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Hong Kong isn’t so much a city as it is an experience. One that has to be lived over and over again. What used to be a farming and fishing village in another lifetime is now a glittering expanse of buildings and is now considered to be one of the world’s most important financial centres. Hong Kong perpetually surprises and delights you with its many facets. A fashion-forward city with a strong sense of community and a pulsating heart at its centre, Hong Kong is the kind of city that many people want to make into their forever home.
Since we can’t all live there, we can visit as often as we can. The dizzying array of buildings in Kowloon and Hong Kong and the fast-paced frenetic energy of Tsim Sha Tsui or the slower and richer lifestyle of nearby islands like Lantau and New Territories are all representative of Hong Kong in one way or the other. Hong Kong resides in the many hardworking residents who go about their work every day and those who have made it what it is today. With its bright skies, awe-inspiring skyscrapers, blue waters and the dark mountains that encircle it, Hong Kong continues to remain one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Hong Kong tourism is extensive and brilliant. From amusement parks to natural wonders, let’s take a look at this multihued Asian miracle.
| Hong Kong Tourism: A Quick Overview | |
| Continent | Asia |
| Capital | Hong Kong |
| Official Language | Chinese, English |
| Dial Code | +852 |
| Population | 7,482,500 |
| Currency | Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) |
| Time Zone | UTC+8 |
| Area | 1,108 sq. km. |
Sights Unseen - Even a cynic will not be able to remain unmoved by the sight of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. At night, the broad expanse of dark water lights up as a brilliant laser show cuts through the dark skies and people gasp in wonder. If that fails to enthuse you, head over to Victoria Peak on the fascinating tram that offers some wonderful sights along the way as you climb up the peak. The Peak as it’s commonly known has brilliant sights of a beautifully lit up Hong Kong down below. Lantau Island that has to be approached by ferry is also quite famous for its huge Buddha statue near the Po Lin monastery. The Tian Tan Buddha is 34 metres tall and is at the hilltop which has to be accessed by a long stairway. If you want to truly enjoy nature in all its glory, then don’t miss the Ngong Ping cable car ride. If you want to enjoy a bit of culture, then there are temples like Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin temple which is a well-known Taoist temple in Hong Kong. For those in the mood for something lighter, a simple stroll into Kowloon Park itself is quite calming as you see children frolic around, or simply linger in the beautifully sculpted Chinese garden which has a lotus pond and a rock cascade. There’s never a boring moment in Hong Kong and you’ll find that true, no matter how many times you return.
Adventure Activities - Not everyone comes to Hong Kong for the shopping or the sights of brilliantly lit up skyscrapers. Many come there to indulge in the numerous adventure activities that they can enjoy. Lantau Island is quite famous among enthusiastic trekkers. Hong Kong’s second highest mountain, Lantau Peak is quite strenuous but every bit worth it. There’s a well-marked trail which makes it easy for climbers and the sights of the Big Buddha or the greenery in Lantau are refreshing. Another item that adventure lovers can mark off is to go canyoning in the New Territories, which can be quite the exhilarating adventure. Keen surfers can also enjoy a bit of action at the Big Wave Bay in To Tei Wan. Fishing villages near Lantau Island are also great for paddling around in boats or simply enjoying a swim in the waters. Guided tours can take you on hikes and there’s a chance to have a refreshing dip in a cool waterfall as well. Another thing that one shouldn’t miss while in Hong Kong is the chance to go on the historic Star Ferry. Amusement Park enthusiasts will love the magnificent Ocean Park or Disneyland here which also makes it the perfect spot for kids.
Shopping - Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise. From high-end pricey designer items straight from the shiny boutiques to cheap and satisfying shopping in the night markets, Hong Kong has it all. Shopping can be quite the fun activity in Hong Kong and you should come fully prepared to expect the unexpected. The Ladies Market in Mong Kok or any of the night markets is unapologetically Asian in the many colourful varieties of items that it offers or the controlled but chaotic atmosphere. Another famous market is the Stanley Market where you can find a number of fun and interesting souvenirs to take back home. Hong Kong is also home to some of the most amazing malls which often are built with interesting backdrops, such as the IFC or Harbour City Mall that looks out over the harbour. From several coffee shops and boutique restaurants here, it’s easy to spot the waters outside and it’s quite the enchanting sight.
Cuisine - Foodies will easily find themselves eating their way through the many streets of Hong Kong and that’s one of the things that makes this multi-cultural city so memorable. There are all sorts of cuisines available here, from the local favourites such as dim sum to delicious classics such as beef brisket with yellow egg noodles. As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, Hong Kong has some enchanting fine dining restaurants as well as deceptively simple noodle bars and you will be hard pressed to choose your favourites here. Many people swear by the dim sums in Hong Kong and these succulent morsels that you can eat by the dozen can be found in many places but there are dedicated dim sum restaurants where you can eat all sorts of varieties. Seafood is also quite popular here and most places will give you the option to choose your fish and have it prepared in the way you want it. While there are several Indian restaurants here too, if you miss the uncomplicated taste of Indian food, don’t miss out on a little adventure as you enjoy dishes such as roast goose, fish balls or sweet and sour pork.
Hong Kong is located on the southern coast of China on the east side of the Pearl River estuary. It is surrounded by the South China Sea on three sides and has the Chinese city of Shenzhen at its north.
Hong Kong is one of the cities that can be visited throughout the year. Although weather is not prone to extremes, Hong Kong does see its share of typhoons which can be quite scary at times. Hong Kong’s four seasons are each unique and since the social calendar of this city is almost always full, there’s much to see and enjoy, no matter when you go. Many people consider winter to be the best time to visit Hong Kong.
By Air - The easiest and most convenient way of travelling to Hong Kong is by air. Chek Lap Kok Airport is located around 31kms away from the city. It is well-connected with almost all the important cities in the world and is counted as among the busiest airports in the world.
By Train - The railway station in Hong Kong is located on No.9 Cheung Wan Road. Numerous bullet trains from cities in China like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing come here regularly.
By Road - With superb roads and excellent road connectivity, travelling to Hong Kong from China can be convenient and easy.
By Boat - Hong Kong has international ports and you can travel from Macau to Hong Kong with ease.
The history of Hong Kong goes back 6000 years and over a tumultuous period of millennia, Hong Kong came into its own when the British colonised the island in 1898 for 99 years. Hong Kong rapidly became one of the key financial hubs of the world and is home to not just Chinese but immigrants from various countries from all over the world.
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