5 Things to Do in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a perfect example of an east meets west destination. No other city in Asia is comparable to Hong Kong when it comes to the variety of food, shopping, entertainment and sightseeing.
Hong Kong is located just south of Mainland China. It takes only
two hours to fly from Shanghai to Hong Kong,
three hours 42 minutes from Singapore and
15 hours from Los Angeles.
Known as Asia’s World City, Hong Kong is made up of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories (located next to Mainland China) and almost 200 islands including Lantau Island. The Hong Kong International Airport is located in Lantau Island.
Hong Kong has so much to offer. Here are Travelmath’s 5 things to do in Hong Kong:
One: The Peak
To get to the Peak take the Peak Tram. The Peak Tram is the world’s oldest funicular with a steep gradient between four to 27 degrees. It rises 1,300 feet above sea level and offers amazing day and night views of Hong Kong.
Guests are required to pay an extra fee to get a 360-degree panoramic view at the Sky Terrace 428. At about 1,400 feet (428 meters), The Sky Terrace 428 is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong.
You can take nature walks on The Peak’s many walking trails and explore the lush tropical plants and birds away from the crowds and traffic.
A day or a night tour to The Peak is a must if you are visiting Hong Kong.
Information:
The Peak
Two: Happy Valley Racecourse
Hong Kong Jockey Club has two racecourses. The Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong Island has a history of over 100 years. The best time to learn more about horse racing and betting is on Wednesday evenings at the Happy Valley Racecourse.
For just HK$10 you can get into the racecourse and join in the fun without betting. The event known as Happy Wednesday is catered to serious betters and also the locals and tourists who are looking to have a good time hanging out with friends over drinks and dinner. This event is only on Wednesdays.
Another venue to visit while at the Happy Valley Racecourse is Hong Kong Racing Museum. The museum shows the history of horse racing in Hong Kong through historical photos and exhibits.
Information:
Hong Kong Racing Museum
Three: The Symphony of Lights and Victoria Harbor Cruise
According to Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Symphony of Lights is the world’s largest permanent light and sound show. Every night at 8 pm, 44 buildings in Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui light up with laser beams and searchlights dancing to a set of customized music arrangement for 13 minutes.
The best place to see the show apart from being aboard the double-decker Shining Star ferry is from Hong Kong Cultural Center, facing the harbor near Avenue of the Stars.
Information:
Symphony of Lights
Four: Dim Sum
Dim Sum dishes are usually served in the morning. They are snack-sized steamed, fried or baked dishes serve in bamboo containers or plates. When in Hong Kong you must go for dim sum.
Here are top 10 restaurants to try your dim sum while in Hong Kong according to
Hong Kong Magazine:
1. Dynasty
2. Tin Lung Heen
3. Cuisine Cuisine
4. Regal Court
5. Tim Ho Wan
6. Loyal Dining
7. Dim Sum Bar
8. Jade Garden
9. Above and Beyond
10. Sing Yin
Five: Stanley Market
Stanley Market offers the best shopping experience in Hong Kong if you are not looking into luxurious goods as souvenirs for friends and family.
Once a fishing village in Hong Kong Island, Stanley Market was converted into a big market with home furnishings, souvenirs, jewelry, accessories and clothing items.
The market offers a variety of local foods at reasonable prices too.
Tips for traveling to Hong Kong:
1.
Airlines flying to Hong Kong.
2. Americans do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong. For other countries find out if you need a
tourist visa here.
3. Currency converter. For example: US$1 = 7.76 HKD
