Driving back to mainland China: A complete guide to driving northbound on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
Driving across the border to mainland China: A complete guide to driving across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (from my personal experience)
Hello everyone, I'm your editor! Many of you have been wanting to try driving to mainland China via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, but the process seems a bit complicated. You don't know how to apply, and what to pay attention to along the way. I finally got to experience it myself a while ago, and this article will thoroughly walk you through everything from preparation to actual driving, including the essential details to ensure you master it right away!
1. Overview of Self-Driving Crossing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
First, driving across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to the mainland essentially means driving your own car from Hong Kong, crossing the artificial island to Zhuhai, and then entering the mainland. Perhaps the biggest advantage of this option is its convenience and flexibility. You don't have to take buses or transfers; you can control your entire journey. However, to successfully cross the border by car, there are a few important steps you must take beforehand.
II. Preliminary Preparation & Required Documents
1. Hong Kong Cars Going North Scheme ("Macau Cars Going North"/"Hong Kong Cars Going North")
To drive to mainland China, the most important thing is to apply for the "Hong Kong Car Northbound" qualification. This system will be launched in 2023, which will simplify the application process for eligible Hong Kong car owners and allow them to go directly to mainland China without the mainland-Hong Kong license plate quota.
Eligibility
- Must be a Hong Kong private car owner
- The vehicle and driver must have no major violation records
- The owner and driver must hold a valid Hong Kong identity card and driver's license
Application Process
- Register on the Transport Department website ( Hong Kong vehicles heading north page )
- Prepare Hong Kong vehicle registration documents, driver's license, identity card, etc. in advance
- Apply for a travel permit (electronic version is sufficient)
2. List of required documents
| Documents/certificates | Purpose/Remarks |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong Identity Card | Identity verification |
| Hong Kong driving license | Must be original |
| Northbound travel permit for Hong Kong vehicles | Electronic/printed version |
| Vehicle registration documents | Such as vehicle registration certificate |
| Hong Kong Vehicle Insurance | Must be valid (third party liability insurance) |
| Vehicle Insurance in Mainland China | Usually apply online (electronic version available) |
| Mainland temporary license plate (Guangdong Z license plate) | After applying, you will get a paper/electronic temporary license |
| Home Return Permit | Essential for customs clearance |
| China and Hong Kong license plates (if any) | Traditional methods require an application, but Hong Kong vehicles traveling north are exempt from the application requirement. |
Editor's Tips
- It is best to make a copy of all documents for backup , just in case.
- Vehicle insurance (third-party liability insurance in mainland China) can be handled online without going to the insurance company.
3. How to apply for "Hong Kong vehicles traveling north"?
Step 1: Submit your application
- Log in to the Transport Department's "Hong Kong Vehicles Northbound" website
- Follow the instructions to upload documents and fill in information
- Wait for approval (usually 2 to 4 weeks)
Step 2: Purchase mainland car insurance
- You can purchase insurance online with mainland insurance companies such as Ping An Insurance and PICC.
- After purchasing insurance, you will receive an electronic insurance policy, please remember to save it.
Step 3: Apply for a temporary vehicle license
- After completing the "Hong Kong Car Northbound" process, you will be notified to apply for a temporary license plate on the Zhuhai Transportation Department website/APP.
- After applying, you will get an electronic/physical Guangdong Z license plate , which must be displayed when driving.
4. Starting from actual combat: a step-by-step look at the customs clearance process
Step 1. Arrive at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port
- It is recommended to depart early to avoid peak hours
- Follow the "Private Car" lane signs and enter the immigration inspection channel
- Prepare your documents and pass and wait for inspection
Step 2. Depart from Hong Kong
- Present your Home Return Permit, Hong Kong Vehicle Northbound Permit, and Hong Kong Driving License
- Vehicle inspection (usually just a simple question about where you are going)
- Once completed, drive onto the bridge
Step 3. Travel on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
- You need to pay a bridge toll (currently $150 per trip for private cars, you can pay by Octopus or cash)
- The bridge is approximately 55 kilometers long and has a speed limit of 80 km/h.
- Illegal overtaking or parking is strictly prohibited
Step 4. Entering Zhuhai Port
- Enter the "Hong Kong Vehicles Northbound" dedicated lane
- Present all documents, including temporary license plate, mainland car insurance, and Home Return Permit
- Mainland customs will inspect vehicles and inquire about their whereabouts
- There is a chance to ask to open the trunk for inspection
Step 5. Complete immigration and officially enter Zhuhai!
- After that, you are already in the mainland and can drive back to any place in Guangdong at will.
5. Notes on the Return Trip
- When returning to Hong Kong, follow the instructions to go through the mainland ports
- All documents must be presented again
- Cars and documents will be checked again when entering Hong Kong
6. My personal experience
1. Time Budget
- It is recommended to reserve 2 hours for the first time, as there are many documents and the inspection is thorough.
- The return trip is usually faster, but there may be traffic jams during long holidays.
2. Vehicle status
- Do not temporarily anchor on the bridge. Remember to check the condition of your vehicle (fuel level, tire pressure, etc.)
- Most petrol stations in mainland China do not accept Octopus, so remember to bring cash or a mainland payment method (such as WeChat/Alipay)
3. Mainland driving culture
- Driving rules in the Mainland are largely the same as in Hong Kong, but some drivers are more aggressive. Be careful when changing lanes and give way to pedestrians.
- Most road signs have Chinese and English translations
4. GPS navigation
- It is recommended to download a Gaode map or Baidu map APP for accurate navigation
- Google Maps may not be fully available in some areas of the mainland
7. FAQ
Q1: How many passengers can I bring with me to mainland China?
A: As long as the number of registered seats in the vehicle does not exceed the limit, each person must have a Home Return Permit.
Q2: Is it difficult to apply for "Hong Kong vehicles heading north"?
A: The process is clear and as long as all the documents are complete, there generally won’t be any major problems.
Q3: How to get a temporary license plate?
A: Apply online and once approved, you can just use the electronic/printed version. Generally, there is no need to mail the physical version.
Q4: Will there be special fines/monitoring in mainland China?
A: Traffic monitoring in the mainland is strict. Speeding and illegal parking may result in fines at any time. Remember to follow the rules!
8. Summary
From application to visa approval, every step requires careful preparation. But if you follow this step-by-step guide, driving to mainland China is surprisingly easy! The key tips are to get all the necessary documents in order, plan your time accordingly, and follow driving regulations . Self-driving tours offer a lot of freedom, and you can bring your family and friends along, making them even more enjoyable!
If you have any questions, please leave a message and ask us! We hope everyone can experience the fun of driving across the bridge smoothly!
