Ultimate Must-See Attractions in Hong Kong for Every Traveler
You might imagine malls and skyscrapers when hearing of Hong Kong, but don’t be so absolute. The cosmopolitan town has stories to tell—ancient sites of religious importance, lively streets, mountain trek, and private beaches. Culture vulture, foodie, or thrill junkie, Hong Kong has an experience that will leave its mark on your stay. Take a glimpse of the sites of must-visit that will make the town irreplaceable.
Peak Tram Time Machine
Ride the steepest funicular railway in the world (that has been in use since 1888!) up 396m between canyon walls of skyscrapers. To get killer views, sit in the front-right and enjoy the Hong Kong Island as it transforms itself into crowded streets and then to jungly slopes. Sky Terrace 428 has 360 panoramas at sunset, and you can see skyscrapers shining like gold of violet mountains.
Star Ferry Dawn Cruise
Beat the crowd at the Tsim Sha Tsui 6:30 AM crossing. When the morning stirs the city, drift through morning rays as the net pullers haul in the catch, the early morning light kissing the IFC Tower glass face. Perk: upper deck teak benches are the same price as the lower deck—pack your coffee for photo-op snaps.
Temple Street Night Market
After the daylight hours are over, Temple Street Yau Ma Tei springs to life with the neon lights, exotic food odors, and masses of people. Extending several blocks, it is an atmospheric night market where jade jewelry and electronics are sold, and also fortune tellers and the Cantonese opera are performed. Do not forget to taste claypot rice, curry fish balls, and stinky tofu which can be found in loads of street food stalls in the market.
Victoria Harbour Light Symphony
Join the audiences every day at 8 PM on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade as lasers are shot from 40+ skyscrapers in a light spectacular that has the Guinness record. For added magic, experience the Star Ferry at display time—its decks groaning as the neon dragons “dance†up the skyscrapers amidst synchronized symphonies.
Tian Tan Buddha Mountain Climb
It is a giant bronze sitting peacefully on top of the Lantau Island--and getting to him is an adventure! One, take the Ngong Ping cable car (you can ride the glass bottomed so called crystal cabin to get your head dizzy with the sea views). Then climb the 268 steps amidst pilgrims waving incense sticks to kiss the Buddha’s lotus throne. Time your visit for the 4:30 PM monk chanting at the Po Lin Monastery.
M+ Museum Art Revolution
Boggle at Asia’s art of observation in this stunning piece of design in West Kowloon. The 33 galleries contain temporary exhibitions such as the “Hong Kong Neon Sign Archive†or the surreal “Floating Bamboo Forest†display. Don’t miss the rooftop garden, with stunning views of the harbor.
Ladies’ Street in Mong Kok
Tung Choi Street becomes a demented shopper’s heaven every day after lunch through the clearing of well over 100 stalls of clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and electronic items. The entire market, comprised of walkable sidewalks, covers a kilometer of one of the world’s busiest residential enclaves. Try your haggling at the stalls that range from luxury knockouts of brand-name items to odd Hong Kong collectibles.
Sham Shui Po Gadget Hunting
Sh Tech nerds, rejoice — this Kowloon ‘hood has blocks of specialty electronics. Try to find vintage film cameras on Apliu Street, get your keychain LED programmed at the Golden Computer Arcade, or assemble your robot kit at the outdoor electronics market.
Dragon’s Back Hiking Trail
Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail is one of the most picturesque routes in the city and its ridges seem like the spine of a dragon. The 8.5 kilometers hiking trail offers a glorious scenery of South China Sea, Tai Tam Bay and islands. There is a moderately strenuous 3-4 hrs hike, and this leads to Big Wave Bay Beach, where you can cool yourself off after the hike-up mountain exercise.
Central District’s Skyscraper Forest
Hong Kong’s financial heart showcases some of the world’s most impressive modern architecture. The International Finance Centre Two stands at 415 meters high, and the geometric shape of the Bank of China Tower has succeeded in dominating the skyline since 1990. Walk through the walkway system network of interconnected chief buildings, in perfect air-conditioned comfort, through the concrete jungle.
