The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or simply Hong Kong as we all know it owes its name to the Cantonese language and it means “Fragrant Harbour”. More than fragrant, Hong Kong means success, modernity, hard work and excellence. The city developed so quickly that it became the first of the “Four Asian Tigers”. Hong Kong was a British colony for nearly 150 years and it was transferred back to China in 1997. Due to its political and legal independence, Hong Kong is known as the Oriental Pearl with a twist of British influence in the culture. Hong Kong’s official languages are Chinese (Spoken Cantonese) and English, so it is easier to travel to and explore than mainland China. Incredible shopping areas, world-class hotels and spas, some of the best restaurants in Asia and more await for you. Do not think too much, book a flight and go explore Hong Kong, but first check out WOW Travel’s Top 10 Things To Do In Hong Kong, it will help you use your time and plan your trip wisely.
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“You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you.”
― Nury Vittachi, Hong Kong: The City of Dreams
The Peak
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One spot we recommend to everyone who visits to Hong Kong is the PEAK which is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. Home to the crème de la crème of Hong Kong, a very exclusive neighbourhood since colonial times. The view is simply breathtaking and it has become one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. Visitors can appreciate skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour all the way to the green hills of the New Territories during the day and at night the most amazing light display of all the skyscrapers in Hong Kong.
The Clock Tower
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This old Clock Tower was built in 1915 in what used to be the Kowloon–Canton Railway station which no longer exists. It is well preserved and it was declared a monument reminds visitors and locals alike of the Age of Steam. The materials used for its construction are red bricks and granite, the tower is 44 meters (144 ft) high, and is topped by a 7-meter (23 ft) lightning rod. Visitors can reach the top using a wooden staircase located within.
The Wong Tai Sin Temple
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This temple is a magnet of visitors from all over the world and also locals as it is home to three religions: Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Its beautifully ornamented buildings make it as much a scenic attraction as an important religious center. The temple honors the famous monk of yore, Wong Tai Sin who was born around the years 400AD and became a deity at Heng Shan (Red Pine Hill). Worshippers arrive every single day and pray for good fortune through offerings. The temple is located on the southern side of Lion Rock in the north of Kowloon.
Avenue of the Stars
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The Avenue of Stars pays tribute to the names that helped make Hong Kong the ‘Hollywood of the East’ such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, and due to its great location it allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. The Avenue of Stars is the eastern node of several tourist attractions along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. In addition to the promenade and New World Centre, a number of attractions exist including the Museum of Art, Space Museum and the Cultural Centre.
Disneyland Hong Kong
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We think the name speaks for itself. Go prepare to embark on a magical journey through seven themed lands from day to night. Visit the Mystic Point which is exclusive to Hong Kong Disneyland. Grizzly Gulch, Toy Story Land and year round magical events.
Ladies Market
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This is one of the most well-known street markets in Hong Kong and China in general. You can find it all, diverse kinds of products are available for cheap prices but not just for women also for men and children.
Ocean Park
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Ocean Park is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park. It offers guests a world-class experience that blends entertainment with education and conservation
Temple Street Night Market
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Temple Street is a popular street bazaar, known for its night market and one of the busiest flea markets at night in the world. It is named after a Tin Hau temple located in the center of its main drag, and a place so steeped in local atmosphere that it has served as the backdrop to many a memorable movie. Trinkets, tea ware, electronics, watches, menswear, jade and antiques are scrutinized and haggled over, while clay pot rice, seafood, noodles and other treats are consumed with gusto.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
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Hong Kong has one of the best city skylines of the world, especially when viewed from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Along the way, you will pass Hong Kong Cultural Center, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Avenue of Stars.
“Hong Kong is a wonderful, mixed-up town where you’ve got great food and adventure. First and foremost, it’s a great place to experience China in a relatively accessible way.” – Anthony Bourdain
Ngong Ping Cable Car
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Ngong Ping Cable Car is a visually spectacular 5.7km cable car journey,travelingg between Tung Chung Town Centre and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. Visitors will enjoy panoramic views of the Hong Kong International Airport, South China Sea, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, as well as the flora and fauna of North Lantau Country Park.
Just So You Know…
- Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and several other smaller islands spread.
- Hong Kong is counted amongst the most densely populated areas of the world.
- Hong Kong is subject to typhoons and has yearly monsoons, with rainy, hot weather beginning in spring and lasting through the summer. The winters are humid, mild and cool.
- Ten percent of the population of Hong Kong is Christian, while the remaining 90 percent practice Buddhism, Taoism or other local religions.
- The Peak Tram became the first cable funicular in Asia in 1888 and remains one of the steepest and oldest cable railroads in the world. An average of over 11,000 people ride the Peak Tram every day or more than 4 million annually.
- Seven out of ten people take buses in Hong Kong while 35% take the cab every week.
- Vehicles in Hong Kong are driven on the left side of the road, unlike China’s vehicles, which are driven on the right side.
- Make your visit unforgettable by staying at the best hotels in Hong Kong or top gay friendly hotels in Hong Kong.
Grab A Bite:
- Hong Kong Heritage Museum – Presents a unique mix of history, art and culture in a great variety of programes that cater for the wide-ranging interests of the public.
- Hong Kong Science Museum – Features more than 40 exhibits introducing the science principles behind some funny and useful materials; and how they are used to develop new products.
- Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence – The Museum is formerly known as the Lei Yue Mun Fort, which was the most formidable fortifications in the territory built more than 100 years ago. The museum preserve and presenta 600-year history of coastal defence.
- Hong Kong Museum of Art – With the main art museum in Hong Kong.
Grab A Bite:
- Vasco and ISONO – Serve two tasting menus based on fresh and local organic ingredients and Spanish flavors.
- Burger Circus – Amazing Burgers. They’re bite-sized delights that just need a spiked milkshake and some crispy onion rings alongside.
- Lai Bun Fu – With fancified versions of prawn toast (with foie gras!), minced chicken soup with bird’s nest, and all sorts of classic Cantonese delicacies.
- Francesco – a delightful mixed of Italian-Japanese culinary.
