Joanna James
Hidden among the dazzling skyscrapers and bustling mega malls, the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong has plenty of cultural gems to experience, from temples, villages and much more.
Located on the scenic Lantau Island, are two of the city's most famous attractions; the Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Big Buddha. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of mountains and the south china sea, the massive bronze Buddha, the largest in the world, sits on a 3-tier alter which also acts as an exhibition hall for religious artifacts, as well as the 6-tonne bell that rings throughout the day, 108 times, to be precise. The Po Lin complex is a monastery and temple that dates back to 1924. The impressive architectural design makes it a major tourist destination which attracts thousands of visitors annually. Note worthy places to see are the main shrine and the grand hall of the 10,000 Buddhas.
For a closer look at the city's long and rich, cultural history, head over to Sha Tin town, where you will find the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. A great place to while away the afternoon, the spacious museum features six galleries, each one dedicated to the arts, culture and history of Hong Kong. The Cantonese opera hall is the most popular exhibits; here you can view the extravagant costumes and accessories, many of which were donated to the museum by famous opera singers. Other highlights include an interactive play area for children, mock-ups of traditional village life in the New Territories Heritage gallery, and a Chinese art gallery. In addition, martial arts fans will certainly enjoy an exhibited dedicated to Bruce Lee, which holds over 600 personal items that belonged to the legendary star.
Probably one of the city's best kept secrets, the Dragon Garden is one of a handful of privately owned parks which remain, and is definitely worth seeing if you get the opportunity. The philanthropist Lee Iu-cheung spent over 20 years designing the eight-hectare of landscaped garden, and the end result is simply spectacular. The Chinese garden features decorated pavilions, and water features with elaborate stone sculptures. Currently under the control of Lee's descendants, the garden is only open to public viewing on certain days every month.
Nestled amid the tall modern buildings like Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong, for example, a hotel in Wan Chai, is where you will find the Wanchai Livelihood Museum, more commonly known as the Blue House. Built in the 1920s, the historic tenement building, which stands out with its stark blue exterior, is Honk Kong's first livelihood museum. The museum promotes and preserves the culture and traditions of the Wan Chai neighborhood by staging several exhibitions that display various aspects of the city's community and development. If you're interested, sign up for a heritage walking tour where a Wan Chai resident will take you through the neighborhood.
Many travellers to this cosmopolitan city are surprised to learn that there are several smaller islands around that make up Hong Kong. Away from the bright neon lights and skyscrapers, these small islands remind us of what life was like when the Hong Kong was just a small fishing village. The peaceful island of Yim Tin Tsai is where Hong Kong's first catholic community once lived. Missionaries visited the island in the 1800's and by the latter part of the century, all of the Hakka community that lived here were baptised, and soon the villages first catholic chapel, the St Joseph's Chapel, was built. While most residents have left the island, you can still experience remnants of the Hakka culture, see the historical chapel, and also explore the surrounding mangroves.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
