If I primarily want to shop, but keep expenses down, for two days before flying back to North America from Hong Kong, would I be better off going to Shenzhen or Hong Kong or dividing the time between both?

I can't claim to be an expert, but in my limited experience Hong Kong offered lots more than Shenzhen.

Shenzhen was much cheaper, but everything we bought there fell apart or broke almost immediately on returning to the states. Some of the things from the HK night marked did too. You just have to be careful. I do think that the stuff in HK is generally a little better quality.

Besides the quality issues which is important (and I agree that Shenzhen is crap), what are you looking to buy? If you want clothing and accessories either ready made or bespoke, then Hong Kong is better in terms of quality although you will pay more. If you want Asian souvenirs and antiques, again Hong Kong is better, but actually I think Bangkok is far superior. The weekend market sells pretty much everything under the sun (not too great on tailor-made clothes and good quality antiques, but great for virtually everything else). If you can mention what you might be interested in, I can recco specific areas or shops in Hong Kong and Bangkok. (Are you going to Bangkok?)

If you want electronics and are from the US, buy them at home, no bargains here.

uhh. Went to Shenzhen once while I lived in HK and thought never again. Massive shopping malls, always trying to watch out for pickpockets, crushes at border control, people hissing 'dvd' to you constantly... The only fun thing to do there was see the ex-Russian submarine they've now turned into a museum - surreal!

Give me HK anytime!!

dumb question but, do you need a visa to go to shenzhen?

Yes you do.

Thanks for your replies. As I will be responsible for carrying my luggage on and off trains throughout an organized tour of China, I prefer to leave my shopping until the very end of my travels after the tour. Hence, my query about Hong Kong versus Shenzhen. I will be flying back to NA from HK.

As for what I was hoping to purchase, I'm primarily thinking along the lines of clothing, including tailored suits, and eyeglasses, but I will also need to bring back some souvenoirs for family and friends. The only souvenoir I would like to get for myself would be an original work of art; preferably modern.

Shopping in Bangkok is out of the question this time. My flight home to North America leaves from Hong Kong but I will be doing a 10-day tour of China that ends in Shanghai. I am leaving travel arrangements between Shanghai and HK until I arrive in China at the end of this month.

Suggestions of where to stay in HK and shop for good deals are much appreciated.

Can those of you who prefer Hong Kong recommend a good, but not too expensive hotel?

How much do you want to spend on the hotel room in Hong Kong?

Using Priceline, you may be able to get the Sheraton for $100+tax/fees (5* Tsim Sha Tsui) or the JW Marriott for $120+tax/fees (5* West Hong Kong Island). Those are good deals.

Or book the YMCA Salisbury directly for about $90.