Hong Kong is a city of many contrasts. The most vertical city on earth, it boasts more skyscrapers than anywhere else in the world but also contains peaceful hiking trails and fishing villages. Nature never seems far away from the neon-clad, busy avenues either. Hong Kong is home to people from around the world and there’s something for everyone to experience in this multicultural place whether it’s a relaxed stroll through open gardens or browsing through antique shops tucked down small alleys. 8 top places to visit during a trip to hong kong.
Hong Kong is an exquisite city that is ideal for globe-trotters of all ages. It may be the world’s most vertical city, but at its heart, it also serves as a place to find mystical things in an otherwise concrete jungle. Nature can easily be found on this island and there are many historic sites to experience while visiting here such as temples or even fishing villages. You should consider staying at luxury hotels or perhaps apartments within easy reach of high-end restaurants and pubs (there are several in Hong Kong and the view might just surprise you!). This pearl in southern China has much to offer, so it’s important only to pick one thing, right? To narrow down your list, we’ve taken the liberty of presenting six sites you shouldn’t miss on a trip to Hong Kong!
Hong Kong is an international metropolis packed with attractions. Proclaimed as the world’s ‘most vertical city,’ it boasts more skyscrapers than any other place in the world! There are countless things to do here too besides admiring all of them – you could go shopping just as easily or take a hike on the Peak. Besides its skyline, Hong Kong offers a variety of different things for you to see, like Tian Tan Buddha and Ocean Park. It’s always fun to visit this truly Asia gem!
1. Victoria Peak
Hong Kong is high up on the list of many travellers’ ‘must-see’ lists when it comes to world-class skylines. And The Peak is one way to capture it all in its vivid splendour. This observation deck gives us a bird’s eye view of the city’s picturesque backdrop, which could include views of Victoria Harbour if you are lucky enough during the right season.
Hong Kong is home to one of the most iconic skylines in the world. All around the city you’ll glimpse a staggering amount of buildings reaching toward the clouds, with many more still under construction. If you want to get an up-close and personal look at Hong Kong’s beautiful backdrop, be sure to visit The Peak. Here, you can take in all of the breathtaking views as well as check out some cool attractions like Sir Philip Anthony’s Bungalow. Just make sure not to miss the last wooden junk boat floating on Victoria Harbour by taking a stroll down memory lane along the road less travelled when boarding the old-fashioned Peak Tram to head back down!
2. Avenue of Stars
Hungry for more photos of the Hong Kong Skyline? Head to the Avenue of Stars at sunset and don’t forget your camera to capture its most iconic view. The avenue is home to the world’s largest light and sound show, “A Symphony of Lights”. Which illuminates the city-state’s skyscrapers every night.
Want another amazing view of the famous Hong Kong skyline? Then head to the Avenue of Stars at sunset. You’ll have the prime vantage point for your own private light and sound show given that Hong Kong is home to the most spectacular laser and theatrical performances in the world, which illuminate its iconic skyscrapers. Indeed, “A Symphony of Lights” shows various images across the city every night and it really is a must-see for photography enthusiasts!
If you want another view of Hong Kong’s skyline, head to the Avenue of Stars at sunset. This is a great place to enjoy the world’s largest light and sound show, as every night buildings across Hong Kong are illuminated as part of “A Symphony of Lights”.
3. Temple Street Night Market
If you’re a foodie, you probably have Hong Kong in your sights. It’s world-famous for its wonderful dishes, but what about the more affordable eats? The good news is that Temple Street Night Market still has it. From hot chilli crab to roasted pigeons on sticks, there are plenty of weird and wonderful delicacies that make this the ideal spot for anyone who loves experimenting with foods from around the world.
But don’t worry – it doesn’t have to fall under the category of stellar Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant every day. Instead, try venturing out on Temple Street Night Market for an inexpensive dinner. It has everything from Chongqing chilli crab to exotic delicacies like a roast pigeon – so browse at least once before heading back to your hotel room wherever that may be!
4. Wong Tai Sin Monastery
The Wong Tai Sin Monastery makes a wonderful time to visit. It was built in the early 20th century to honour the Taoist *** Wong Tai Sin. Therefore, many people travel from all over the tri-city area to hold a prayer session or seek out an opposite fortune-teller.
Lying in the heart of Kowloon’s city centre, the Wong Tai Sin Monastery is a popular place of worship that was founded in 1921. The main shrine to the Taoist deity Wong Tai Sin is near the centre of the monastery so there are plenty of people who come here each day especially to be blessed by this legendary figure.
5. Chi Lin Nunnery
The Chi Lin Nunnery is a temple that is made of cypress wood, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city in Wong Tai Sin. The temple was originally built in 1935 but was rebuilt in 1994 using traditional Chinese techniques in order to be true to its namesake. It earns the title of being the world’s largest handmade wooden monument and it has been referred to as one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples outside of Asia!
The Chi Lin Nunnery is yet another architectural wonder in Hong Kong. One way to enjoy the day would be to take a 30-minute walk there from Wong Tai Sin, and you will come across a beautiful Buddhist temple made of cypress wood. This religious landmark dates back to the 1930s but was recently rebuilt in Chinese style, inspired by the Tang Dynasty. The intricate designs used in the restoration were all done using only traditional Chinese techniques which have earned the nunnery international fame as one of the world’s largest handmade wooden buildings.
The Chi Lin Nunnery is an impressive temple in Hong Kong. It was built back in the 1930s but was later rebuilt in the 90s after a fire destroyed a great part of it. What makes this place particularly unique among other Buddhist temples is that it’s made primarily from wood. The architecture of the complex has clear Tang Dynasty influences which are seen in the overall look and size of the building as well as its grandiose decorations. Furthermore, it’s worth noting how great care was taken when designing the Chi Lin Nunnery because this religious monument even bears the title of being the world’s largest handmade wooden monument.
6. Dragon’s Back Hike
The city of Hong Kong is one of the most active and fast-paced cities in the world. Are you looking for a break from the oftentimes chaotic streets and busy markets? If so, I recommend that you make an escape to Lantau Island, where one can take a restorative walk through the Dragon’s Back hike trail! The trail leads to several well-known destinations including Big Wave Bay, which is celebrated as an area brimming with excellent beaches.
Are you tired of Hong Kong’s fast-paced but love its busy markets? Take a taxi to Big Wave Bay and hike the Dragon’s Back. Big Wave Bay and Shek O are both nearby the city centre which is why it’s easy to get out of there and go somewhere else if you don’t want to. This place boasts amazing ocean views and you might even spot some fishers in the village. Shek O also offers great beaches for a swim!
7. Lantau Island
On Lantau Island, one of the largest in Hong Kong, you can find Po Lin Monastery. This is where a lot of domestic and international tourists are to see this glittering Giant Buddha. There are many ways to get here and experience Lantau Island’s magic. You can take a cable car and enjoy the views from above or take one of the ferries going from Central over the ocean. Once upon the Ngong Ping plateau, there are many things to enjoy such as some food shops and restaurants where you could eat some tasty dishes for lunch or dinner; then explore around the village that is filled with stilt houses and traditional fishing boats.
Hong Kong’s second-largest island, Lantau is home to many attractions. One of them is Hong Kong International Airport, which can be reached through the tram that departs from Tung Chung (Hong Kong’s newest town built on reclaimed land). But the island has many other fascinating sights. Disney lovers and nature-lovers alike should head to Disneyland Hong Kong, where Mickey Mouse and his friends welcome visitors. Although the theme park occupies a large amount of space in Lantau, it does not take away from the fact that hours can be spent strolling around neighbourhoods such as Tai O, a former fishing village surrounded by mountains and water, or visiting Tian Tan Buddha – one of Asia’s largest buddhas – located in Ngong Ping at Po Lin Monastery. Be careful when climbing these endless stairs though!
8. Macau
One hour by boat separates Hong Kong from Macau, but this easy day trip feels like it is many worlds apart. Indeed, Macau is where Portugal meets China. And this legacy is keenly felt on the colourful tiles of the Senado Square, or in front of the Renaissance facade of the Ruins of St-Paul’s. The Fortaleza do Monte is also a gorgeous spot to enjoy a swiping view over the city’s one-of-a-kind scenery, as eccentric glass-tile buildings loom in the distance over traditional heritage sites.
Macau is a city in the south of China, on the western bank of the Pearl River Delta across from Hong Kong. The region was under Portuguese rule for several centuries and because of this, many buildings are still influenced by Portuguese style architecture.
