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There’s a high chance that even if you haven’t visited Hong Kong, you’ve passed through it. Servicing 220 destinations through 120 airlines, Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world’s biggest transit hubs. As you fly into the city, you’ll see myriad islands bobbing through the water before nature seems to suddenly peel away to reveal a bustling metropolis, defined by towering skyscrapers and illuminated streets bisecting the island. It’s the kind of place that has your nose sticking to the aeroplane window, hoping to soak it all in as you descend.
However, Hong Kong is so much more than a transit destination. It is home to an archipelago of 263 islands; some are serviced by the ferries that jet across the harbours here like bees in a hive, others are completely uninhabited and hard to reach. Within just 20 minutes from the centre of the city you can be lounging on white-sand beaches with crystal clear water. And that’s before we even get to the incredible hiking on offer; with 40% of this island territory comprising of country parks and nature reserves, it’s ridiculously easy to break free of the city sprawl.
For those looking for entertainment among the skyscrapers, there is more than enough to fill up an entire holiday. Home to one of the highest numbers of restaurants and cafes per capita, Hong Kong is a gourmand’s paradise. Neighbourhoods range from financial centres to achingly trendy areas on the cutting edge of the arts scene. Hong Kong truly is the perfect trip, where a treasure trove of natural wonders surrounds a cosmopolitan city.
The Star Ferry on Victoria Harbour
Art & Culture
Start your visit by paying your respects to Hong Kong’s thriving film industry at the city’s very own Hollywood Walk of Fame on the Avenue of Stars along the waterfront. Watch the sun set and stick around for the Symphony of Lights show, which takes place daily at 8pm and sees the surrounding buildings become the centrepieces of a phenomenal light and sound show. Immerse yourself in the history of local art at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and then head to M+, one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world. To fully understand the artistic presence in modern-day Hong Kong, take a stroll down its hub on Tai Nan Street and browse through artisanal workshops, boutique shops and indie cafes.
Gastronomy & Nightlife
Home to two of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants alongside two of the World’s 50 Best Bars, as well as 79 Michelin-starred restaurants, of which seven have been awarded the coveted three stars, it’s safe to say that Hong Kong is a culinary capital. And you don’t need to fork out the big bucks to experience the city’s best dining experiences either – Hong Kong is home to one of the most budget-friendly Michelin-starred establishments in the world, Ho Hung Kee, awarded for its wonton noodles.
A rooftop bar at night
Neighbourhoods
Want to find out how the cool kids live in Hong Kong? Set your compass towards Sheung Wan, home to much of the city’s creative community. Art galleries, trendy cafes, independent restaurants, and bars sit alongside classic Chinese stores, creating a perfect contrast between old and new Hong Kong. Shoppers should make a beeline for Mong Kok to the famous Ladies Market to get full insight into the sensory overload of this vibrant city, and those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural scene should head to West Kowloon Cultural District where the harbourside Art Park hosts regular outdoor shows ranging from opera to performance art.
Great Outdoors of Hong Kong
Once you’ve ticked off your fill of the hustle and bustle, leave the skyscrapers behind and head out into Hong Kong’s abundant wilderness areas, renowned worldwide among those who enjoy an urban adventure. Take a boat trip to Sharp Island for some of the best snorkelling in the area, pack your binoculars and go bird watching in Mai Po Nature Reserve, or get your motor running on feel-the-burn hiking routes like The Dragon’s Back or Sunset Peak. Whatever you decide, you can rest easy that you’ve chosen one of the best cities in the world.
To find out more, please visit discoverhongkong.com or @discoverhongkong on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
