Travel Destination: Hong Kong
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the leading financial capitals in the world. Despite the challenges in recent years, it remains a giant in almost anything—culture, art, business. It has a thriving nightlife, very modern services and facilities and highly urbanized lifestyle. If it’s about the action, the glamour and the glitz, then Hong Kong can be on top of the list.
Its culture can be perfectly described as the meeting of the east and the west. Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan vibe is westernised but its traditions are deeply rooted in Chinese philosophies and principles. The skyline is the result of modernisation but it still believes in the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui. Wonder if all of its skyscrapers were built using that principle.
Contrasts and contradictions included, Hong Kong has the charm that attracts people from everywhere. It has a vibrant city life and plenty of activities to do within and away from the city centre. From Hong Kong Island to Kowloon to New Territories to its Outlying Islands, any visitor wouldn’t run out of things to enjoy.
Going around is convenient. Aside from being a small territory, the transport system is also highly developed and easy. Fly into the Hong Kong International Airport, one of the world’s busiest. To go around its cities, there is an MTR (rapid transit system), buses, tramway system that covers the northern part of Hong Kong Island, Star Ferry and car rental. It is also easy to reach the cities in mainland China, its outlying islands and Macau through ferry services.
Touring the Victoria Harbour is an experience any visitor shouldn’t miss, even for just a few hours. The picturesque Victoria Harbour is one of the world’s busiest natural harbours. There are morning, afternoon and evening harbour cruises and each presents different discoveries. Dolphin-watching is also an option. The cruise takes about four hours and it will take you to the natural habitat of the pink dolphins around the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park in the western waters of Hong Kong. It also passes by the shoreline of the New Territories and the Hong Kong International Airport. The Sunset cruise and Symphony of Lights harbour cruise are just as spectacular.
One of the best shopping places in Asia, Hong Kong provides all opportunities from low- to mid- to high-end retail therapy. From the big shopping malls to trendy shops to street markets to theme shopping streets to Chinese authentic items, nobody would go home empty handed. Shopping in the street markets of is an adventure that most visitors are looking forward to. When in Kowloon, drop by the Ladies’ Market in Tung Choi Street in Mongkok and the Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei. There are also interesting choices in Hong Kong Island particularly in Stanley Market in Stanley Market Road, Jardine’s Crescent in Causway Bay and Li Yuen Street East and West.
Hong Kong is not all about the city life, it also impresses visitors with its natural beauty. A few minutes away from the city centre are four hiking trails and 23 protected country parks where you can enjoy the wildlife resources, see the stunning vistas, view the idyllic islands and get physical with a short hiking trip.
Bustling, traditional, ancient wisdom, modern buildings—Hong Kong keeps progressing without forgetting about its past. It could be the secret of success.