Joanna James
Hong Kong is an energetic destination bustling with entertainment and beautiful sights. Here is a list of the ten best places to visit in Hong Kong.
Victoria Peak stands tall, 1805 feet above sea level and gifts those who ascend to the top with a spectacular view of Hong Kong's landscape including the island, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. On a day when the sky appears blue with only a scattering of flimsy clouds you will be able to catch a glimpse of the eight mountains of Kowloon. Many 3 star hotels in Hong Kong lie within a convenient distance of the peak. The easiest way to climb the peak is to take the Peak Tram which travels upward on a funicular railway in seven to eight minutes.
You can buy anything you want at Hong Kong's street markets. If you are staying in Kowloon at a hotel in the area such as the Travelodge Hotels Asia property, you will within easy reach of the Temple Street Night Market which comes alive once the sun goes down. The street sellers will entice you with electronic items, antiques, jade items, clothing curios and exquisite tea wear. Enjoy claypot rice and delectable noodles while you watch the opera singers and the fortune tellers doing their business and soak up the evening's atmosphere.
Hong Kong is renowned for its Dim Sum. You can either go for the pushcart variety or order your favourite combination from a menu. Pick any good restaurant and tuck into an assortment of Dim Sum whether it is in the morning, early afternoon or in the evening before you head out for drinks.
Junk boats used to be Chinese fishing boats now turned motorized vessels. Charter a junk boat and sail the waters of Hong Kong and visit some of the off the beaten tracks for an enjoyable adventure. The Star Ferry has been around since the year 1888 and it is a great way to enjoy the journey from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island. You can witness the beautiful sights of the skyline and the waters that flow from both sides.
You can hike the 31 mile stretch of Hong Kong's hiking trail and climb the Shek O Peak summit of the Dragon's Back. Atop the peak, you will be able to see a panoramic view of the bays, green countryside, beaches and enjoy substantial glimpses of waterfront communities and the sea of South China.
You can go to the city's oldest Taoist temple to see the rituals and offerings made on behalf of the gods of literature and war and perhaps get a reading from the fortune tellers. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery features 500 life-sized statues of the Buddha.
Even if you do not care to bet on horses, Happy Valley's great party atmosphere will enthral you. Some nights are dedicated to themed nights of revelry such as Oktoberfest.
Ocean Park is Hong Kong's most popular theme park where you can see acrobatics of sea creatures and see many other marine wildlife up close. The roller coasters and rides are popular with both kids and adults.
Hong Kong Park is a haven of rocky gardens and shady pathways flanked by trees. You will see quite a lot of locals practicing Tai Chi or reading.
If you would like to get in a lot more action than a mere promenade stroll, visit Victoria Park. This beautifully landscaped park has ample facilities for swimming, tennis, basketball and even lawn bowling.
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