Hong Kong is a great introduction to Asia. It offers modern amenities, English is widely spoken, and it has great public transportation. Hong Kong also has an iconic skyline, historical sites, amazing food, and access to nature. Here are all the exciting things you can see and do in Hong Kong.
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Enjoy the Skyline & Harbor
Hong Kong has a stunning skyline of skyscrapers rising up from the shore of Victoria Harbor and backed by mountains. There are many great ways to experience the skyline and harbor.
Victoria Peak
Take the Peak Tram up Victoria Peak to enjoy both the iconic skyline view as well a the lush nature surrounding you. Operational since 1888, the tram is one of the world’s oldest funiculars. The ride lasts 6 minutes, and you can choose a one way or round trip ticket. If you choose a one way ticket, take the Morning Trail (Lung Fu Shan Trail) in the opposite direction. This paved trail is about 3 miles through Lung Fu Shan Country Park.
Once you are at the top of the peak, make sure to go to Peak Tower for Sky Terrace 428. From the terrace you will see remarkable panoramic views of the city. There’s also plenty of restaurants, shops and other things to do inside the tower.
Victoria Harbor
Victoria Harbor separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon. It’s teeming with ferries, cargo ships, and traditional boats creating an kinetic energy to the area. For great skyline views, take the Star Ferry. This historic and inexpensive ferry shuttles between Hong Kong and Kowloon and departs every 6-12 minutes. The ride is about 10-15 minutes. Sit on the upper deck for the best views.
There are also various other boat cruises you can opt for. Choose to experience a historical Chinese junk boat. Or see the Symphony of Lights from a yacht. There are also sunset cruises and dinner cruises to choose from.
Avenue of the Stars
On the Kowloon side of the harbor you will find Avenue of the Stars. This waterfront promenade has statues, handprints, and plaques honoring Hong Kong’s cinematic history. Most recognizable to Americans is a 6’5″ statue of Bruce Lee, the famous martial artist and actor.
Symphony of Lights
At 8 p.m. every night you can experience Symphony of Lights, a multi-media light and sound show. The 10 minute show is best viewed from in front of the Hong Kong Culture Centre and Avenue of the Stars or from the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai. Better yet, take the afore mentioned yacht cruise!
Explore the City & Culture
Hong Kong was a fishing and trading area until it became a British colony in 1842. The British developed it into a major global financial and trading hub. The UK handed it back to China in 1997. As a result, the city has a blended cultural identity and an east-meets-west vibe. There are a lot of historical and modern sites that you can explore.
Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple dates from 1847 and is one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples. It is dedicated to the gods of literature and war. Here you can learn about traditional religious activities, draw fortune sticks, and admire the intricate architecture. One of the most striking things you will see are huge hanging incense coils filling the air with scented smoke.
Chi Lin Nunnery
Another amazing temple complex in Hong Kong is Chi Lin Nunnery. This Buddhist temple dates to 1934 and is built out of wood without any nails. There are many buildings in the complex, as well as gorgeous courtyards filled with ponds and bonsai trees.
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
Yet another temple worth visiting is Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. This Taoist temple has gorgeous traditional Chinese architecture. People visit to pray for wishes to be granted and for healing. You can draw a bamboo stick to tell your future. And you will enjoy wandering through the Good Wish Garden, a traditional Chinese garden filled with ponds and bridges.
The Blue House
The Blue House is a 1920s tenement building. It still functions as living quarters for locals, but it also houses the Hong Kong House of Stories on the ground floor. This museum has exhibits on local life and art as well as arranges cultural activities and events.
Central-Mid Levels Escalator
The Central-Mid Levels Escalator is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. It’s a great way to explore the city. In the morning, it runs downhill during commuter hours. For the rest of the day, it runs uphill. Jump on it to experience local life, and hop on and off to see various neighborhoods.
“Ding Ding” Tram
Hong Kong has historic double-decker streetcars that have been running since the early 20th century along the north side of the island. This is one of the last remaining double-decker tram systems in the world. The trams get their name by the “ding ding” sound the bell makes to signal its approach. Take a ride on one for an inexpensive tour through the city. Choose the upper deck, preferably in the front seat, for the best views.
Monster Building
Located in a part of town called Quarry Bay, Monster Building is a massive complex of five interconnected apartment blocks. The sight of stacked apartments with repetitive balconies and windows is striking. Walk into the courtyard and look up to experience the scale. It’s a great way to observe the density of Hong Kong as well as observe daily life of the locals who live there.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
One of the most striking things about Hong Kong is its terrain. Despite it’s status as a huge city filled with skyscrapers, 70% of the island is undeveloped. And that land is gorgeous, filled with rugged mountains, lush greenery, and dramatic coastlines. Here are some great ways to embrace the outdoors.
Dragon’s Back Trail
Take the three mile long Dragon’s Back trail to experience spectacular scenery. In a 2-3 hour hike, you will experience views of the coastline, South China Sea, and rolling ridgeline that looks like the spine of a dragon. This is a easy to moderate hike and suitable for many people. There are lot of places to stop and rest. And at the end, you can enjoy a beach break on Big Wave Bay.
Repulse Bay
If you want to spend a day at the beach, look no further than Repulse Bay. It is located just minutes from the city center, but it feels like another world. Enjoy sunbathing in the soft sand and swimming in the gentle waves. You can also wander along the promenade enjoying views of the South China Sea. Visit the Tin Hau Temple to see colorful statues of sea deities. And there are plenty of places to eat or grab a drink in the area.
Nan Lian Garden
Located near Chi Lin Nunnery, the Nan Lian Garden is a beautiful retreat. The classical Chinese garden has ponds, bonsai trees, rock formations, bridges, and wooden pavilions to enjoy. You can get lost wandering the landscaped paths through the gardens, ponds, and courtyards.
Hong Kong Park
Located in the heart of town, Hong Kong Park is an urban oasis filled with tropical plants, waterfalls, and koi ponds. Visit the Edward Youde Aviary to see tropical birds, and enjoy the exotic plants in the Forsgate Conservatory. The Tai Chai Garden inspires reflection, and perhaps you will see locals engaging in the practice.
Kowloon Walled City Park
Kowloon Walled City Park is a landscaped garden that sits on the site of the former Kowloon Walled City. Originally military fort, this was one of the most densely populated places on Earth by the mid-20th century. Called the “City of Darkness,” living conditions were terrible but the people there formed a supportive community.
In the early 1990s, the government decided to demolish the city and create a park. Today you will find exhibits on the Kowloon Walled City and relics from the past.
Eat & Shop ’til You Drop
Hong Kong is a great place for foodies and shopaholics. Dining presents diverse choices, from Michelin-starred restaurants all the way to street food stalls. The East-meets-West cultural vibe is reflected in a myriad of fusion cuisine. For shoppers, Hong Kong does not charge sales tax or VAT on most items. It has a large variety of shopping opportunities, from luxury malls to local markets. Here are the must-try foods as well as some great places to shop during your trip.
Must Try Foods
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without tasting classic Cantonese staples and local favorites. Here’s a list of everything you must try.
- Dim Sum – steamed, fried, baked or broiled dishes like dumplings and buns served in a bamboo basket. Look for har go (shrimp dumplings), sui mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), and egg tarts
- Char Siu – barbecue pork served over rice.
- Roast Goose – a must try in Hong Kong.
- Wonton Noodle Soup – shrimp dumplings in a light broth.
- Bo Lo Boa – pineapple bao bun.
- Hong Kong Milk Tea – black tea with evaporated milk.
- Hong Kong-Style French Toast – deep fried bread with peanut butter, syrup, and condensed milk.
- Gai Daan Jai – bubble-shaped egg waffles.
- Curry Fish Balls – served on skewers.
- Stinky Tofu – fermented tofu that smells bad but tastes mild and savory.
- Cheung Fun – rice noodle rolls.
- Claypot Rice – rice with meat cooked in a clay pot creating a crispy bottom.
- Beef Brisket Noodles – beef stew with noodles.
- Fried Rice – sir-fried rice with eggs, meats, and veggies.
- Chow Mein – stir-fried noodles with meat and veggies.
- Mango Sago – dessert with mango, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk.
- Egg Tarts – pastry filled with egg custard.
- Douhua – tofu pudding.
Mong Kok
Hong Kong has no shortage of high end shopping malls. But tourists will not want to miss spending time in Mong Kok, a neighborhood known for unique markets. In this bustling maze of streets, you will find several open-air markets and great street food.
The most famous market is Ladies’ Market. Here you will find clothing and accessories. And don’t miss the Goldfish Street (Tung Choi Street) where you will see bags of colorful fish hanging outside of aquarium shops. The Flower Market, as its name suggests, sells every manner of flower, plants, and bonsai trees. The Bird Garden (Yuen Po Street) has birds and bird-accessories to sell, from songbirds to parrots. Sneaker Street (Fa Yuen Street) sells footwear and sportwear. At night, visit the Temple Street Night Market. The sky is lit with neon signs, and you will find street food, fortune tellers, and great deals on electronics.
What tops your list of things to see and do in Hong Kong?
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