Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an autonomous territory, and former British colony, in southeastern China. Its vibrant, densely populated urban centre is a major port and global financial hub with a skyscraper-studded skyline. Central (the business district) features architectural landmarks like I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower. Hong Kong is also a major shopping destination, famed for bespoke tailors and Temple Street Night Market. Population: 7.392 million (2017). 

Getting There

Things To Do

 

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Peak Tram

Of the many things to do in Hong Kong, if you only do one, go to The Peak. Catch the Peak Tram (it’s been running since 1888) up to the highest point on Hong Kong Island. Admire the stunning view across the harbour, to Kowloon and out to the New Territories. For colour, bustle and bargain, go to the Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street, Kowloon for 100 stalls selling clothes and accessories. Hong Kong Disneyland is a family adventure world on Lantau Island and while there, for an experience at the other end of the spectrum, visit the Po Lin Monastery and ‘big Buddha’. To see traditional performances and rituals to appease ghosts, come to Hong Kong during the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, for the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Peak Tram Tickets
Return Single
Adult HK$ 45 HK$ 32
Child (age 3 – 11)
Senior (age 65 or above)
HK$ 20 HK$ 12

Symphony Of Lights

If you thought Victoria Harbour was a dazzling cityscape on its own, hang around for A Symphony of Lights. The multimedia show has set the harbour ablaze every night since 2004, and is recognised as one of the world’s most spectacular light shows. It has become the signature icon for Hong Kong, showcasing the vibrancy and glamorous night vista of the city.

Iconic buildings on both sides of the harbour unite to form a harmonious canvas for a sensational multimedia extravaganza, with a myriad of searchlights, lasers, LED screens and lighting working in symphony to put together a nightly spectacle that transforms the Hong Kong skyline into an outdoor audiovisual feast.

In 2017, exciting, new elements and a new soundtrack performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra were introduced. In 2018, a second phase was launched, expanding the show to even more buildings.

Time:
8pm nightly. The show lasts for about 10 minutes.
Address:
Buildings both on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon
Tel:
+852 2508 1234
Website:
www.tourism.gov.hk

Vantage Points:

  • Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre: MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit L6. Follow the signs and walk for around five minutes.
  • Golden Bauhinia Square: MTR Wan Chai Station, Exit A5. Follow the signs, take the skybridge to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and head for the Golden Bauhinia Square.
  • A favourite vantage point for viewing the show is from a boat on the harbour. Check out these harbour cruises for ideas.

Nightlife

I love live bands so i headed down to The Wanch The Wanch54 Jaffe Rd Wan Chai, Hong Kong to check out the nightly extravaganza of talent and cold beers. Ask for John Prymmer or Keith Goodman.

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Ocean Park

Ocean Park Hong Kong, commonly known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. It is the second largest theme park in Hong Kong, following Hong Kong Disneyland. 

Buy tickets and find extra information HERE

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Big Bus Tours

Capture the many contrasts of this incredible city with our Hong Kong bus tours. Hop on for panoramic views of the bright lights and bustle of downtown, and relax as you explore peaceful bays, the famed Victoria Peak, and traditional markets – simply hop off at any stop to explore at your own pace. Tickets and information Here

 

Jumbo Floating Restaurant

The Jumbo Floating Restaurant together with the Tai Pak, are Hong Kong’s iconic Floating Palaces. They have been in movies, are frequented by luminaries, movie stars and royalty, and are a common sight in tourist brochures and postcards. They have been around since the 1950’s and are very much a part of the Hong Kong scene.

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Shopping in Shenzhen From Hong Kong

Around 80 pairs of high speed trains are running between Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station and Shenzhen Futian/ Shenzhen North Railway Station each day. The bullet trains run between Hong Kong West Kowloon and Shenzhen Futian with the travel time of 15 minutes. Ticket price is CNY 68 for a second class seat. Distance between is 26km (16mi).
It takes 20 minutes to finish the distance of 39km (24mi) between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Shenzhen North Railway Station. Ticket cost is CNY 75 for a second class seat.

Where to Shop for Everything

Sitting on the Hong Kong/Shenzhen border, and right next to the main border crossing, Luohu Commerical City is where most day-trippers from Hong Kong end up. Featuring over 700 shops set over 5 floors, Commercial City is likely to be the most intense shopping experience you’ve ever experienced. There are hundreds of salespeople and hustlers all jostling for your attention. Just about everything you could ever want to buy is on sale here, although it’s worth noting that a good majority of it is either imitation or counterfeit, but then you get what you pay for and prices are cheap. The best buys here are clothing, tailored suits, and probably the biggest draw, cut-price massages. You should be on alert for pickpockets and con artists as the mall is a magnet for both.

 

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