8 Reasons to Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city that is rich in culture, tradition, and history. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, Hong Kong is packed with exciting things to do, places to see and festivals to enjoy all year round. It is filled with impressive skyscrapers, temples and museums. It is also currently a “Special Administrative Region” of China with its own constitution, passports, currency, and official languages (Cantonese and English).

If you are planing a vacation, the best time to visit Hong Kong is during the month of October to December when the weather is mild and less rainfall.

Hong Kong was a British Colony from the 19th century until 1997, and you can see the historical and cultural influence of this all over the island. Located on the southeast coast of China, it’s not an actual country or state, Hong Kong is a separate territory within China.

LANGUAGES – The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English. Hong Kongers speak Cantonese which is different than most of mainland China who speak Mandarin. Many speak English if that’s what you prefer, you’re in luck.

GETTING AROUND- The best way to get around Hong Kong is by using the subway. It’s cheap, efficient and it goes everywhere. Also consider getting an Octopus Card and use it to get around the city. An Octopus Card functions like a prepaid credit card, and can be used on the MTR; trams; buses; local ferries, including the Star Ferry; taxis; 7-Elevens; McDonald’s and many other fast food restaurants.

Here are the reasons why you should visit Hong Kong

THE SCENERY

Victoria Peak – Here you get the most outstanding view of Hong Kong city. You can take the Peak Tram or hike up. Most of The Peak is covered by a large park with lush greenery, beautiful lookouts and nature trails with views over the metropolis below.

Victoria Harbour (Victoria Bay) – This energetic Victoria Harbour is truly Hong Kong’s lifeline, notice its constant parade of vessels and spectacular surroundings. Take a sightseeing tour on one of the old style boats.

2. THE THEME PARKS

Hong Kong Ocean Park – It covers all the thrills and energy you can handle in a day — a walk through old Hong Kong, roller coasters, a Grand Aquarium, and a look at exotic wildlife. Ocean Park also has a huge aquarium dome, a Reef Tunnel, and a chance to get hands-on with sea cucumbers and sea stars. Above the sea, you can participate in a Giant Panda Adventure, where red pandas, giant pandas, and the endangered Chinese Giant Salamander are located. There are also special programs focused on the North and South Poles. In addition, there are several fun rides.

Hong Kong Disneyland – Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island. If you have time, check out this wonderful world filled with fun and fantasy with the cast and characters from Disney movies. The park is divided into seven lands: Adventureland; Fantasyland; Mystic Point; Story Land; Tomorrowland; Grizzly Gulch; and Main Street, U.S.A.

3. EAT DELICIOUS LOCAL FOOD – It’s estimated that there are more eateries in Hong Kong per head than anywhere else in the world.
The food is delightful. You must try Dim sum which is one of the best reasons you should travel to Hong Kong.

There is an ancient Chinese tradition of drinking tea, known as yum cha, and tea are accompanied by little bite sizes dishes which are known as dim sum. You’ll see dim sum is often served at teahouses and always goes with hot tea. Other meals in
Cantonese cuisine are Roast Chicken, Roast goose, Roast pork, Brisket Curry/noodles, Clay Pot Rice, and Fish ball noodles. And don’t forget the street food, a vibrant food scene for every palate.

Side note – you can even sample the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal at the original branch of legendary dim sum emporium Tim Ho Wan.

4. THE SHOPPING – The shopping is amazing whatever you buy, whether it’s handmade items, gadgets, fashion and electronics. Sales are often in and around Central on Hong Kong Island, as well as limitless bargains in Mongkok takes place year round.

5. FESTIVALS – Festivals in Hong Kong are extravagants with street parades, packed temples, traditional music and dances. This is also the best places for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve. During Christmas, building and streets have special festival decorations. There are also countdown events and firework performances on New Year’s Eve around beautiful Victoria Harbour. The biggest festivals usually take place in January or February (Chinese New Year), May, and October.

6. ISLANDS AND BEACHES – There are so many cheap day trips less than an hour away. With miles and miles of coastline, about 100 beaches, and 260 outlying islands, Hong Kong is a haven for nature lovers and sun seekers. Also in less than 30 minutes, travelers can reach Hong Kong Island’s south side to surf at Big Wave Bay, or enjoy sunset cocktails at Shek O, or party at South Bay Beach and Repulse Bay Beach.

Colorful Shrine
Longevity Bridge

7. NIGHTLIFE – Lan Kwai Fong & Soho are two of Hong Kong’s popular spots with bars and clubs for you to grab a few drinks and/or party the night away. These iconic locations are a popular entertainment hub for locals and tourists alike, and is one of the trendiest places in town.

8. TEMPLES AND MUSEUM – Temples are by all means an important part of Chinese culture, and they are abundant in Hong Kong, Kowloon, Outer Islands and New Territories. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery was built by monks from China. Some of the temples to visit are Po Lin Monastery (Big Buddha) in Lantau Island, Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon and Man Mo Temple in Central.

Museums in Hong Kong covers a diverse range of topics from art to science and are some of the best in the region, and there are plenty to choose from. They are also inexpensive. There are seven museums that are free to enter on Wednesdays since they are public. Some of the famous museums to visit in Hong Kong are Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and Hong Kong Space Museum.

Other noteworthy reasons to visit Hong Kong are Visiting The Big Buddha in Lantau Island, Shopping at Ladies Market, Exploring the City on a Big Bus Tour, Cruising to Cheung Chau Island in a Chinese Junk, hiking the popular trails known as Dragon’s Back, Get a foot massage and Place Bets at Happy Valley Racecourse.