Hong Kong travel guide
You’re Going to Love Hong Kong
Hong Kong appeals to everyone. This island city has it all, spectacular scenery, great nightlife and entertainment, fabulous shopping, and some of the best food in the world.
Once a British colony, Hong Kong was the gateway to trade in mainland China. It’s still one of the country’s major centers of finance and commerce and a leading business destination.
The skyscrapers! Space is limited and Hong Kong invented the trend for building up. The city’s magnificent skyline is one of the most recognizable in the world – especially after dark when neon lights illuminate buildings and streets.
Victoria Harbour is one of the city’s most spectacular features. Take a tour on the Star Ferry for unique views of the waterfront, Kowloon, and mainland China.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hong Kong
1. It’s the Ideal Family Destination
Hong Kong’s many parks and gardens are perfect for picnics and outings and most have playgrounds and children’s activities. Theme parks are always a hit; younger children will enjoy visits to Disneyland while older children are sure to love the thrilling rides and the famous cable car at Ocean Park.
2. Spectacular Festivals and Celebrations
Hong Kong is known for its colorful festivals, many of which include the famous Lion and Dragon dances, fireworks, and feasts. Chinese New Year each January to February is the biggest. Other notable celebrations include the Dragon Boat Festival, the Spring Lantern Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
3. The Dazzling Cultural Mix
No matter where you go in Hong Kong, you’ll find a sophisticated blend of east and west that stems from the island’s days as a British colony as well as from its Mandarin and Cantonese past. People from all over China make their homes in Hong Kong so expect to meet locals from Shanghai, Fujian, or Sichuan as well as immigrants from all over the world.
4. A Superb Shopping Experience
Shop for everything from clothing to electronics in the Hong Kong’s upmarket malls, pick up original designs in trendy boutiques, or buy traditional Chinese products in the bustling street markets.
5. A Culinary Center
Hong Kong is the foodie capital of Asia and there is something to suit any budget. Try regional Cantonese dishes, local dim sum and seafood, or stop to sample snacks from the city’s street vendors.
What to do in Hong Kong
1. Victoria Peak: Prime Vantage Point
The greatest panorama in Hong Kong, this essential tourist destination can be reached via The Peak, a funicular railway worth the trip in itself. With seven million visitors every year, this area has flourished to include shopping malls and restaurants. Views are improved with countless coin-operated telescopes, lending to hours of exploration from Hong Kong’s pinnacle, and they simply never get boring.
2. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: Iconic Skyline
A stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade guarantees stunning views of Hong Kong’s towering skyline. The waterside walk starts at the Colonial clocktower and stretches past the Hong Kong Cultural Center, the perfect viewing spot for the nightly Symphony of Lights. The quintessential Star Ferry carries people back and forth across Victoria Bay to reach this epic vantage point.
3. Mong Kok: All You Can Buy
Often called the busiest shopping district in the world, this part of Kowloon offers everything the heart could possibly desire, and then some. These vendor-filled streets have retained a traditional feel, with entire stretches devoted to particular goods – clothes, electronics, songbirds… You name it!
4. Lantau Island: Escape from HK
From Disneyland Park to the beaches of Discovery Bay, Lantau island abounds with attractions. Worthy of note is Ngong Ping 360, a contemporary cable car that carries tourists up to Po Lin Monastery for mind-blowing views. Visitors can then behold the 250-ton bronze Tian Tan Buddha. On the coast, the stilted houses of the Tai O fishing Village have kept more of a local feeling.
5. Man Mo Temple: Breathe In
The Man Mo Temple is a tribute to the Gods of Literature and War. Locals frequent this place of worship to pray for luck in their exams, or to settle disputes. Visits are accompanied by the burning of incense in great quantities, a sight and scent to behold for tourists from near and far. The interior is a striking red, and colorful idols abound in this unforgettable time capsule.
Where to Eat in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is without doubt a gourmet destination and you’ll find all kinds of food from all over the world. Seafood is a local specialty and some of the best can be found at the famous floating restaurants at Aberdeen Harbour. Try Asian or international cuisine at upmarket restaurants like Aqua and Felix or sample fast food Cantonese style at Maxims MX. A cheap meal in Hong Kong will cost HK$25-35 while dinner in a mid-range restaurant is HK$150-200 per person.
Dim Sum is a range of tasty snacks that are sold by the piece at street vendors or restaurants throughout Hong Kong. Popular choices include steamed shrimp dumplings, vegetable dumplings, barbecued pork buns, and Hong Kong-style egg tarts.
How to Get to Hong Kong
Plane
Many people start their vacations with flights to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The airport is also known locally as Chek Lap Kok after the small island it’s built on, which is located to the north of Lantau Island and to the west of Hong Kong Island. The terminal building was designed by Sir Norman Foster. The airport is a major regional hub with daily flights arriving from all over the world. All flights arrive at Terminal One and from there you can make the 22 mile journey to the city center by shuttle bus or the Airport Express train service.
Train
Train travel is possible from several Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. All services terminate at Hung Hom station on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.
Car
If you are traveling overland by car you should be aware that there are land checkpoints between neighboring Shenzhen in mainland China and Hong Kong.
Bus
A Cross Boundary Coach service runs from several mainland cities to Hong Kong, operated by numerous private coach companies and overseen by Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities. Buses are required to stop for checks at border crossings.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island – HK Island was the original British settlement and it’s the main attraction for visitors. Go to the top of Peak Tower on Victoria Peak for the best views of the Island. Peak Tower also has a shopping mall with several fine restaurants and a museum.
Popular Neighborhoods in Hong Kong
Kowloon – Malls, street markets, and residential tenement buildings compete for space in this compact district. Kowloon highlights include Wall City Park and Kowloon Tsai Park. Hong Kong Museum of History in Kowloon is ideal for family outings and an opportunity for you to explore the region’s past.
Lantau Island – Lantau is west of Hong Kong Island and the airport is located here. It’s the first taste of Hong Kong for many visitors and home to the famous Ngong Ping 360 cable car and Disneyland.
New Territories – a vast region of small and ancient villages, large cities, hiking trails, farmland, and industry to the north of Hong Kong.
Lamma Island – You may not automatically think of beaches when you think of Hong Kong. However, there are some great swimming spots around the coastal areas and they’re as popular with locals as they are with visitors. Hung Shing Ye Wan on Lamma Island is revered for its clear waters and fine white sand.
