士而言，這種生活方式尤其值得考慮。
六、為甚麼我和 Carmen 認為中國大灣區是理想的退休生活地點？
對我和 Carmen 而言，選擇在珠海置業退休，絕對不只是因為能夠以合理的價格，購買一個擁有美麗河景的住宅單位。
我們真正重視的，是一種結合現代化基礎建設、便利購物、經濟實惠的餐飲、便捷醫療服務，以及自由旅遊的生活方式。
香港、澳門、深圳、廣州，以及大灣區其他主要城市，都有完善的交通網絡互相連接。
從我們位於珠海的家出發，可以利用區內機場、城際鐵路及高鐵網絡，前往中國眾多不同的城市。
我們可以享受舒適寧靜的居家生活，同時擁有大量適合短途旅遊的選擇。
當我們想前往上海，與夏威夷大學的老同學重聚時，只需要安排四天假期，兩個人準備大約1,500美元的基本旅遊預算，便有機會享受一趟舒適愉快的旅程。
對我們而言，這不單是一個旅遊成本的問題，更代表退休後生活的自由度和選擇權。
結語：退休的真正意義，是享受人生，而不只是節省金錢！
一個退休地點的真正價值，不應單純以房屋購買價格或每月生活費用來衡量。
我們還應該考慮，這個地方能否讓自己方便地旅遊、維繫友情、與家人團聚、體驗不同文化，以及享受豐富多彩的生活。
一間退休住宅可能十分便宜，但如果地點偏僻、交通不便、遠離主要城市及旅遊目的地，長遠而言，想要享受生活，反而可能需要付出更多金錢和時間。
最理想的退休地點，不一定是房價最便宜的地方，而是能夠讓你的金錢、時間、健康與自由發揮最大價值，享受更高生活質素的地方。
對我和 Carmen 而言，這正是我們選擇中國珠海及粵港澳大灣區作為退休生活基地的重要原因之一。
人生苦短，退休之後，難道還要天天坐在家裏，無所事事嗎？
我們能夠遊覽的地方越多，能夠重聚的老朋友越多，能夠親身體驗的人生經歷越豐富，退休生活自然也就越精彩、越有意義！
退休不是人生的終點，而是另一段精彩人生旅程的開始！
We would not need to rent a car, drive long distances, or spend hours navigating airports.
- What Would Our Four-Day Shanghai Holiday Cost?
The estimated round-trip overnight sleeper train fare between Hong Kong and Shanghai is approximately US$400 per person. For Carmen and me, the combined transportation cost would be US$800.
A comfortable four-star hotel in Shanghai can be found for approximately US$100 per night or less, depending on the location and travel dates. For three nights, our total hotel accommodation would cost approximately US$300, assuming we share one room.
Food in Shanghai offers tremendous variety and flexibility. We could enjoy inexpensive local restaurants and street food for approximately US$20 per person per day, or dine at more upscale restaurants for approximately US$65 per person per day.
For four days, our combined food expenses would range from approximately US$160 to US$520.
Adding everything together, our estimated four-day holiday in Shanghai would cost between US$1,260 and US$1,620 for two people, excluding sightseeing, shopping, local transportation and incidental expenses.
Therefore, a budget of approximately US$1,500 for Carmen and me would be a reasonable starting point for an enjoyable four-day Shanghai holiday.
- Our Convenient Overnight Train Schedule
On Wednesday evening, Carmen and I could leave Hong Kong West Kowloon Station at approximately 8:00 PM and travel overnight to Shanghai.
We would arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at approximately 6:58 AM on Thursday, giving us almost the entire day to enjoy the city and meet our University of Hawai‘i alumni classmates.
We would spend Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and most of Sunday in Shanghai, staying three nights in a four-star hotel.
On Sunday evening, we could board the return overnight train at approximately 8:15 PM and arrive in Hong Kong at 7:25 AM on Monday.
Depending on immigration processing and the location of our workplace, we might even be able to return directly to work by 9:00 AM.
In other words, the overnight sleeper train allows us to maximize our holiday time without spending most of our daylight hours traveling.
An important development is that Hong Kong–Shanghai overnight high-speed sleeper services expanded to daily departures in January 2026, making midweek departures more practical.
- What If We Took a Similar Holiday from San Francisco?
Now imagine taking a comparable four-day holiday while living in San Francisco.
For example, Carmen and I might travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Unlike China, where high-speed rail connects many major cities, California does not yet have a comparable operational high-speed rail network between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
We could drive or take conventional rail, but flying would generally be the quicker option for a short holiday.
The estimated round-trip airfare between San Francisco and Los Angeles could cost between US$260 and US$600 for two people, depending on the airline, travel dates and booking arrangements.
A four-star hotel in Los Angeles could cost approximately US$200 to US$300 per night, bringing our three-night accommodation expenses to US$600–US$900.
Since Los Angeles is geographically spread out, renting a car would be convenient for sightseeing, visiting friends, and traveling between destinations.
A four-day rental car could cost approximately US$200–US$300, with gasoline and parking adding another US$100–US$200.
Restaurants and dining expenses for two people could total approximately US$320–US$600 over four days, depending on our choices.
Altogether, our estimated four-day Los Angeles holiday would cost approximately US$1,480–US$2,600 for two people.
Compared with our projected Shanghai holiday expenses of US$1,260–US$1,620, this illustrates how transportation, accommodation, dining, and car-related expenses can influence the overall holiday budget.
Of course, actual prices depend on the destination, season, availability, and personal preferences. A rental car is not essential for every American city, and the two trips are not identical.
- Where Else Could We Travel from Hong Kong or China’s Greater Bay Area?
One of the greatest advantages of living in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, or other Greater Bay Area cities is convenient access to many destinations throughout China.
With just four days available, Carmen and I would have numerous choices.
Guilin and Yangshuo, Guangxi
We could visit Guilin and Yangshuo to enjoy their beautiful mountains, rivers, countryside, and famous natural scenery.
For two people sharing a comfortable hotel room, traveling by economy rail, enjoying local restaurants, and staying three nights, a four-day holiday could cost approximately US$500–US$1,000.
Xiamen, Fujian Province
Xiamen offers beautiful coastal scenery, excellent seafood, historical neighborhoods, and the famous Gulangyu Island.
We could enjoy four days and three nights in Xiamen for an illustrative total budget of approximately US$500–US$950 for two people.
Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Hangzhou is famous for West Lake, tea culture, traditional Chinese gardens, historical attractions, and excellent restaurants.
A comfortable four-day holiday for Carmen and me could cost approximately US$650–US$1,150, including economy rail transportation, three hotel nights, and meals.
Changsha, Hunan Province
For those who love Chinese food, particularly spicy Hunan cuisine, Changsha offers excellent restaurants, modern shopping districts, cultural attractions, and beautiful riverfront scenery.
Our estimated four-day holiday for two people could cost approximately US$500–US$950.
These figures are illustrative planning budgets rather than confirmed prices for particular travel dates.
- The Real Advantage of Living in China’s Greater Bay Area
When comparing retirement destinations, many people focus exclusively on housing prices, medical expenses, taxes, and the daily cost of living.
However, there is another important consideration that deserves equal attention:
How much does it cost to enjoy life after retirement?
Living in Hong Kong or China’s Greater Bay Area provides access to one of the world’s most extensive high-speed rail systems.
For retirees, this creates opportunities to travel frequently, visit old friends, reconnect with university classmates, explore historical cities, experience regional cuisines, and enjoy different cultures without necessarily spending large sums of money.
Instead of requiring an airline ticket, airport transfers, rental car, gasoline, and expensive parking, many Chinese destinations can be reached conveniently by rail.
Furthermore, overnight sleeper trains allow travelers to save valuable daytime hours and, in some cases, avoid paying for additional hotel nights.
This is particularly attractive to retirees who have flexible schedules and want to travel more frequently.
- Why Carmen and I Find the Greater Bay Area Attractive for Retirement
For Carmen and me, choosing a retirement home in Zhuhai is not simply about purchasing attractive waterfront real estate at a reasonable price.
It is about creating a lifestyle that combines modern infrastructure, convenient shopping, affordable restaurants, accessible medical services, and the freedom to travel throughout China and beyond.
Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and many other destinations are connected through an extensive transportation network.
From our home in Zhuhai, we can access airports, intercity railways, and high-speed trains serving numerous Chinese cities.
We can enjoy a comfortable home environment while having an enormous variety of destinations available for short holidays.
And when we want to meet our University of Hawai‘i classmates in Shanghai, a four-day holiday for approximately US$1,500 for both of us is a realistic planning goal.
Conclusion: Retirement Is About Enjoying Life, Not Simply Saving Money
The true value of a retirement destination should not be measured solely by the purchase price of a home or the monthly cost of living.
It should also be measured by the opportunities it provides for travel, friendship, family reunions, cultural experiences, and personal enjoyment.
A retirement home may be inexpensive, but if it is isolated from convenient transportation and major destinations, the long-term cost of enjoying life could be much higher.
The best place to retire is not necessarily where housing is cheapest. It is where your money, time, health, and freedom allow you to enjoy the highest quality of life.
For Carmen and me, that is one of the strongest reasons for choosing Zhuhai and China’s Greater Bay Area as our retirement destination.
Life is too short to spend retirement sitting at home. The more places we can visit, the more friends we can reconnect with, and the more experiences we can enjoy, the richer our retirement years become.
