Heading to Hong Kong? Here is my list of must see activities in one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world. If you’ve already been, please share your favorite spots!
1. Admire the view from the Peak
Any trip to Hong Kong should begin with a trip up the Peak, which offers stunning views of Victoria harbor and gives a great bird’s eye view of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. If you have time, walk around the loop at the top to experience more fantastic vistas and the lush tropical plants that inhabit the area.
An easy way to get to the Peak is on the Peak Tram, opened in 1888, which can be caught at its origin on Garden Road, across the street from St. John’s Cathedral.
For the more hardy, you may hike to the top starting from Queen’s Road Central and turning up Ice House Road. Walk until you intersect with Albany Road (and the Zoo) and then finally connect to Old Peak Road, which will take you to your destination. A better idea – especially in more hot and humid weather – is to take the tram up and then hike down the peak to Hong Kong’s Central District.
2. Cross Victoria Harbor on the Star Ferry
Despite competition from tunnels and trains, the Star Ferry remains a popular – and charming – way to travel between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. While land reclamations over the last couple of centuries have significantly shortened the ride, there is no better way to cross Victoria harbor and enjoy Hong Kong’s amazing skyline.
There are currently 12 ferries, each of which have “star” as part of its name: Twinkling Star, Morning Star, Solar Star, and so on. The oldest dates back to the 1950’s, but these green and white boats continue to delight both locals and visitors alike. And you can’t beat the price: HK$3.00 for the upper deck on weekends (approximately 37 cents) and HK$2.40 (29 cents) for lower deck.
3. Shop at one of Hong Kong’s wet markets
Wet markets are found throughout Hong Kong. They are generally found in a web of narrow streets, which are bursting with vendors offering the full array of grocery needs including seafood, freshly butchered meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, hand-made noodles and baked goods. But one may also find other essentials such as lanterns, traditional Chinese medicines, funerary objects, kitchen supplies, clothing, and goldfish. The markets are sprinkled with crowded noodle shops and tea houses, where customers sit outside on small plastic stools around folding tables enjoying inexpensive, savory meals.
My two favorite wet markets in Central and Wan Chai area are near extinction but for now, here’s where you can find them:
Graham Street Wet Market: Graham Street above Queen’s Road Central.
Wan Chai Market: The old 1937 structure is gutted, but the open market is still lively (at least at this writing) and can be found just a short walk from the Wan Chai MTR stop. Follow any of the lanes south as you walk east down Johnston Road.
4. Pray at a Hong Kong temple
Hong Kong’s Taoist Temples are unique and a “must see” for all visitors. In the old days, fishermen lit incense coils, which would burn for as many days as the hard working men would be at sea. Locals still light the coils, which add to the exotic – and hazy – atmosphere, in hope of bringing good fortune to those they love.
My favorite temples to visit:
Man Mo Temple, built in the 1840’s, located at 124-126 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong Island
If you have time, the Wong Tai Sin complex in Kowloon (located directly above the Wong Tai Sing MTR stop) offers a fascinating visit into the world of fortune sticks, palm readers, and Taoist worship.
5. Experience a Tang garden
In 2006, the Nan Lian Garden opened, offering an oasis of tranquility in the midst of one of the most densely populated places on earth. The Garden is built in Tang style, accentuating the harmony between man and nature. It stands adjacent to the equally beautiful Chi Lin Nunnery and offers a peaceful walk among well-manicured gardens, koi ponds, low-rise Chinese-style pavilions, petrified wood displays and a vegetarian café.
The Garden and Nunnery, located at 60 Fung Tak Road, Kowloon, are open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. Take the MTR to the Diamond Hill stop and follow the signs.
6. Have a drink at the Intercontinental Hotel Bar
The bar at the Intercontinental is my favorite spot to sit back after a busy day of sightseeing and watch the harbor traffic or simply soak up the spectacular view of Hong Kong’s amazing skyline. Check the schedule for live jazz. Children are welcome.
The Intercontinental Hong Kong is located at 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon. Tel: +852 2721 1211, Fax: +852 2739 4546, E-mail: [email protected]
7. Awaken your senses with a walk down Nathan Road at night
After your respite at the Intercontinental Bar, take a stroll down Nathan Road in Kowloom to enjoy the shopping, which runs late into the evening. Your senses will be piqued by the flood of light emanating from huge neon signs advertising anything from fresh duck to foot reflexology. The bright lights turn night into day as you stroll this major thoroughfare. The truly adventurous can make their way up to the the Temple Street Night Market to enjoy local street food, Cantonese opera, and a flea market offering “antiques,” new and old, and other items.
8. Travel to an outlying island
Hong Kong is comprised of over 200 islands, which are surprisingly rural and offer fabulous hikes, quaint temples, and delicious, fresh seafood meals. Our favorite island to visit is Cheung Chau, accessible by a ferry leaving from Hong Kong’s Pier 5 in Central.
Cheung Chau is a charming old fishing community where motor vehicles are prohibited. Rumor has it that this island was once inhabited by pirates and guidebooks still promote a “pirate’s cave,” which one may enter only at low tide.
Build an appetite with a hike around the island and then stop at one of the many seafood restaurants located in this island’s quaint harbor. Always choose the most crowded restaurant and be sure to try the steamed fish with cilantro, a Cantonese specialty. You can even pick your own fish!
9. Ride a tram
Hong Kong’s double-decker trams have been in service for over 100 years. They run East – West and offer one of the less expensive highlights of Hong Kong. One adult ride is HK$2 (approximately 25 cents) and children ride for HK$1. The ride is slow but provides an excellent opportunity to sit back and enjoy Hong Kong – that is, if you can get a seat!
In Central, look for a tram stop on Des Voeux Road and remember to pay as you exit and for the best experience, avoid rush hour!
10. Eat dim sum!
Dim sum are the small Cantonese dumplings served from the early hours of the morning until 2 pm or so in many Hong Kong eateries. More often than not, after being seated at your table in one of these noisy, vibrant restaurants, you’ll see uniformed, little old ladies pushing carts stacked high with bamboo steamer baskets and hear their piercing calls as they announce which Cantonese treat they are offering.
I especially love the dim sum at Maxim’s City Hall, where the cart ladies are happy to show you their bounty (if you don’t speak or read Cantonese). For a more upscale experience (though no carts) try Victoria Seafood.
Maxim’s City Hall is located at City Hall, 2nd fl. (Edinburgh Pl.), Hong Kong, Tel. +852 2521-130, www.maxims.hk
Victoria Seafood is located at 2nd floor, Sun Hung Kai Centre, 30 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Tel. +852 2827 9938