foomee

I'm an American citizen flying to China and my destination is Dongguan (dongcheng/nancheng areas)

First question: Would you recommend flying to Guangzhou and then taking a bus/train to Dongguan or would you suggest Hong Kong and then bus to Dongguan?

Second question: Do I need to buy a special permit or anything besides my passport to be able to fly into Hong Kong?

And finally for those of you that are familiar with traveling between Hong Kong and Dongguan (or China) what are your experiences and recommendations for someone that's never been to Hong Kong or Dongguan before?

Kathie

As a US citizen, you do not need a visa to fly into Hong Kong. I can't help you with travel to Dongguan, though I have flown to Guangzhou from Hong Kong. It's an easy hop. You will find the Hong Kong airport and Hong Kong itself easy to navigate, as there is English signage.

rkkwan

It is fairly straight foward going from HKG to Dongguan, as there are several coach companies offering frequent services. You can look up schedule on www.hongkongairport.com. There's an hourly bus to Dongcheng, and 3 companies offering service to Nancheng twice an hour.

All these coaches use the Shenzhen Bay crossing, where you'll get off the coach, take all luggage, and then cross both HK and Chinese immigration. Then back on bus and onward to Dongguan.

I cannot tell you how easy or difficult it'll be from CAN, but pretty sure there will be direct coaches too. Train is inconvenient for Dongcheng and Nancheng parts of Dongguan. And you still need another transfer from CAN to Guangzhou-East station for the train.

Bisbeee

You should also consider taking a ferry from the Sky Pier at HKG. That's what I always do.

rkkwan

Yes, 5 ferries a day to Dongguan. Might work for the OP. A bit pricey and still need a transfer to Dongchrng or Nancheng.