Hongkong Travel Guide

Destination overview Destination sketch As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China, occupying an area of 426 square miles (1,104 square kilometers). The city is one of the world’s leading financial, […]

Destination overview

Destination sketch

As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China, occupying an area of 426 square miles (1,104 square kilometers). The city is one of the world’s leading financial, banking and trading centers.

It is made up of four parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. The prosperous island is the center of economy, politics, entertainment and shopping with its southern part noted for sea shores and bays. Kowloon is another flourishing part where Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok are the most popular destinations. The New Territories and Outlying Islands are ideal places to experience a peaceful and natural holiday.

The city has a population of about 6,970,000 and most people (about 97% of the population) are Chinese and speak Cantonese and English. There are few language barriers, making the city one of the hottest travel destination in Asia.

Best travel season

Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are usually hot, lasting from June to September, with temperatures usually exceeding 30 °C, while night-time summer temperatures do not drop below 25 °C . The area, with most of southern China, is affected by typhoons. Typhoons usually occur between June and September, though some typhoons may affect Hong Kong as late as October. These can bring a halt to local business for a day or less.

Winters in Hong Kong are generally very mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 20 °C, although dropping further sometimes, especially in the countryside. Christmas in Hong Kong is warm compared to European countries. Chinese New Year is notorious for cold wet weather, because winter in Hong Kong tends to start out mild and dry and then turn cooler and wetter later.

Spring starts in Hong Kong from March to May and autumn starts from September to November with an average temperature of around 20 to 25 °C. Autumn is considered a more comfortable season as spring tends to be more humid and rainy.

Traffic in the city

MTR

The city’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is modern, fast and easy-to-use. It is safe to say that railroads are the backbone of the whole transportation network in this area. The city’s MTR network now run 10 subway lines, 1 airport express line, 1 light rail system with 12 routes and 1 tourist cable car system Ngong Ping 360. By 2016, it will have 12 subway lines, stations of which will be a stone’s throw from most residential areas.

Bus

Most buses in the city are double-decker and some are air-conditioned. The buses serve HK Island, Kowloon, New Territory and some parts of Lantau with a cheap fare. However, it is advised to get to know the route map first if visitors have no idea of their streets. One big offer for bus passengers is the great scenery outside the window.

Public Light Bus

Two kinds of public light bus run around the city, one for set routes and the other for unfixed routes. The set route bus is yellow-green coated with fixed pick-up and get-off points. Ticket fare is paid before passengers hop on. Whereas, the unfixed route bus is red-yellow with destinations and fare written on a board on the front of the bus. The pick-up and get-off points can be wherever passengers want, so passengers tell driver the destination minutes before they hop off and pay.

Peak Tram

Visitors usually choose to take the Peak Tram to climb to the Victoria Peak to have a full view of the beautiful scenery of the city. It is the earliest transportation means operated since 1888. Taking the tram is regarded as the best way to explore this city; thousands of visitors are delivered everyday.

Tram & Escalator

Trams has run for more than a century solely in HK Island. Because of the sound trams make, they are called “Ding Ding” by the local. Trams are cheap and move slowly in downtown HK Island and thus a chance to enjoy the pictures around. Escalator is what visitors take to Victoria Peak for a panoramic Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the century-old escalator itself gives tourists a unique experience.

Ferry

Except for the trams, Star Ferry has also served the city for a century, running between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui and between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom. It is really a great joy to take star ferry for the glittery and glamorous high-rises between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, especially during Christmas and New Year time. There are also other ferry services and it seems to be the only choice for those who head for outlying islands.

Taxi

It is easy to flag down a taxi, especially at taxi stands or before hotels. To tell whether a taxi is with people in it or not, just see the light box on top of it or the mile indicator. Phone calls are made for taxi service if there is the need. It is worth to note that some of the tunnels are passed with tunnel fees.

Attractions

Victoria Peak

Perching on The Peak at 396 metres above sea level, The Peak Tower is one of the most stylish architectural Hong Kong attractions.
Inside The Peak Tower, there is a dazzling array of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues set against the beautiful backdrop of the city.
Moreover, The Peak Tower boasts the highest 360° viewing platform – The Sky Terrace which offers spectacular panoramic views of the vibrant city
Arrival method
By Foot – From MTR Central Station
Take the MTR to Central and make your way to the J2 exit of the Central MTR station.
Turn right, through Chater Garden, cross Queen’s Road Central and make your way up Garden Road.
You will pass the Bank of China Tower and Citibank Plaza on your left and St John’s Cathedral on your right before arriving at the terminus, which is to your left.
By Bus to Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus
Take bus 15C from Central Pier 8 or walk from MTR Central Station Exit J2 to take the Peak Tram from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road

Victoria Harbour & Symphony of Lights

Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon in Hong Kong offering stunning view of the city skyscrappers.
While the Symphony of Lights is the “World”s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show by Guinness World Records, has been further expanded to include more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour.
The stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronised to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong. Performance starts 8pm daily.
Arrival method: MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit J, and follow the signs to the Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront.

Old Town Central Art Walk

Apart from the stunning high rises in Central, lies a starking contrast of modernization and tradition that coexist for years that attribute to Hong Kong culture. A cumulative of street arts were borne out of inspiration from the contrast.
To capture all the picturesque art, take a stroll along Hollywood Road, Graham Street, Staunton Street.
Arrival method: Take the Central Mid Level Escalator to Hollywood Road. The famous Townhouse mural is at the intersection of Graham street and Hollywood Road.

Tai O Fishing Village

Situated on a river mouth, the village is just the ticket if you want a dose of traditional fisher folks which has reside for generations.
The houses are built on stilts over the river and its narrow lanes are filled with shops selling fish and other day-to-day items. The citizens here are mainly the Tanka people who are descendants of Hong Kong’s first settlers.
Take a walk across the quaint bridge that straddles the river where you’ll find back-street lanes twisting through the clutter of houses.
Arrival method: MTR Tung Chung Station, then Bus 11 from Tung Chung Town Centre.

Clock Tower

The old Clock Tower was erected in 1915 as part of the Kowloon–Canton Railway terminus. Standing 44-metres tall, . the station is long gone however its red brick and granite tower are now preserved as a Declared Monument.

It also serve as a memorable landmark for the millions of Chinese immigrants who struggled and started their new lives in Hong Kong.

Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple is one of the oldest Taoist temple in Hong Kong paying tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo).

The temple is located about halfway along the road and a stop in its quiet, incense-shrouded interior makes a pleasant break.
Arrival method: MTR Central Station Exit D2 and turn right to Theatre Lane. Take the Central – Mid-Levels Escalator to Hollywood Road.

Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street named after Tin Hau temple located in the centre, is the busiest flea market at night in the territory of Jordan and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon.

Popular with both tourists and locals alike in the evening, it is common to see the place crowded at dusk.
Arrival method: 1. MTR Jordan Station Exit A. Turn right into Jordan Road and walk three blocks to Temple Street. 2. MTR Yau Ma Tei Station Exit C, walk along Man Ming Lane to Temple Street

Disneyland Hong Kong

Hong Kong Disneyland is the first theme park inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is the fifth Magic Kingdom-style park. Located at Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island. Come & experience the wonderful magical moments with your special ones in Disneyland Hong Kong.

Ocean Park

Ocean Park is a major attraction in Hong Kong, any visit to Hong Kong should include the world famous Ocean Park.
The park has won several awards, including The World’s Seventh Most Popular Amusement Park and 33rd Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the World by Forbes.
Ocean Park has now grown to about 40 attractions and rides.

Ngong Ping 360

Preserving the natural ecological environment and features of the Ngong Ping area and converging the custom and culture of the Lantau Island.
Ngong Ping 360 is sure to refresh your body and enlighten your mind, as soon as you step on the Cable Car.
Ngong Ping Village is set on a 1.5 hectare site on Lantau Island, adjacent to Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.
Looking up to the southwest from Tei Tan square in the middle of the Po Lin Monastery plaza, you will see a flight of 268 steps leading to the world’s largest outdoor bronze statue – the Giant Buddha.
Arrival method: MTR – Tung Chung MTR Station. 5 mins walk to Ngong Ping cable car station.

Fa Yuen Street Market

While Ladies Market is by far the bigger and brasher of the two, Fa Yuen Street is also a brilliant introduction to consumerism, Hong Kong style.

There is so much to see and buy here that the path that runs down the center is no wider than one person at some points while the stock is stacked so high that vendors need to use poles to retrieve many items.
Arrival method: MTR – Mong Kok MTR Station, exit E2

Lan Kwai Fong

The night is always young at Lan Kwai Fong, a buzzing centre of clubs, bars and restaurants.

It is a must for party goers & people watchers to visit this Western-style restaurants, nightclubs, delicatessens and bars.
Arrival method: MTR Central Station Exit D2. Walk along Theatre Lane and uphill to D’Aguilar Street. About 5 minutes walk to Lan Kwai Fong.

Stanley Market & Murray House

Stanley Market is a popular market town on the sunny south side of Hong Kong Island. With its relaxed ambiance, crisp sea environs and bargain buys have made it world famous.

You will find an interesting array of little shops selling silk garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costume jewelry and souvenirs.
A hard morning of shopping is always nicely finished off by a sumptous lunch at one of the many restaurant such as Murray House. The 160-year-old restored three-storey colonial building that was dismantled in 1982 and transplanted from its original site in Central to be rebuilt on the Stanley waterfront. Situated beside Murray House is Blake Pier at Stanley.
Arrival method: 1. MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit D. Take Bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 from Central Exchange Square bus terminus. 2. MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit B, walk to Tang Lung Street then take green minibus 40.

Jade Market

The Jade Market, just west of Nathan Road on the junction of Kansu and Battery Streets, is where vendors sell various shades and qualities of jade, a greenish stone found in East Asia.
Jade is a unique ornamental stone that can be found predominantly in East Asia and the worlds biggest trading centre for Jade is Hong Kong.
Visitors can purchase various kinds of products made out of Jade at the Jade Market. Its product line includes jade rings, jade animals and even jade statues of Buddha. Special jade souvenirs and various trinkets are an ideal piece of memory to take home with.
Top quality jade is pure green and very expensive. Most pieces have a yellow tinge but no brown or grey should be in the finished piece. The best jadeite is semi-transparent. Opaque jadeite with cloudy patches typically has less value.
The market opens daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Yuen Po Street Bird Market

Yuen Po Street Bird Market is a charming Chinese-style garden is the favoured gathering place of Hong Kong’s songbird owners, who carry their beloved pets around in intricately carved cages.
The market contains some 70 songbird stalls as well as interesting courtyards and moon gates. Open from 7am to 8pm.

The Flower Market features an array of bright and colorful, sweet-scented flowers of different interesting species.
A jungle of exotic blossoms, luck-bringing houseplants and sweet scents to be found in more than 50 shops. It’s fun to walk around the market admiring the huge variety of flowers and plants for sale.
It conducts a wholesale and retail business of flowers at lucrative price offers. The fragrance and beauty of the flowers displayed in this market create a charming aura. Many bonsai trees and indoor plants signifying good luck are also sold out here.
Arrival method: Yuen Po & Flower Mart : Exit B1 and walk east along Prince Edward Road West.
Gold Fish Street Mart : Exit B2 and walk east along Prince Edward Road West.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of Hong Kong most famous temple, dedicated to the Great Immortal Wong.
Locals & tourists could be seen daily making their prayers at the temple. The temple is known for granting any wishes thus lots of worshipers whose prayers were answered returning to thank the immortal.

Ladies Street

Anyone who visits Hong Kong would surely knows the existence of this famous street.

However personally I find Ladies Street overated. You can find the usual tourist souvenir, replica jersey here. For fashion head over to Fa Yuen Street instead.
Arrival method: MTR – Mong Kok Station Exit E2, then walk along Nelson Street for two blocks.

Golden Bauhinia Square

In 1997, marks the important occasion of the return of Hong Kong, the former British colony to the People’s Republic of China, and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
In celebration, China’s Central Government presented a gilded bauhinia statue to Hong Kong. The statue was placed in the square next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre facing the Wan Chai waterfront.
Dont miss the Daily Flag Raising Ceremony – 7.50am to 8.05am
Arrival method: MTR Wan Chai Station Exit A5.

Repulse Bay

This crescent-shaped stretch of sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. Repulse Bay’s name comes from a 19th century battle in which the British army repulsed attacking pirates. Today, Repulse Bay is a luxurious residential area with the wide, wave-lapped beach is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Arrival method: MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit D. The take Bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 from Exchange Square bus terminus and alight at Repulse Bay Beach.

Hong Kong Wet Land Park

Home to a stunning array of wildlife including birds, dragonflies, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and fish, Hong Kong Wet Land Park is a world-class ecotourism facility aimed at promoting green tourism, education on environmental protection and wetland conservation.
Arrival method: 1. MTR West Rail Tin Shui Wai Station. Change to 705 or 706 Light Rail and alight at Tin Sau Station or Wetland Park Station. From here, follow the signs and walk for another five minutes. 2. Bus 967 from MTR Admiralty Station Exit B to Wetland Park. 5 mins walk

Avenue of Stars

To pay tribute to outstanding professionals of Hong Kong’s film industry, HK$40 million was sponsored for the construction of the Avenue of Stars.
Avenue of Stars is located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong and is modeled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Arrival method: MTR – Exit E of Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station

Food

Dim sum: literally means ‘to touch (your) heart’, is possibly the best known Cantonese dish. Served at breakfast and lunch, these delicately prepared morsels of Cantonese cuisine are often served with Chinese tea.
Siu Mei: Siu mei a general name for roast meats made in a Hong Kong style, including roasted crispy pork belly, barbecued pork, roast duck or soy sauce chicken.
Congee: It is a thin porridge made with rice boiled in water. Served at breakfast, lunch or supper, the best version is as soft as ‘floss’, it takes up to 10 hours to cook the porridge to reach this quality. Congee is usually eaten with savoury Chinese doughnuts and steamed rice pastry which often has a meat or vegetable filling.
Noodles: onton noodles is one of the favourite answers. Wonton are dumplings usually made from minced prawn but may contain small amounts of pork.
Tong Sui: A popular Cantonese dessert is a sweet soup called tong sui. Popular versions are usually made with black sesame paste, walnuts or sago which are usually sticky in texture. Other traditional ones include red bean paste, green bean paste and tofu puddin. Lo ye is a similar dish. Juice is put into a ultra-cold pan to make an ice paste, it is usually served with fresh fruit and sago.
Tea cafes & tea time: A uniquely Hong Kong-style eatery starting to make waves elsewhere in Asia is the cha chaan teng, literally “tea cafe”, but offering fusion fast food that happily mixes Western and Eastern fare: innovations include noodles with Spam, stir-fried spaghetti and baked rice with cheese.

Accommodation

With more than 50,000 rooms available, Hong Kong offers a huge choice of accommodation from cheap digs to super luxury. However, budget travellers who are spoiled by cheap prices in the rest of Asia are often shocked that the accommodation cost in Hong Kong is closer to that of London and New York.

Shopping

Malls and department stores are widely distributed in all districts of Hong Kong. They are usually very accessible, with relaxing atmospheres dotted with cafes and wide-variety of restaurants. All the world’s designer counters and signature brands could be found here from dresses, leather wares, watches to jewelries. Grand fashion shows are hosted during season change to impress tourists with the latest trends and styles. Here we recommend some popular ones for your reference.

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