Joanna James
Often considered Asia's most "western" holiday hub, Hong Kong offers travellers the best of both worlds. From its iconic heritage sites to irresistible retail outlets, here are some of the best reasons to vacation in the island nation.
Although Hong Kong is known as a concrete jungle laden with skyscrapers, it is also home to some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Asia. Amid the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan life, tourists are sure to find captivating mountain ranges, stunning beaches and hidden forests where nature reigns supreme. Dragon's Back, The Peak, Lamma Island and Violet Hill contain some of the best hiking trails in the country where those with varying experience levels can lose themselves in the natural world. Trekkers who are addicted to panoramic views should hike up Sunset Peak or Devil's Peak during a holiday in Hong Kong.
Foodies based at resorts belonging to the Park Hotel Group or any other hotel chain will find that signing up for a culinary tour is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. Renowned for the large number of Michelin-starred restaurants under its belt, Hong Kong is not only a dream destination for fine dining fans but also for street food lovers. The dim sums on the island are famed around the world while fusion cuisine is another staple in this melting pot of cultures. Portuguese egg tarts and Hong Kong milk tea are just some of the many colonial fusion dishes that tourists can dig into during a Hong Kong getaway.
As one of the top shopping hotspots in Asia, Hong Kong offers brand-conscious shoppers and bargain hunters a retail landscape like no other. Apart from high-end malls and department stores such as Landmark, Pacific Place and Stanley Plaza, local markets such as Temple Street Night Market, Granville Road and Ladies Market are also popular shopping destinations to get every product imaginable at discounted rates. Budget shoppers will also notice that even mega malls and trendy boutiques offer promotional offers and big sales during the Chinese New Year.
Hong Kong is a cultural epicentre where some of the region's finest ancient structures are located. The Chinese temple heritage of Hong Kong alone warrants a cultural tour of this dynamic country where glorious edifices have been built to honour the patron gods of literature and even martial arts and seafarers. The most impressive heritage sites in Hong Kong include the Mon Sho Temple and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery.
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