Joanna James
Hong Kong has always been a destination with plenty to do and there are a variety of landmarks to visit during your time exploring. With the rapid pace and development, it can seem like a strange contradiction co-existing but that is precisely what makes it interesting.
Even though the MTR is the most convenient way to cross Victoria Harbour, the Star Ferry is the clear winner when it comes to aesthetic beauty. Since 1880, the Star Ferry has made the 10-minute voyage, providing spectacular views of the city's iconic skyline. Take a ferry into Central at sunset or 8 p.m. for A Symphony of Lights, a light and sound performance.
If you are looking for a Wan Chai hotel, then be sure to check out the Dorsett Wan Chai Hong Kong which will place you in the perfect position to explore the city to your heart's content.
When the sun goes dark, many marketplaces in Hong Kong close, but Temple Street comes alive. The goods on offer are basic, but the Temple Street Night Market is much more than bargaining. Take a seat on a wooden stool at one of the days pai doing restaurants and eat the finest seafood imaginable. Later, on your way out, drop by the soothsayers for a peek into your future.
For good cause, the vistas from Victoria Peak remain famous. You can be at the top of the hill by bus or taxi, but the Peak Tram is significantly more enjoyable. Buy a fast-track combination package to avoid the ever-present line, and you'll be admiring the scenery in no time. The Morning Trail offers a beautiful, if strenuous, climb to the top for the more daring.
Every evening at 8 p.m., come to the Kowloon shore of Victoria Harbour to see A Symphony of Lights, a stunning performance. It is one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions and is certified by Guinness World Records as the world's largest permanent light and sound spectacle. Drink a beer at Eyebar in Tsim Sha Tsui for an unrivalled viewing position and beverage, or book a boat for front-row seats from the water of Victoria Harbour.
Don't be fooled by the temple's exterior. The decor is among the most remarkable in the city, tucked away on Sheung Wan's Hollywood Road. The exquisite Man Mo Temple, dedicated to Man Cheong (the deity of literature) and Mo Tai (the god of fighting), is frequently filled with students cramming for examinations. Wander through and be awed by the hundreds of incense-smoking spires. Photos are permitted, but please be courteous.
Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise, with markets aplenty, each providing something special. Over 100 stalls sell practically anything at Mong Kok's Ladies' Market, from trinkets to knock-off jewellery and cheap apparel. A trip to Jordan's Jade Market will reward you with low-cost pearl and jade jewellery, but you need to do your homework first. You must visit Cat Street before leaving Hong Kong; it boasts the best variety of knickknacks and antiques.
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