The City of Hong Kong offers the visitor a wide variety of interesting things to do. Once a British colony and now a financial power house of Asia, Hong Kong is part Asian and part colonial, a fascinating combination of cultures. So next time you are in Hong Kong, why don't you:
1. Take the tram up to Victoria Peak
For a spectacular view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak, take the tram to the top of the mountain. Victoria Peak is the highest spot in Hong Kong, about 1,817 feet (554 meters) about sea level and the view is fantastic. Night or day, Victoria Peak is the place to see the city of Hong Kong and the harbour.
- http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/hongkong/island/victoria.htm
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/touring/popular/index.jhtml
2. Go shopping at one of Hong Kongs many outdoor markets
Hong Kong and Kowloon have several great outdoor markets. Shop for clothing and souvenirs at the Stanley Market in Aberdeen or the Ladies Market in Kowloon. Shop like a local at the Fa Yeun Street Market where you can get just about anything you could want or need. Visit the Jade Market for jewelry or the Temple Street Night Market to have your fortune told. The Yeun Po Bird garden and market or the goldfish market are great places to buy pets. The Flower Market is filled with fresh cut flowers and plants.
Any of these markets are worth a visit to shop for bargains or just to experience the Asian market atmosphere.
- http://www.lestout.com/article/travel/adventure-travel/the_street_markets_of_hong_kong.html
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/shop/market/index.jhtml
- http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hongkong/0078031497.html
- http://www.marimari.com/cOnTENT/hong_kong/popular_places/kowloon/main.html
3. Visit the Big Buddha, Tian Tan, on Lantau Island
Tian Tan is the billed as the biggest outdoor and seated Buddha in the world. At 34 meters (110 feet) he is one big bronze Buddha. Take the cable car to the Po Lin Monastery and climb the steps to the foot of the Buddha.
- http://www.lestout.com/article/travel/adventure-travel/tian_tan_the_big_buddha_of_hong_kong.html
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/attraction/at_most_buda.jhtml
4. Have afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel
The British may have left Hong Kong, but their tradition of high tea has remained. Enjoy your afternoon tea at the luxurious Peninsula hotel. Have tea, sandwiches, and pastries in the lobby of the hotel everyday from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. Go early as they do not take reservations and be prepared to wait in line for a table.
- http://hongkong.peninsula.com/
- http://hongkong.peninsula.com/phk/the-peninsula-lobby.html
- http://www.bigwhiteguy.com/baskets/ttd/hightea.php
5. Take a day trip to Macau
Macau, Hong Kongs little sister, is just a short boat ride away. Make a day of it and visit this former Portuguese holding. Today it belongs to China and enjoys much of the same freedoms and autonomy as Hong Kong. The big draw in Macau is the casinos. They rival those in Las Vegas earning Macau the nickname the Monte Carlo of the Orient. Bring plenty of money as the minimum bets at most tables are high, from $50 to $100 US. Day trips are available from Hong Kong for about $100 US.
However you choose to spend your time in Hong Kong, you will find the city an interesting and exciting place to see.
