Hong Kong 香港 Travel Guide

Hong Kong is still a mecca for travellers and for good reason. Still distinct from Mainland China this city state is often a start or end point for a trip to China. Aside from having one of the worlds most impressive skylines (pictured above) Hong Kong also offers fine food, vibrant nightlife, world class shopping and tranquil islands dotted with timeless temples and fishing harbours. All this but a stone’s throw from the Central business areas.

Quite simply put, Hong Kong is the perfect mix of East meets West. It feels strange and exotic yet undeniably familiar. There may be a surprise around any corner yet it also makes you feel instantly at home. This is, of course, in no small part connected to the fact that this was a British colony until 1997, but more to the overwhelmingly international feel to the place, a place where all cultures meet, travel to, work and play.

The location itself could not be more dramatic and looking down on it all from the Peak, after a ride up on the implausible looking Peak tram, is a real highlight of any trip here.

This is a city state that never goes to sleep with world class shopping, dining and nightlife. If your here for a few days get yourself fitted for a cut price suit and take to the races at Happy Valley, the city looming all around.

Hong Kong itself is the main attraction here and it really does have something for everyone, however be prepared for your wallet to lose some weight by the end of your time here – it’s one of those places that you can’t help but spend money in!

A trip up to the Peak is certainly a must, the views from there are simply stunning and give you a feeling of awe in how this city was created. Make sure you take the tram up, the angle of descent seems impossible but its been running for 125 years, taking people up to the top to marvel at the sights below (and the ridiculously priced properties that house some of the richest and most successful).

For those looking for souvenirs get over to the wonderfully located Stanley Market, its a winding road full of great sights on route and makes a change from the endless bustle of downtown.

It’s well worth getting out to some of the outlying islands such as Lama or Lantau, if you have the time. A short ride from Hong Kong but worlds apart in feeling. There are sleepy fishing villages and a totally different pace of life to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

How about entering Hong Kong via the hydrofoil service that runs from Guangzhou. Not only is this a much more economic way of entering Hong Kong but also is undeniably the most dramatic, now that the airport isn’t in the middle of the city! You can be there in 2 hours and the view coming into the harbour at Kowloon is not to be missed. Quite simply – Eat, Shop and let your hair down!

The Salisbury YMCA is as good a value as you will find for its location overlooking the harbour in Kowloon. This is particularly good as there is now a nightly a fantastic light show that can be viewed across the harbour and the harbour view rooms here are only a relatively small increase on the standard rooms.

At the top end you need not look any further than one of the most famous hotels in the world, The Peninsula in Kowloon. Overlooking the harbour it has been the standard that, not only Hong Kong, but the whole of Asia has had to follow for many years. If you can’t afford to stay here then it’s certainly worth considering taking that most British and Chinese of pastimes – afternoon tea here.

A little easier on the wallet is the excellent Harbour Grand Kowloon with superb harbour views from it’s rooftop swimming pool.

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By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.