Travelling for four years full-time has taught the Aziz family that the “hardest path” is often the one they choose. So when they set out on their biggest challenge yet—crossing China over 30 days—they begin with a nerve-riddling first step: moving from Hong Kong into mainland China via Shenzhen on a high-speed train.
This article turns the first episode’s journey into a practical, faith-friendly travel guide—explaining what the experience feels like, what to prepare before you board, and the small details that can make crossing the border smoother for a Muslim family travelling with kids.
Episode one: From Hong Kong nerves to the first step into mainland China
The Aziz family start in Hong Kong and are attempting entry into China using a 30-day visa on arrival. They’ve previously been denied entry into China, so the stakes feel higher—yet the tone is determined, hopeful, and reassuring: inshallah, everything will work out.
They share that they’ve spoken to locals who say the process is easy and straightforward. Still, the experience contains the kind of uncertainty that travels with you—especially on travel days when everything needs to happen at the right time.
Where they stayed: W Hotel near Kowloon Station
Before heading to the station, the family stays at the W Hotel in Hong Kong, which is right by Kowloon Station. They highlight two key benefits of this location:
- Convenience: the train station connects directly to Shenzhen via high-speed rail.
- Low friction: it’s a short walk, so you don’t need to rely on a subway or taxi for the journey to departure.
They also share a candid note about cost and value: the hotel is described as costing £300 per night, but they say they paid £160 in total for two nights after using an American Express travel credit (including a £400 travel credit). Breakfast is described as “amazing”, and they mention receiving room service at no extra cost through credit.
Planning for the journey: what created their stress
As the family packs, their nerves rise. They explain that travel stress can start long before you reach the station—through timing questions, food decisions, and the feeling of the unknown.
One specific “nobody talks about this” moment comes right before departure: the family didn’t realise they needed to fill in a digital arrival card until about an hour before. That discovery adds to their stress—but they quickly turn it into a lesson.
Digital arrival card: what they recommend having ready
They say the digital arrival card is straightforward and takes around five minutes, but you need to have certain details prepared:
- Your passport
- Your travel itinerary
- You can add multiple people on one form and each person receives a separate QR code
Practical takeaway: if you’re travelling as a family, don’t wait until the last minute—having passport and itinerary information to hand can reduce that “what have we missed?” feeling.
Checking into the station: following signs and managing luggage
From the W Hotel, the Aziz family walk through a shopping mall environment near the station, where signs clearly point toward the high-speed rail. They describe the route as being flat and easy to follow with luggage.
A helpful observation they share: if you think you might be going the wrong way, you can use visual cues—they suggest that many other travellers carrying suitcases are following the same direction.
How they time it
They mention being aware of the clock as they move through the station. Their train is at 3:32, and they note they have about an hour and 20 minutes at the start of their final steps—something they describe as “perfect”.
Tickets and passports: no physical tickets on high-speed rail
Once in the high-speed rail area, they note that physical tickets aren’t needed—the process is linked to your passport details. They emphasise filling in passport information when using the high-speed rail network, as it makes movement through the system easier.
Immigration reminders: expect “off limits” rules
Because border control is involved, they stress that certain behaviours are restricted. They specifically mention that recording is off limits when entering immigration areas.
What it looks and feels like: “it feels like an airport”
The family describes the experience as highly connected, with levels and transport links that make it feel like being in an airport. They also mention that there are connections around the area, including the idea of an airport express and the subway nearby—so the space can feel busy and very organised.
A faith-and-family mindset for travel day
Perhaps the most valuable part of episode one is the mindset behind the logistics. The Aziz family pause to offer themselves a pep talk: travel days are already stressful, and border crossings can add to that feeling. They encourage calm problem-solving and avoiding frustration—because once you’re in motion, you simply move step by step and inshallah it will work out.
They finish their opening episode approach by heading toward immigration, guided by signs, time awareness, and the determination that defines their journey.
Ready to start your own family adventure across China?
If you’re dreaming of crossing borders with confidence—whether you’re travelling as a family, planning a first-time China trip, or looking for a route that begins in Hong Kong—Sakina Tours can help you turn big travel plans into a clear, well-prepared itinerary. Share your dates and travel style, and we’ll help you plan the next steps before you even reach the station.
Inshallah—your journey can start smoothly too.
