Maximum City
Hong Kong is the perfect destination for those who work hard and play harder. Admire the view from the iconic skyscrapers (the largest number in an urban territory), and lose your way in the narrow lanes and pathways crisscrossing the city centre. Hong Kong’s powerful economy shares a symbiotic relationship with its cultural richness. Expatriates from around the world live and work in Hong Kong, along with a significant tourist population. Hong Kong is a glorious amalgamation of the East and West and this cosmopolitanism is visible in the cuisine, the music, the cinema and the forms of recreation on offer. Traditional Chinese values coexist with the influx of cultural influences from all over the world. Tap your feet to the beats of 70s Cantopop over the radio or attend a concert with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Catch a traditional dragon boat race or a more European-style derby. Spend your day exploring the massive markets in downtown Kowloon or foray into nature in the suburbs. Eat lunch at a hole-in-the-wall place with fantastic dim sums and enjoy dinner at a French fine dining establishment. Hong Kong offers a mind-boggling variety of experiences to fill your days and nights with for this city never sleeps.
Threads of the Past of Hong Kong
Hong Kong has always occupied a role of strategic and economic importance in the region.Thus, it has a long and chequered history of indigenous settler groups and European colonialism. From its humble beginning as a small cluster of fishing villages to a trading port to the modern-day financial hub, Hong Kong has seen the rise and fall of many regimes. These different threads create a colourful tapestry of the past. The flâneur has an opportunity to map several paths around the city. Take the heritage walk through the New Territories and see the Man Mo Temple of Literature. Explore the Aberdeen Fishing Village and spend an evening at a bar in Kowloon, listening to local stories. Visit British and Portuguese colonial buildings. Make a trip to the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island to see the Tian Tan Buddha. Take your pick of Hong Kong’s fantastic museums including the Hong Kong Museum of History which has a comprehensive coverage of prehistoric Hong Kong, the colonial years, the Opium Wars and local culture.
Marvellous Macau
Macau is known for its glitzy casinos and glamorous hotels and eateries but it has much more to offer! A short ferry ride away from Hong Kong, Macau has its own unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese culture. Walk around quaint Taipa Village with its pastel painted homes and tiled paths and see the houses built on stilts in sleepy Coloane Village. The city centre at the heart of the Macau Peninsula has some gorgeous examples of colourful Portuguese architecture and maritime tile-work. Hike up to Guia Fort, the highest point of the Macau Peninsula for a wonderful view of the region and sea. Smell the incense and take a break at A-Ma temple or get a taste of Macau’s vibrant cultural scene by visiting the monthly exhibition at the Art for All gallery for contemporary art. Make sure you try a pasteis de nata (a Portuguese custard tart) in between. Come evening, ramp up your adrenaline at one of the mega-casinos, nightclubs or an underground rock gig. Even if you’re not fond of gambling, Macao’s nightlife is an electrifying experience.
Parks and Recreation in Hong Kong
Celebrate your inner child at Hong Kong’s glorious theme parks and nature parks! One of the biggest attractions here is Hong Kong Disneyland. Situated on Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland is a fantastical experience. Meet some of your favourite fictional characters down Main Street, USA. The adventure continues in the 6 other themed areas of the park—Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Toy Story Land, Mystic Point and Grizzly Gulch. The attention to detail, the artwork, the production value and the entertainment value is of the highest standard, as expected of Disney parks world over. If you’d like a theme park experience more grounded in living creatures, Ocean Park Hong Kong is the one for you. Aimed at combining entertainment, education and advocacy, Ocean Park has roller coasters, animal exhibits and massive aquariums. It is divided into 2 main areas: the Summit and the Waterfront, and subdivided into 8 themed areas: Marine World, Thrill Mountain, Adventure Land, Polar Adventure, The Rainforest, Aqua City, Amazing Asian Animals and Whiskers Harbour. On the other hand, if theme parks aren’t your thing at all, visit any of Hong Kong’s protected nature reserves, like Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and Mai Po Nature Reserve. Marshlands, geological formations, marine life, hothouses and botanical research—whatever your interest, Hong Kong has you covered!
Retail Therapy
Hong Kong is famous for its markets. However, it is difficult to grasp the sheer scope of these markets unless one sees them up close. With entire streets dedicated to specific classes of items, there is a mind-boggling variety of products to choose from. This is a regional practice of clustering similar businesses together in specific areas and makes shopping (or window shopping) not just convenient but also fascinating. Whether it’s the buzzing wet markets with fresh produce, markets for birds, goldfish, jade, flowers or appliances or the famous Stanley Market, you’ll be spoilt for choice at every step. You’ll definitely want to make frequent stops at the many street food stalls hawking delicious sustenance like fish balls and roasted chestnuts. These hawkers are an unmissable part of Hong Kong’s food culture. Retail therapy has never been more exciting!