15-year-old travel blogger takes mum on memorable 'no-budget' day trip in Hong Kong

A 15-year-old travel blogger from mainland China garnered attention by taking his mother on a "no-budget" luxury day trip in Hong Kong with around HK$1,000 in pending, as detailed in a Xiaohongshu post.

The mother-son duo started their journey by traveling from Hunan to Shenzhen North Railway Station via high-speed train and took a bus from Yuen Long to Mong Kok. Their transportation expenses, which included a data card and HK$200 in cash, amounted to 823 yuan (approximately HK$900).

Their one-day trip began with breakfast at a cha chaan teng, where two sets cost HK$72 in total, before visiting the popular photo spot at the Mong Kok Road footbridge. 

While exploring Mong Kok Market, the teenager was shock by the cost of living, noting that three chicken wings cost HK$12 and a lobster was priced at HK$70. During their journey to Tsim Sha Tsui, they purchased a bottle of water for HK$5.

The pair briefly visited Chungking Mansions and enjoyed dessert from a Mister Softee ice cream van. However, they felt it was less value-for-money compared to the mainland's ice-cream due to its small portion.

After strolling along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, they dined at a Hong Kong-style noodle shop, ordering wonton noodles, two desserts, and beef offal for HK$161. The trip concluded with a Star Ferry ride to Central, with total expenses reaching about 998 yuan (approximately HK$1091).

The blogger's video garnered nearly 1,000 comments on Xiaohongshu. Many netizens praised the teenager's filial piety and described the trip as "well-planned." 

However, some questioned whether it qualified as a "luxury tour," noting the restaurants visited were not particularly high-end. Others defended the travelers, highlighting the impressiveness of a 15-year-old high school student from an ordinary family organizing such a trip.