Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. With limited land and a population of over seven million people living in high-rise apartments, it is not surprising Hong Kong has more than two thousand buildings over 100 metres tall. In addition to that, there are more than two hundred skyscrapers over 150 metres tall.
The travel transportation system in Hong Kong is one of the best in the region. It has the rapid rail, public buses, mini buses, trams, taxi and ferry services to transport millions of people every day.
Millions of visitors from around the world visit Hong Kong every year because the place is well known as a shopper’s paradise, high-tech entertainment hub and places with the best nightlife. When it comes to food, there are unlimited choices of eastern and western dining and authentic Asian cuisine.
Hong Kong comprises of three main regions: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories. There are heaps of popular tourist attractions and places of interest that you can visit in each region. It would be a good idea to have an itinerary for each region if you want to explore every corner of Hong Kong.
Here’s the list of attractions and places to visit in Hong Kong.
Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. The Peak Tram departs from the Lower Peak Tram Terminus on Garden Road and begins a steep climb to Victoria Peak with an amazing tilted view throughout the ride. Enjoy more spectacular views of the surrounding areas below from the Peak.
Stroll along the top beaches on Repulse Bay. There are statues of dragons, sculptures of god and goddess along the beach.
This is Hong Kong’s most famous Adventure Park comprising of amusement rides, exhibits, fun activities and tourist attractions. The children will love Ocean Park so be prepared to spend a whole day here. Ocean Park has been open since 1977 and it has been supporting animal conservation programmes in the region.
Horse racing has been part of the Hong Kong culture for over 100 years. The Happy Valley Racecourse comes alive during the horse racing seasons from September to June every year.
Pay a visit to Aberdeen Harbour where you can see fleets of Chinese fishing junks. These fishing junks are homes for many people who live in the harbour area.
The Jumbo Restaurant is one of the largest floating restaurants in the world. It has been serving the locals and tourists since 1976. Seafood meals are popular with the people of Hong Kong and this floating restaurant offers scrumptious seafood meals.
At the Expo Promenade, history was made when the British handed Hong Kong back to China on June 30, 1997. That was the end of the British colonial rule in Hong Kong. There is also a Flag Raising ceremony at the Promenade every day at a designated time.
One of the things you must do in Hong Kong is to hop on the Hong Kong Tram for sightseeing. This tram system has been running for over a hundred years and is still a very popular means of public transport. You will not get lost in Hong Kong if you just follow the tram route.
If you are in Hong Kong during the Christmas and New Year seasons, you will be able to see Victoria Harbour lighted up with Christmas decorations and spectacular displays of dazzling lights all around the harbour area. There will be new year celebrations, christmas markets and many celebration activities to celebrate the festive seasons.
The MTR is quick and efficient. Hop on the MTR and it will get you to most destinations in a short time. It can bring you to the boundary of mainland China if you decide to continue your journey to the mainland China . The MTR Tourist Day Pass permits unlimited travel on the MTR for the whole day.
Experience the best Hong Kong nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong. This destination is full of restaurants, pubs, the best bars and clubs to entertain everyone into the night.
An amazing thing about Hong Kong is that almost every tourist who visits the place will definitely go on a shopping spree before leaving the country. Here are some of the places to check out for fantastic shopping bargains.
If you appreciate the antiques, you can find them in the shops on Hollywood Road. Lots of souvenirs, bargains and gift items.
There is a hotel, exhibition hall and shopping at the 1881 Heritage. The presence of Victorian style buildings here is a reminder of the colonial times of Hong Kong in the 1800s.
Experience the history of the park where a walled fort used to stand. Stone walls and watchtowers used to enclose the area during the British Occupation. The stone walls were torn down during World War II and remnants of the structures can be seen in the present day park.
This is the tallest building in Hong Kong, with 100 floors. A high-speed elevator transports people to the top floor in just 60 seconds. It is truly an ear popping experience. Visitors will be able to experience a panoramic bird eye’s view of the whole city with the powerful telescopes provided.
If you want to wish for something, this is the temple where you can make a wish and hope your wish will be granted. Thousands of locals and overseas visitors flock to this temple to plea their wishes.
Visit the Western Market for handmade, handicraft and arts items.
Shop here for the latest fashion items like clothes, bags, shoes, jewelleries, oriental gifts and novelty items.
Hundreds of small shops and boutiques to be discovered at Causeway Bay for your shopping addiction.
If you still have not had enough of shopping yet, North Point is another place to visit. Remember to stop for lunch at some of the cafes that serve local delicacies and exotic food.
Come and listen to the sweet sounds of the songbirds at the Bird Garden. Bird lovers and bird owners bring their pet birds here every day to let the birds sing their little hearts out. There are several dozen songbird stalls for those who would like own more birds.
Plant lovers will have a great time at the Flower Market. There is a huge variety of exotic plants, local plants and flowers for sale.
While you are in the area, check out the Goldfish Market. Even if you are not able to travel home with a goldfish, it is worth spending some time admiring the exotic fish they have for sale.
Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui resembles Hollywood’s walk of fame. Memorabilia, statues, plagues, footprints and handprints of local celebrities are displayed on the avenue. If you are a fan of any Hong Kong stars, you will be excited with this place.
Jade is a traditional favourite gemstone of the people in Hong Kong. It is a belief that jade brings good luck and can ward off bad and evil spirits. The Jade Market has a collection of jade items for sale, jade bracelets, jewellery, jade rings, pendants, statues and ornaments.
Shopping in Hong Kong is like a favourite past time of the local people. There are boutiques and shops for the bargain hunters. At the Ladies’ Market, you can get the latest fashion in clothings, bags, cosmetics, accessories, footwear, toys, electronics and other gadgets.
There is a flea market in Apliu Street. New items and pre-loved items are available from different stalls here.
Most men would rather come to this Night Market than the Ladies’ Market. There is a whole range of electronic gadgets, clothings, music gadgets and clothings for men on Temple Street.
If you are looking for a fresh seafood dinner, the restaurants in the area have a variety of seafood on their menus.
Anybody fancy going up on an air balloon? Take a ride on the DHL Hong Kong Balloon and float into the sky for an amazing view of the harbour and the city.
Tin Hau is a Goddess of the Sea. The Tin Hau Temple is a place of worship for those who want to have their wishes granted.
This building was built by a scholar in the 1800s. The interior of the building has an amazing display of wood carvings and plaster moulds.
Come to this place to see displays of chinese cultural items, pagodas, plants, bonsai and treasures from the Beijing Imperial Palace.
The Hong Kong Wetland Park promotes environmental protection and conservation. At the Wetland Interactive World, there are exhibits and galleries providing information on conservation.
Enjoy a meal of seafood at the Sai Kung Promenade in Sai Kung Town. Stroll along the waterfront enjoy the serenity of this town.
A full size replica of Noah’s Ark has been constructed and is displayed in Ma Wan Park. There are over 60 pairs of Noah’s animals with the ark. Plenty of exhibits and galleries and great fun for the kids at the adventureland.
For art and sculptures admirers, the City Art Square has a display of art and sculptures from world artists and designers.
The Tsing Ma Bridge is the longest steel suspension bridge. It has roads and railway tracks and is open to both vehicles and trains.
Come and experience the excitement of horse racing at the world class Sha Tin Racecource. It is busiest during the racing season from September to June.
Follow this heritage trail of one kilometre and walk through the villages of historical structures including some temples, Chinese buildings and a 600-year-old pagoda made of bricks and granite.
This is another heritage trail that dates back to the 18th century. Explore this heritage trail and you will discover many buildings, monuments, walled villages and watchtowers along the trail.
Come and enjoy some bird watching and hiking in this wetlands. There are hundreds of species of birds living in the wetlands together with other wildlife animals.
At Kat Hing Wai, the village had a surrounding wall that was built 500 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. This wall was made of blue bricks and you will meet some of the villagers dressed in their ancient clothes and hats.
Bring the children to Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island and they will have a fantastic time. There are many activities for the whole family to spend their day. Plan your trip ahead and save with pre-booked discount tickets.
Visit the Po Lin Monastery and enjoy a vegetarian lunch at the monastery. You will see the Giant Buddha next to the monastery.
Make a trip to Tai O Fishing Village and you will be fascinated with the stilt houses the fishermen are living in. The fishermen believe they are safer living on stilt houses because of the tidal waves in the area.
Travel by cable car to Ngong Ping Village to visit some shops and eateries. The settings in this village are all related to the Buddhist religion and spiritual themes in the area.
Mui Wo used to be a silver mine several hundred years ago. Now only remnants can be seen. There are some new buildings, shops and hotels in this place.
Catch a ferry and continue your adventure on some of these islands off the mainland:
Lantau Island, Cheung Chau Island, Lamma Island and Peng Chau Island.
This is a small island with seafood restaurants, shops, wet market selling seafood, fruits and veges. Ferry ride from Hong Kong is about 45 minutes.
Lamma Island is half an hour by ferry from Hong Kong. There are no skyscrapers nor cars on Lamma Island so you can enjoy the clean air, beaches, hiking and exploring the island.
This is also another small island with a seafood market, an old temple and some restaurants.
Most visitors like to travel to Macau and spend a day or two exploring this Portuguese colonised place. They can go to Macau by taking either a hydrofoil or ferry from the ferry terminals on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon.
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© 2011 lady rain
About the author
Lady Rain lives in Australia and enjoys writing about travels, paper quilling crafts and historical events.
