With so much to see in the Special Administrative Region south of mainland China, focus on Hong Kong Island to make the most of a one-day visit.

Morning

Breakfast in Hong Kong. Take the high-speed ferry to arrive in Hong Kong in a little less than an hour. After you disembark, make your way to Teakha. Open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, this quiet café specializes in homemade granola, delicious pastries and scones. Try the matcha cheesecake with a cup of freshly brewed tea from the extensive menu.

Victoria Peak. Continue on to the Peak Tram funicular, in operation since 1888, and ride to the top to take in 360-degree city and harbor views from Hong Kong Island’s highest mountain.

Midday

Peaceful Park. After descending the mountain, visit Hong Kong Park for a stroll in the lush green space, landscaped with flowers, cactuses, fountains and waterfalls. Take time to walk through the tea museum and past the Tai Chi garden to center yourself before heading back out into the bustling city.

Central Shopping. Stop by Landmark, a vast mall not far from the park, to browse from the range of luxury jewelry, clothing and specialty shops.

Afternoon

Temple Visit. Said to be the oldest temple in the city, Man Mo Temple, filled with idols and worshippers burning incense, is dedicated to the Taoist gods of literature and war.

Chinese Arts. The University Museum and Art Gallery is Hong Kong’s oldest continuously operating museum. Find ceramics and bronzes that date as far back as 7,000 to 2,100 BCE from the Neolithic period, as well as Chinese ink paintings, jade carvings and the largest collection of Nestorian crosses (from the Yuan dynasty) in the world. Stop by the Tea Gallery, the museum’s cozy little café, which promotes Chinese tea culture, for a refreshing beverage.

Evening

Fine Dining by the Ferry. Before returning to Macau, sit down to dinner at Lung King Heen, the world’s first Chinese restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars. Take in glittering views of the Hong Kong Harbor and city skyline while dining on dim sum, Peking duck, wok-fried seafood and other regional specialties.

About 65 miles inland from Macau, Guangzhou is a bustling metropolis with a rich history nestled alongside the Pearl River. Spend a day exploring this modern city steeped in culture.

Morning

A Walk in the Park. Once in Guangzhou, make your way to Yuexiu Park, where you can meander through the largest park in the city, which is home to Yuexiu Mountain. Don’t miss the many cultural sites, such as the Five-Ram Sculpture, Zhenhai Tower and the Square Cannon Site, all situated within the park.

Midday

Stroll Through History. Explore the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, which was used in centuries past as place for sacrifices and study. Today it serves as the Guangdong Museum of Folk Arts and Crafts and displays classic forms of Chinese architecture.

… And Heritage. The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is considered a landmark building in Guangzhou, and is the biggest hall that’s been built to honor Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Chinese democratic revolution. Don’t miss the unique century-old Banyan trees outside.

Afternoon

To the Top. For an expansive view of the entire region, take the cable car to the top of White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan), which earned its name thanks to the wreath of white clouds that circles the peak after rainfall.

Evening

Decadent Dinner. Upon your return to Macau, ascend to the 51st floor to dine at Lai Heen, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau’s elegant Chinese restaurant. Opt for the Char-Grilled Barbecue Pork and Steamed Crab Claw with Egg White in Lobster Bisque.

Just a quick ferry ride from Macau, Shenzhen is known for its theme parks, entertainment complexes and shopping malls. But a visit to the southeastern Chinese city can also include modern art, lush gardens and a design-centric library.

Morning

See the World. From the ferry terminal, head straight to one of Shenzhen’s famous theme parks. Windows of them World showcases a globe-spanning 130 replicas — from Paris’ Eiffel Tower and India’s Taj Mahal to the Great Pyramids of Egypt — on 118 acres of sprawling park.

Midday

Wall of Books. Part museum, part library, the Artron Art Center features the world’s largest art book wall. Browse the staggering collection of rare art, design and photography books, and pop into the small art gallery on the top floor.

Dim Sum Lunch. The elegant and inviting Xingli restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen serves a popular dim sum lunch. Sample from the 100-plus varieties or opt for one of the spicy Sichuan dishes.

Afternoon

Modern Art. After a filling dim sum lunch, take a short drive to the Guanshanyue Art Gallery. Named for the famed Chinese ink painter Guan Shanyue, the sleek building houses a sizable collection of the artist’s work as well as modern pieces by other artists in a variety of media.

Green Space. The museum is on the southeastern perimeter of Lianhuashan Park. After taking in the collection, head into the 370-acre park, filled with lakes and landscaped, leafy green space. Climb to the top of the hill to see the bronze statue of city founder Deng Xiaoping, soak in the views of the city skyline and watch for locals flying kites in the open fields.

Evening

Hot Pot. On your way back to the ferry terminal, make a stop at HaiDiLao. The authentic Chinese hot pot restaurant has fresh, house-made noodles and a tempting variety of seafood, meats, vegetables and broth, all delivered with legendary customer service.

Morning

Historic Center. Take a quick car ride to Senado Square in Macau’s historic town center, on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Stroll over the black and white waves of the tiled square, surrounded by examples of Portuguese architecture and home to St. Domingo’s Church, a central fountain and a variety of boutiques.

Midday

Stroll the Square. Start off on a stroll from Senado Square to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the iconic facade of a 17th-century Jesuit church. Visit one of the many small shops on the way for an egg tart, a local Portuguese specialty, and once there, explore the church’s ornate, carved façade, adjacent excavated crypt, and subterranean Museum of Sacred Art, with its religious relics and oil paintings.

Macau History. Learn about the region’s diverse history and culture from the Portuguese settlers up to modern time at the Macau Museum, featuring rotating exhibitions housed in a stately 17th-century fortress.

Afternoon

Guia Fortress. Walk a little less than a mile to Guia Fortress to take in panoramic views of Macau and the Pearl River estuary. The 17th-century military fort, as well as a chapel and lighthouse, is on the highest point of the island. Climb to the top on foot or opt to take the cable car for a more relaxing trek.

A-Ma Temple. On the way to dinner, stop by the oldest temple in Macau. Built in 1488 and dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, A-Ma Temple is the serene antithesis of the glitzy casinos on the Cotai Strip.

Evening

Portuguese Dinner. For an authentic and delicious Portuguese meal, book a table at António restaurant. The eponymous chef specializes in refined Portuguese cuisine, including pastéis de bacalhau, or salted cod fritters, and the Portuguese-style tenderloin steak with a fried egg. Ask for a table on the romantic rooftop in warm weather.

Morning

Relaxing Start. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau, on the top floors of Galaxy Macau, offers treatments like the Jade Reviver. Plan to stay after your treatment to enjoy the steam rooms and vitality pools.

Midday

Poolside Paradise. The Ritz-Carlton, Macau spans the top floor of Galaxy Macau, an opulent resort on the Cotai Strip. Relax on the Grand Resort Deck, which is home to the world’s largest Skytop wave pool as well as lush gardens, white-sand beaches, waterslides and the Pool Bar. Sip a fruit smoothie or a signature cocktail while you soak in some sun.

Afternoon

Tea Time. Served from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. in The Ritz-Carlton, Macau’s Bar & Lounge, afternoon tea service is an elegant oasis in the bustling resort. Pair the seasonally rotating selection of sweet and savory bites with an invigorating pot of tea.

Luxury Shops. Stroll through the Promenade shops inside Galaxy Macau, browsing from among 200 luxury shops, brands spanning the globe.

Evening

Sky-High Fine Dining. After a relaxing day in Macau, book a table at Lai Heen, the Michelin-starred restaurant serving a sophisticated spin on traditional Chinese cuisine. Dine on Peking duck or dim sum in the elegant dining room perched on the resort’s 51st floor.

Evening Entertainment. Opt to see a 3-D movie or a live musical performance and, to really get into the spirit of Macau, finish the evening at the baccarat tables.