20th June 2025 – (Hong Kong) An 18 yuan all-inclusive day tour of Hong Kong offered on Taobao has gained significant attention as mainland tourists increasingly embrace low-cost, high-efficiency travel. Recently, a YouTuber known as “Drumstick Cat” tested one of these tours and documented his experience in a video. To his surprise, the tour offered remarkable value with no mandatory spending, despite its incredibly low price.
The 18 yuan fee covered transportation, one meal, guide fees, tips, and miscellaneous costs. Registration was simple and resembled a typical online shopping process. Participants selected a date, paid via Taobao, and submitted their details through WeChat to receive the itinerary and relevant Hong Kong regulations. Groups could include up to 60 people.
The tour commenced at 8.30am at the Liantang Border Control Point and lasted approximately 11 hours. It covered major Hong Kong landmarks such as Wong Tai Sin Temple, the West Kowloon Cultural District, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Peak, and the Golden Bauhinia Square. Due to the tight schedule, participants had only about 30 minutes at each site, often rushing to take photos of iconic views like Lion Rock and the ICC Tower before moving on.
While the base itinerary avoided forced purchases, the guide introduced optional add-ons later in the day. These included tickets to a wax museum and an evening cruise around Victoria Harbour for an additional 150 yuan per person. These extras were presented as recommendations, with no pressure to buy.
The included lunch featured eight dishes and one soup, such as stir-fried beef with zucchini and pork knuckles marinated in fermented bean curd. While the food was adequate, it was served cold, diminishing its overall quality. As an alternative, participants could pay extra to upgrade to a meal at Café de Coral, with options like fried rice for approximately 37 Hong Kong dollars.
Reflecting on the experience, the YouTuber described the tour as a whirlwind, with little time for breaks. He estimated that half the day was spent travelling between sites. Despite the hectic pace, he found the 18 yuan price highly attractive and recommended it for first-time visitors or budget-conscious travellers. However, he suggested that those seeking a more relaxed experience might prefer independent travel.
The video quickly went viral, sparking lively discussions online. Many netizens expressed amazement at the affordability, with some joking that 18 yuan wouldn’t even buy a cup of bubble tea. Others noted that the intense schedule might be too taxing for older participants.
Further research revealed similar tours available on Taobao, priced between 16 and 45 yuan, all receiving strong reviews from participants. For those seeking longer trips, two-day Hong Kong and Macau tours are also available, starting at around 150 yuan.
