If you have been to Hong Kong, you will find that it is a place that you will fall in love with. Those who have been there say it is about savouring new tastes, weaving through a human gridlock and humming some dumb Cantopop tune while slurping your noodles.
One thing that we have noted is people like getting flummoxed and fired by the confluences and contradictions of a Chinese city with multi-Asian and Western elements, a result of legacy of century and of British rule. It is no surprised that you will find English pubs next to dim sum restaurant and double decker buses passing hawkers selling chicken feet.
Hong Kong with a population of over 7 million is divided into four main areas – Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. The main entertainment and commercial areas are in the north of Hong Kong Island; Kowloon is built up but for New Territories and the Outlying Islands is basically peaceful with hiking trails and beaches of Repulse Bay.
Fireworks at night in Victoria Harbour
In fact Hong Kong is one of the world’s premier places of interest to reckon with as it is famed for its 24-hour lifestyle, shopping, food and street vendor, skyline, skyscrapers and the beautiful harbour. The food there is first class, i.e. from international restaurants serving every type of food that you desired to the street food that is sold on every corner.
The city itself is centred around Victoria Harbour and the view from Victoris Peak across the skyline is simply stunning. The main business district is Central, on Hong Kong Island. East of Central lies the admiralty commercial district; Wan Chai, also known for restaurants and clubs; then Causeway Bay, a major shopping and nightlife in the up market area which is among the best in the world.
In Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui (on the southern tip), Jordan and Yau Ma Tei are busy hotel and shopping areas, while Mong Kok is the site of amazing Chinese markets for food, medicines, clothing and fabrics, knick-knacks and just about anything else you could ever want or need.
For international travelers to get there is to arrive and depart via Hong Kong International Airport, while travelers to and from mainland China can use ferry, road or rail links to Guangdong and points beyond. Hong Kong can be reached from Macau via ferry or helicopter as well.
The best time to visit Hong Kong is on autumn or spring.
Don’t miss the following if you are in Hong Kong:
- A trip across the harbour, whether by day or by night on the famous Star Ferry
- The spring Lantern Festival
- The bus ride over the top to Stanley (is a town and a tourist attraction in Hong Kong)
But to avoid there for shopping purpose during Chinese New Year as many shops are closed then.
Money saving on travelling tips:
- To have a smart bargain, friendly haggling is common in most markets, but you should never try to bargain in malls or stores.
- If you intend to use public transportation often then by all mean try to get a multi-use Octopus discount card.
- If you are looking for evening entertainment that is easy on your wallet, head on to Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and stand on the promenade, as there is a free light show every night over Victoria Harbor and the city skyline.
Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoy my blog posting.
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