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Hong Kong

Asia''s World City

General Information
Other Name: Fragrant Harbour, , Hong Kong
Area: 1092
Languages Spoken: Chinese, English and Cantonese
Long Distance Code: +852
Importance: Major Commercial Hub
Best Time to Visit: October to March and September
International Access: By air, road and sea

Description
Hong Kong is a place with multiple personalities, as a result of being both Cantonese Chinese and under a more recent contemporary ex-British influence. Today, the former British colony is a major tourism destination for China''s increasingly affluent mainland population. It is also an important hub in East Asia with global connections to many of the world''s cities. It is a unique destination that has absorbed people and cultural influences from places as diverse as Vietnam and Vancouver and proudly proclaims itself to be Asia''s World City.
Location
East Asia
Climate
Hong Kong has a tropical climate, but is cooled in winter by sea breezes its elevated location. Summer is long, humid and hot (June to September), with temperatures often exceed 30°C, with night time temperatures do not drop below 25°C .

Avenue Of Stars

Modeled on the lines of Hollywood ‘Walk Of Fame’, the Avenue of Stars is located along the scenic waterfront of Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Publicly opened in April 2004, the place pays tribute to the city’s acting stalwarts that have made Hong Kong “Hollywood Of the East”. In fact, here you can trace the history of the Hong Kong cinema from the Hong Kong cinema’s father Lai Man-Wai to the more recent international superstars like Chow Yun Fat and Jackie Chan. All this set against the beautiful backdrop of the sparkling city skyline adds an ethereal feel to the whole setup.

Greeting the visitors on the gate is the 4.5 metre tall replica of the statuette presented to the winners at Hong Kong Film Awards. Along the promenade, the Hong Kong cinema story unfolds in front of the visitors through inscriptions, plaques, hand prints set in stone, and other movie fare memorabilia. Adding drama to the stunning view is the life size statue of popular kung-fu action hero Bruce Lee along with the bronze figure of a popular local cartoon McDull.

To keep the atmosphere alive at all times, over 30 performances every month take place paying tribute to the city’s long standing cinema culture. These include various different entertainment shows such as music, dance and drama. In addition to this, the place is popular due to it being the best place to witness the “Symphony Of Lights”, a light and sound show that is best viewed from this unique vantage point.

Bank Of China Tower

This prism-like towering structure extending to over 367.4m is one of the most appreciated and recognized feature of the city’s amazing skyline. This 70-storey asymmetrical building was designed by the renowned Chinese-American artist I.M. Pei and has become one of the symbols of Hong Kong. In fact, a digitally modified image of the building was used as the Starfleet Communications Research Center in the famous TV series Star Trek: Voyager.

Big Wave Bay beach

Located near the eastern end of Hong Kong island, this popular local beach is home to a prehistoric rock carving that is preserved as the Declared Monument. Showing geometric designs and animals, discovery of these carvings have reinforced the dependence of the early inhabitants on the sea.

Living up to its name, the Big wave bay is a popular surfing beach with clean sands and clear blue waters located at the scenic eastern coast of the Hong Kong Island. This fine comparatively lesser populated beach is just two kilometers away from Shek O near the Dragon’s Back Hiking trail.

Though the place is famous as a beach, it is also home to one of the eight prehistoric caves that were discovered in Hong Kong. Discovered in 1970 when a police officer accidently stumbled upon the same, the place is full of prehistoric rock carvings that have now been declared by the government as a Declared Monument. Showing various animal drawings and geometric designs, the ancient art carvings reinforce the belief that the early inhabitants of Hong Kong were quite dependant on sea.

In addition, to cater to the growing number of tourists visiting the place, the beach is fully equipped with showers, toilets, cafes, BBQ areas and changing rooms. There are lifeguards too on duty from March to November along with shark prevention nets for the safety of the general public.

Dragons Back hiking trail

This award winning hiking trail goes on undulating between the Wan Cham Shan hilltop and the Shek O peak while stretching vertically over the D’Aguilar peninsula, reminiscent o the shape of a dragon’s backbone. Aside its cool name, it also offers stunning views of the South China sea, Tai Long Wan and Tai Tam, while being just a short hop from the hustle and bustle of the Hong Kong city.

Deserted Beaches Hike

Wandering along the coastlines of Sai Kung East Country Park, this tour offers a unique insight into the sparsely populated beaches of area. Though the place is just 20 minutes away from Kowloon, the trail gives you the feeling of being in a different world altogether. Traipse around the old fascinating Hakka villages to take a look at the feng shui woods that were nurtured by the local farmers to offer a great breeding place for various species.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Located in the Penny Bau’s Lantau Island, Disneyland Hong Kong offers a magical experience for people of all ages. The place is built around six main themes- Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Grizzly Gulch and the Toy Story Land. These are like six stages of theatre that take the public from one stage to another in a seamless flow.

Main Street: Inspired by the small town America of 1891-1910, this part of the Disneyland acts as the entry gate for the Disneyland. Though inspired by the USA Main Street, the place is heavily influenced by the European immigrant culture. The place is built of wood instead of stone with no horse drawn streetcars. There is a Chinese Plaza Inn and a Market House Bakery inspired by a Vietnamese pastry chef bakery to add to the complete décor.

Adventureland: The adventure land of the Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the largest among all the Disneyland parks. There is a large island home marked as the Tarzan’s Treehouse circled by the Jungle Cruise. There is also the ‘Festival of the Lion King Show’ that adds to the complete adventure.

Tomorrowland: This stage features how the future will look and is different in every Disneyland Park. In Hong Kong, the emphasis is on the metallic trim which is dominated by the purple and blue hues. Ever since the opening of the park, new attractions have been added to the same at regular intervals such as Stitch Encounter and the Autopia.

Toy Story Land: Experience the unforgettable by getting personal with your favorite Toy Story characters. Explore this oversized world including the RC Racer to get your adrenaline pumping or join the high flying adventure in Toy Soldier Parachute Drop while laughing wildly on the Slinky Dog Spin. Marked as an ‘Asia exclusive’, this stage of Disneyland is located on the western side of the park.

Fantasyland: Watch the firework display atop the Sleeping Beauty castle and experience the real side of you fantasies. There is the Fantasy Garden where you can meet and greet some of your favorite Disney cartoon characters. Also, do enjoy the Flights of Fantasy Parade where your Disney characters will sing and dance along the main street USA.

Grizzly Gulch: Exclusive to Hong Kong Disneyland, this theme is reminiscent of an abandoned mining town going by the name of Grizzly Gulch and set amidst the mountains. The main attraction here are the Runaway mine cars which you board for an amazing out of control journey through the wilderness landscape. However, do watch out for the tricky water hazards and mischievous grizzly bears.

Mystic Point: Soon to be opened in May 2013, this seventh theme revolves around an uncharted dense forest surrounded by supernatural and mysterious forces. There will be a Mystery Manor, home to an adventurer and world traveler.
Magical memories are just waiting to be experienced in Disneyland Hong Kong. Witness the Broadway style Disney musical show, ‘The Golden Mickeys’ and experience the memorable moments of Disney in Mickey’s PhilharMagic. The place offers a unique mixture of entertainment and attractions in addition to special events for festivals like Halloween, Christmas and other summer events.

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM (Indicative Only)

The Golden Bauhinia Square

Named after the ever blooming Golden Bauhinia located right the center of the area in front of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Expo Promenade was witness to the handover ceremony of Hong Kong and the establishment of the Special Administrative Region in 1997. In fact, this Golden Bauhinia, national emblem of Hong Kong, was a gift from the Central Government to mark the handover.

This hugely popular gilded flower is an important symbol of Hong Kong and is witness to a flag raising ceremony that place at this square every day. Conducted by the Hong Kong Police Force, the ceremony may be of three types depending on the day- Daily Flag Raising Ceremony, Enhanced Flag Raising Ceremony and Special Flag Raising ceremony.

The site is hugely popular with tourists who come here to take photographs of this reunification monument that holds tremendous significance in the history of world’s largest nation. It also bears significance as it bears inscriptions of President Jiang Zemin representing China at the handover Ceremony. Do visit the place to enjoy the symbolism and the pomp with which the flag bearing ceremony is done every day with Victoria Harbour serving as the backdrop.

However, do remember that the show may be cancelled any time due to bad weather conditions and an announcement for the same may be made through local radio channels.

Geopark hiking Tour

This guided walking tour involves visiting the magnificent hexagonal volcanic column wall on the High Island reservoir route in Sai Kung East Country Park. This rock formation is in fact one of the largest examples in the world of hexagonal columnar jointing. The walk affords a range of soothing views from the turquoise blue waters of the sea to the beautiful surrounding islands.

Happy Valley Race Course

Horse Racing is more than just a sport in Hong Kong, it’s a religion. This tourist attraction is one of the two horse racing courses of Hong Kong located n happy Valley on Hong Kong Island. The popular of the two, this racecourse is one of the must visit places to go if you love horses. Offering a tempting combination of great party atmosphere and a fun evening, this place provides a heady dose of adult entertainment in the company of beautifully groomed horses.

Built in 1845, the place was built to provide heady horsing entertainment to the British elite in Hong Kong. It was in December 1846 that the first race was run on the track. However, as the years went by, the sport became more and more popular among the Chinese residents too. However, the race track and the stands suffered major accidental mishaps in 1918. It was not until 1995 that the track was rebuilt into a world class facility that can compete some of the best racing tracks of the world.

Open to the public as well the club members, the field of the race course contains facilities for hockey, rugby and football as well and are managed by Leisure and Cultural Services Department. There is also the Hong Kong Club Archive and Museum, better known as the Hong Kong Racing Museum that is located on the second floor of the Happy Valley Stand of the racecourse. The museum has four main galleries housed among its walls- The Origin Of Hong Kong horses, Shaping of Sha Tin Racecourse, Understanding Horses and Thematic exhibitions. In addition, there is also the souvenir shop and cinema housed right inside the premises of the museum.

Ladies Market

Located in the vibrant district of Mongkok, Ladies Market is an outdoor street market with a vibrant atmosphere and rows and rows of stalls offering numerous deals to the customers. Just round the corner on the Tung Loi Street, this market was one of the first markets of Kowloon to be accredited as the “Hawker Accreditation Area” by the Hong Kong government. Though the name suggests the area to be especially partial to the fairer sex, it has somehow become a misnomer with the market having shops for everything from electrical goods to men and children clothing to toys to sports goods to souvenirs.

The place is a bargain heaven and you can get huge discounts on the goods by negotiating on already low asking rates. However, the place being one of the busiest markets of the area, negotiating through the crowds can prove to be a daunting task. Make sure to wear the most comfortable footwear in luggage as the market itself stretches across ten streets.

Although the market is a public place and there are no hard and fast opening and closing hours of the same, in general the place is mostly open by noon with some opening even earlier than that. The market I open to tourists on all days except the Sundays other official public holidays. One of the best time to start your shopping is during the evening as the air is cooler that time and all the shops are in full swing. However, this is also one of the busiest times of the street if you are looking to shop, get ready to mingle with the crowds.

Lantau Peak

Standing at a height of 934m above the sea level, Lantau Peak is the second highest peak of Hong Kong. Also known as Fung Wong Shan or the Chinese firebird mountain, the place also enjoys the title of being the highest point on the Lantau Island. The name Fung Wong Shan has been derived from two names- Fung Shan and Wong Shan representing the two peaks that the mountain is made up of.
The peak is a heaven for all the view junkies and photographers as it is a prized place to catch the sunrise from. Though the climb takes over two hours to reach the desired spot and the journey has to be started very early in the morning, the view is well worth the effort. The place is also a popular hiking spot of Hong Kong and can be reached by the Lantau Trail.
One of the best times to catch a beautiful photo worthy sunrise on Lantau Peak is during the months of December to February. It is during this time that Hong Kong enjoys a spate of a brief dry winter with fewer clouds and just a thin haze.

Considered to be one of the largest outlying islands of Hong Kong, the place is full of attractions that will bring solace to your soul, senses as well as your shopping bags. Whatever your interest may be- sandy beaches, shopping outlets, Buddhist architecture, catching fireworks over a castle, the place has it all. The place is home to some of the major attractions of Hong Kong such as the Phoenix Mountain, the Big Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery, Wisdom Path, Ngong Ping and various others.
There are a total of 47 villages on the island with over 78.4 square kilometers of designated ‘Wild Countryside Park’. The largest settlement of island is in Tai O, a village famous for its stilt houses and known as ‘Venice of Hong Kong’. There are various beautiful beaches with blue waters spread along the southern coast of the island, that is the area around the Cheung Chau Island. The island is also home to the famous Hong Kong Disneyland that lies on the northeastern part of the island.

In addition to the above attractions, you can also visit the Tung Chung Fort is you are a history freak. Built in 1817 to defend the coast from pirates and thwart the opium trading, the place has been listed as one of the important historical monuments of Hong Kong. Having six old cannons and granite enclosures, the place was refurbished to preserve its authenticity in the year 1988. If you are more of a spiritual kind, schedule your visit to Trappist Haven Monastery at Tai Shui Hang that sits on the eastern coast of the island. Home to a lot of Roman Catholic monks, the place falls right between the towns of the Discovery Bay and Mui Wo.

The Lantau Island is also home to a large number of well marked trails or those looking to have some adventure. The best known is the Lantau Trail composed of dense woodland along with beautiful natural stone steps stretching along a distance of over 3kms. Another famous hike is that to the Sunset Peak, taking the trekkers to the third highest peak of Hong Kong.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Part of the renowned wax museum chain, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is located in the Peak Tower on Kong Island. The museum is the first of the two permanent Madame Tussauds Museum in Asia housing over 100 wax figures of both Asian and international celebrities. They are displayed acxcording to special themed settings such as Music icons, Glamour, Historical and National Heroes, World Premiere and the Champions. The place offers a fun interactive experience where you will feel like a star amidst all the celebrity figures.

One of the main attractions of the Hong Kong Madame Tussauds wax museum is its permanent scare display named Scream. Set against the backdrop of an abandoned asylum, the Scream promises a chilling experience complete with a mix of live performers and scary waxy figures. It stirs up your darkest fears as you gop through the dark corridors of this scary mental asylum. Do remember to strengthen your heart and will as when the rampaging psychopaths and intense gore block your path, these are the only things that will help you in going forward to complete the journey.

In addition, savor a special star studded journey with some memorable moments with the wax figures of your favorite icons. Kick with Bruce lee, pose with the elegant Barack Obama, walk the red carpet in the company of Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, practice with Yao Ming, perform some exceptional footwork with Beckham, dance and sing with Lady Gaga or just enjoy with McDull, the popular cartoon character of Hong Kong. The place is full of fun and entertainment, complete with a souvenir shop where you can get mini look-alikes of your favorite icon, adorable little personalized wax hands as well as various other gifts that will help you in remembering the journey for a long long time.

Ma Wan Park

Located on the Ma Wan Island, the Ma Wan Park is a famous park that contains word’s only full sized replica of the Noah’s ark. Popular among both the tourists as well as the locals, the place makes for a unique family entertainment destination with its various activities and exhibits. The place offers a heady dose of both entertainment as well as education to both the children as well as the adults of the family. Various attractions of the park include the Solar tower, the special Ark exhibition, an Ark garden, a treasure house, Ark Expo, Nature Garden, Noah’s resort as well as various other adventures and activities.

The Solar tower is one of the latest ventures of the park where the tourists can view the activity happening on the sun’s surface in real time through a special 350mm diameter vacuum telescope. Its other exhibits will help you in gaining a better understanding of the universe and its works. In addition, there is also the Solar Tower Camp where you can relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life amidst the tranquil par setting.

There is a special Ark Exhibition that is put up in the Park containing religious artifacts, unique cultural photographs, antique bibles and others for the tourists. However, these exhibits are changed periodically to avoid monotony and offer greater information to the visitors. You can also live to lofty adventures of Noah by visiting the Noah’s adventure land where several climbing games wait to provide you that much needed thrill and fun. In addition, there is a special Ark Garden where visitors are treated to view of over 67 pairs of life sized animal sculptures.
The greenery enthusiasts can take a walk along the Nature Garden of the Ma Wan Park where over thousands of trees have been preserved in their natural surroundings. The place uses a windmill to use renewable energy to promote environmental awareness among the people.

Ocean Park Hong Kong

The Ocean Park is one of the major attractions of Hong Kong based on the marine life theme and features exhibits, thrilling rides and spectacular shows. In fact, it became one of the first Asian winners of the most prestigious award in the theme park and amusement industry- the biannual Applause award. It is because of its ability to blend education with entertainment with the message of conservation that has brought it on the list of the Most Visited Tourist Attractions of the World.

Located on the southern end of the Hong Kong Island, the park covers a total area of over 210 acres of land which is then divided into two areas by a large mountain- The Summit and the Waterfront. Commutation between the two could be done wither by a cable car, a shuttle bus or you can board the Ocean Express funicular Railway. The place is full of attractions that have made it one of the favorites of both tourists and locals alike.

Thrill Mountain: This is for those who are of adventurous in nature. Spin and whirl in high speed cars or dangle off a high cliff on the Hair raiser, the floorless coaster that was opened in 2011.
Marine World: Visit the four storey aquarium holding over 2000 fishes of 250 different species or take a walk down the Pacific Pier to view the marine animals in water, or observe the South China Sea from the Ocean Park Tower, the Marine World is a delight for all the marine crazy people. To add to the fun, there is also a Sea Jelly Spectacular underwater garden showcasing over 1000 sea jellies from round the world set to multimedia and music effects.

Polar Adventure: Get up close and personal with the poles of Earth by touring the Polar Adventure where you can meet the king penguins, snowy owls, spotted seals and long tusked Pacific walruses in addition to experiencing the true force of the ‘Arctic Blast’ on the newly opened steel power coaster. Need some respite- visit the Tuxedos Restaurant that offers refreshments with more than 70 penguins frolicking and having fun on ice giving you company for the same.
Heritage Tram: Take a trip down the memory lane by boarding this Heritage Tram which will take you through the Old Hong Kong era by recreating the buzz and sights of the yesteryear streets and scenes.

Whisker’s Harbour: For all those young ones of the family and even for those young at heart, there is the Whisker’s Harbour. Along with an educational dolphin University, there are merry go rounds, Bouncer house, Frog Hoppers, and Whiskers Harbour Playground where the young kids can enjoy and be entertained and educated at the same time.

Aqua City: The underwater will never be the same for you. This marine themed experience will leave you spellbound with the attractions it has on plate. There is the world’s first 360 degree water screen, world’s largest aquarium dome, and a special Neptune’s Restaurant that offers one of the first aquarium dining experiences of Hong Kong.

Amazing Asian Animals: Visit some of the rarest Asian animals in this spectacular exhibit. Go take a look at the Giant Panda Adventure or experience the life going on in the Panda Village. There is also the Gator Marsh that houses Grass craps, Chinese alligators as well as other rare Asian fishes. The fish crazy people can go hunt in the Gold fish treasures which features some of the rarest and latest varieties of goldfishes such as Blue Phoenix Eggfish and Black Oranda.

Committing to promotion and support of the animal and marine life conservation in Hong Kong, Ocean Park also organizes special events on festival eve such as the Halloween, Summer splash and others.

The Po Lin Monastery

Dubbed as “The Buddhist World of South”, the Po Lin Monastery is a Buddhist monastery founded in 1906 by three visiting monks on Ngong Ping Island, Hong Kong. Initially known as “The Big Hut”, the monastery got its present name in 1924. Home to many devout monks, the monastery contains rich colorful iconography of Buddha in addition to housing three Buddha statues that represent the past, present and the future.

Sitting right opposite The Tian Tian Buddha, the place is one of the most important Buddhist sanctums of the world and has a pleasing environment that will soothe all your senses. In addition, there is a beautiful garden that is always alive with birdsongs and sweet smelling flowers. In addition to the views offered by the Big Buddha, there is also a popular vegetarian restaurant right inside the monastery premises that serves delicious food to help you in countering those hunger pangs too.

Repulse Bay Beach

This sun drenched resort like beach is a hit with both the locls as well as the tourists alike. Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches of Hong Kong due to its crescent shaped pattern and nearby upmarket residential area, the place is always full what with people taking strolls in early morning, daytime sun soaking or just lingering during the sunset when everything is turning mellow.

For those looking to lap in the luxurious beach waters, Repulse bay beach is the place to be. Located on the southern part of the Hong Kong Island, the place is named after a 19th century battle when the British army repulsed the pirates attacking them. The clear azure waters of the sea laps at the soft and golden sands. With the temperature always hovering between 16 to 26 degrees, the place is always cool and is a mecca for locals and tourists alike to escape the heat.

Though the place is popular for aquatic activities, there are various other facilities available for the tourists. Barbeque racks under shade, hotels, cafes, and supermarkets dot the area. There is a lighthouse too near the beach where you can take photographs and catch some spectacular views during the sunset. In addition, there is also the Zhenhai Tower Park where you can relax with the statues of God of Mercy and Queen of Heaven giving you company.

The place is considered to be one of the most expensive areas of Hong Kong with its prices only matched by the Peak. After all, the sun drenched beach is the perfect place to lap in the luxury of beautiful clear waters and take in the Chinese traditional culture and architecture.

Star Ferries

Though reclamation of land has reduced this iconic journey to a mere eight minutes, it is still worth the effort. Costing just $0.28 for an upper deck seat, this cross border ferry has been rated as one of the 50 Places to go in a Lifetime by National Geographic. Founded in 1888 as Kowloon Ferry Company, the humble Star Ferry vessels still carry tens of millions of people across the Victoria Harbor.

Though the two sides of Victoria Harbour are now connected with high tech roads and railway tunnels, this inexpensive mode of transport is still the popular choice of general masses as well as the tourists who want to experience a piece of history aboard. The ferry has also been given the top ranking in “Top Ten Most Exciting Rides”, a poll conducted by the American Travel Writers in Feb, 2009. The ferry has been a part of many a French and Hong Kong movies too. Maybe it is because of the local affection for the boats or the reliability of the ride even after a century in existence, the ferry has become an intricate part of this most photographed harbour of the world, The Victoria Harbour.

One of the best times of catching this ferry is the one that sails out just before 8 p.m. It is this time of the day when the ferries stop mid way to give the tourists a scintillating view of the Symphony Of Lights show that is conducted nightly featuring buildings and lights on both sides of the Harbour. This eye watering sound and lights show is seen in a completely different light when viewed from the ferry with the city buildings serving as the backdrop.

Symphony Of Lights

Tagged as the “Largest Permanent Sound and Light Show of the World” by the Guinness Book of World Records, this nightly multimedia show presents an all round spectacle using various decorative lasers and lighting display. Featuring over 44 buildings on both the sides of Victoria Harbour, the show was developed by the noted Australian company Laservision at the cost of around 44 million Hong Kong dollars.

This nightly multimedia show involves orchestration of decorative lights, music, pyrotechnic fireworks, and laser light displays that together give a spectacular performance every night at 8 p.m. for ten minutes. Some of the best vantage points to watch this scintillating display include the ‘The Avenue Of Stars’, the waterfront promenade outside Golden Bauhinia Square, and the Star Ferries that run across the waters of Victoria Harbour. The live music and narration that takes place for the show is in English on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and in Mandarin on the Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The show consists of five major themes that celebrate the energy and vivacity of the city in different forms. Each theme has a meaning of its own and takes the spectators on a different journey of its own. The first theme “Awakening” symbolizes the growth and the powerful genesis of the Hong Kong city. The second theme “Energy” signifies the vivacious and the vibrant throbbing energy of the city. The third theme “Heritage” takes you on the road to Chinese history and culturally rich traditions. The fourth theme “Partnership” symbolizes the connection shared by the two sides of the Victoria Harbour that together form one unified partnership. The finale “Celebration” celebrates the partnership shared by the two sides of the Harbour and represents a bright future for the Hong Kong City. Special pyrotechnics displays are added to the show on public holidays or popular city festivals. However, in the event that there is an issuance of the Tropical cyclone warning or black/ red rainstorm warning signal by the Hong Kong Observatory, the show may be suspended without prior notice.

The Big Buddha

Also famous the Tian Tian Buddha, The Big Buddha is a large bronze statue of Buddha Amoghasiddhi located at Ngong Ping in Lantau Island. The statue is a symbol of the harmonious relationship that man, nature and religion have with each other. This popular tourist attraction is a major centre of Buddhism in Asia and is one of the five large Buddha statues of China.
Named as Tian Tian Buddha due to the resemblance of the base to the earthly Mount of Tian Tian or the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, the Buddha sits on lotus throne that itself is on a three platform altar. Surrounded by six smaller statuettes known as “Offering of Six Devas”, they are posed as offering incense, flowers, ointment, lamp, music and fruit to Buddha. These are actually symbols of the six important qualities needed to achieve nirvana- morality, charity, zeal, patience, wisdom and meditation.
Standing at a height of 34 meters and weighing over 250 metric tons, the Buddha was the tallest outdoor seated bronze statue in the world prior to 2007. In fact, there is a local saying that on a clear day, you can see the statue from as far as Macau. To reach the Buddha, visitors need to either climb 240 steps or go through a small winding road that can be used to go in a vehicle.
The three halls that are under the Big Buddha denote the three halls of Universe, Benevolent Merit and Remembrance. There is also a relic inside that contains the cremated remains of Buddha, according to the popular legend. In addition there is a huge bell inscribed with Buddha images that was designed to ring 108 times every day that symbolized the 108 different kinds of human vexations.
In addition to the deliverance of the blessing by the Buddha, there is also an added advantage of the sweeping views of the sea and the mountain that is witnessed from the base. Also, do visit the Po Lin Monastery that is right opposite the Tian Tian Buddha statue and is considered to be one of the most important Buddhist sanctums of Hong Kong.

The Clock Tower

Considered to be one of the most important vestiges that represent the rich past of Hong Kong, The Clock Tower continues to act as a living reminder of the roots and events that shaped the nature and the present of the city. Located on the southern shore of the Tsim Sha Tsui, this tower is one of the only remnants of the original Kowloon Canton Railway. Listed as a declared monument since 1990, the height of the tower stands at 44 meters with a 7 meter rod topping the building. Two other landmarks of the city are just a stone’s throw away from the tower- Victoria Harbour and the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry pier.

History

The plan for the Kowloon railway station was conceptualized in 1904 and inaugurated in 1910 with its terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. However, it was not until 1913 that the foundations for the same could be laid. However, due to World War I, the station and the tower could not be completed on time as the fittings and fixtures were to be delivered from Britain. It was in 1916, that the station complete with the Clock Tower could be completed though the tower was still without a clock face according to the photographs of the era. By the time appropriate funds could be raised and the installation of the clock took place, it was 1921. The clocks have been running since then except the time when Hong Kong was under the Japanese occupation during World War II.

It was during the late seventies, that the Kowloon Station was moved to the current Hung Hom Station and the old station building was demolished. However, as a concession to the protests by the Heritage Society and other pressure groups, the Tower was retained and preserved and is today home to Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Cultural Center. The bell that was inside the tower is currently housed in the railway depot of ho Tung Lau.

The Center

Hong Kong’s fifth largest skyscraper is a landmark in its own right. Encased in low-voltage neon bars that increase in number as we go up, the building is an important part of the nightly light show performance of the city- “The Symphony of lights”.

Tsing Ma Bridge

Linking Lantau Island to rest of the Hong Kong, Tsing Ma bridge is an engineering marvel and a local sightseeing favorite. Considered to be one of the longest suspension bridges with both road and rail traffic in the world, the bridge gets its name from the areas at its two ends- Tsing Yi and Ma Wan. Head to the Lantau Link View Point and visitors centre located on the Tsing Yi island to get the best look at this modern contemporary marvel.

In addition to the above attractions, you can get glimpses of city parks that offer a quick fix of greenery amidst all the concrete and traffic as well as the beautiful outlying islands where life moves at a snail’s pace amidst the glistening sea and rugged coastlines. So what are you waiting for? Come Visit Hong Kong—Asia’s very own world city where you will revel among the contrasts.

The Man Mo Temple

Instead of using a map, if you are looking to visit the Man Mo Temple, just follow the smell of incense and you can easily reach this busy 18th century temple. Considered to be one of the oldest and one of the most famous temples of Hong Kong, the place is in honor of two deities- God Of literature (Man) and God of War (Mo). Patronized by the students and scholars alike, these gods were worshipped to seek progress in studies or gain better ranking in civil examinations of Imperial China.

The God of Literature or Man Cheung is a third century BC Chinese statesman shown as holding a writing brush while Kwan Yu is a 2nd century AD Han dynasty soldier shown to be holding a sword. In fact, Kwan Yu is also patronized as god of pawn shops, restaurants, secret societies and the police forces. There are two plaques right outside the main temple that tell all about these two deities to all the visitors. The incense smoke coming from giant cone shaped coils hanging from the roof offers a mystical and a pleasant contrast to the hectic city life bustling outside the temple.

The temple is a part of complex that houses the Lit Shing Kung as well as Kung Sor areas. The Lit Shing Kung area was built as a place for worshipping all the heavenly gods whereas Kung Sor was used as an assembly hall where disputes and affairs were often discussed and settled. The place was tagged as a Grade I historic building in the year 2009 and has been marked as a Declared Monument of Hong Kong.

The Observation Deck

Also known as Sky100, the Observation Deck is the hisghest observation desk in Hong Kong at the height of 393 meters above sea level. This 360 degree Sky100 is on the hundredth floor of the tallest building of Hong Kong – The International Commerce Center or ICC. Offering an incredible view of the Vicoria Harbour, the place is located just two floors beneath the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong Hotel that is situated in the same building.

One of the memorable experiences of visiting the building include travelling from the second to the hundredth floor in a matter of seconds through high speed elevators. Explore the state of the art advanced telescope that has “sunny day settings”, “night views” and fireworks in addition to the pre recorded views from bright clear days and on screen indicators that point to the major landmarks. There is also an interactive exhibition that will take you through the historical and cultural journey of Hong Kong. Once there, you can have fun in the professional photo booth that has advanced augmented reality technology that can deliver photographs with special 3D effects and backgrounds. Interactive touch screens are dotted throughout the deck that offer fun travel tips and itinerary planners at the touch of a finger, literally.

From the deck you can capture stunning views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and even the ridge that gave Kowloon its name, on a bright clear day. Other major sights that can be captured from the place include the Tai Mo Shan, Tsing ma Bridge and the airport.

Tai O Stilt Houses

Home to Tanka folks, a fisher people community, this place is famous for the stilt houses built by these people on the tidal flats of the Lantau Islands and have been living in them for generations. These interconnected unusual structures tell the story of a community that literally lives on water and are a dream paradise for every photographer.

Tai O is a small 300 year old fishing village located on the west end of Hong Kong and inhabited by one of the earliest tribe settlement of Hong Kong, the Tanka people. This tiny settlement is as famous for its shrimp paste as it is for the stilt houses perched on the sea waters. These funny little dwellings look like miniature Nissan huts that have been painted with the silver rust proof paints. Known as ‘Venice of Hong Kong’, the place is a tourist spot for both the foreigners as well as the city dwellers from other parts of Hong Kong.

The stilt houses of Tai O were once a common sight in Hong Kong but with time, only the ones in the island have been preserved on such a large scale. The waterways act like roads for the communities living in these houses with boats being the main mode of transport. The place could be reached by a long winding road and has a small informal museum too that provides the introduction to the village life and is full of various intriguing articles. Entry is free and you could take a look at some interesting artifacts on display such as handheld mooncake moulds and other salt production related exhibits, which as one of the mainstays of the village’s economy in addition to fishing.

This small village is fast becoming a popular tourist hot spot these days. You can take a walk along the village markets selling what-nots made of dried sea creatures or maybe it’s the sea cucumber or take a cheap boat ride to catch a glimpse of the local white dolphins. However, the true gateway to the village is its blue drawbridge where you will finally realize the floating nature of Tai Po to its true extent. It is because of this unique nature of the village that the place is every photographer’s dream come true. There is always some unexpected splash of color or an everyday fish drying scene that just begs for your attention.

Do visit this fishing village as the place adds an intriguing little twist to your otherwise regular itinerary with its sheer oddness and uniqueness.

The Peak

Rather than being just a shopping and dining experience or a stunning vista, The Peak is one of the most popular Hong Kong attractions due to the amazing collection of the must- visits that dot the place and offer you a fun filled experience of the living culture of the city. It is one place you just need to include in your itinerary to make your Hong Kong experience a memorable one.

The Peak is the highest point of the Hong Kong Island and is also the most exclusive neighborhood of the city since the colonial times. Maybe it was the cooler air that attracted the rich and famous to this place or in the post- air conditioning era, the spectacular cityscape views that keep them glued to their places. In fact, the place has been a part of many a memorable movie scenes including the 1955 classic Soldier Of Fortune starring Clark Gable and many others.

In addition to the anvil shaped Peak Galleria, the Peak Tower and the Peak Tram, the place is also offers the comfort of scenic walks that offer the view of leisurely unfolding vistas, peaceful country parks or tranquil gardens. For more eye-popping views, you can also visit the Lions View Point Pavilion and the Lugard Road Lookout. In fact, during summers, the temperatures are almost 5 degree C lower than the sea level thus proving you a cooling relief from the humidity of the urban areas. Choose a clear day to enjoy the sparkling city view during the day melting into a pink and orange panorama during the evening and then again reincarnating into a shimmering galaxy of lights throbbing and humming right beneath you.

The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram is an experience in its own that needs to be experienced rather than read about. This 1.4 km funicular railway connects the Hong Kong Island with the Peak Tower through a step yet spectacular journey that will see skyscrapers passing at odd angles right by your window. Opened in 1988, this tram was one of the first mechanical public transport vehicles of Hong Kong and also enjoys the title of being world’s steepest funicular railway. Rising to over 396 meters above sea, you will love this tram journey whether you are going up or down.

In order to preserve the rich history of this tram, there is also the Peak Tram Historical Gallery that is more like a time tunnel with over 200 memorabilia exhibited. Some of the displays kept in the gallery are more than a century old. You can also take a look at the first generation Peak Tram carriages that have been brought to life inside the gallery. This gallery is a way to pay tribute to the Tram that has been serving Hong Kong city for more than a century now and has been a quiet witness of the changes, the history and the heritage of the city. In fact, the place reminds the visitors of the gone era memories and acts as a reminder of all those things that have made Hong Kong famous as the “Pearl Of Orient”.

Temple Street Night Market

Looking like a movie director’s dream Chinatown, this rowdy thoroughfare market is one of the busiest flea markets of the area at night. It is hugely popular among both the tourists as well as the locals. Selling cheap merchandise and food items, the place is also famous as the “Men’s Market” due to it being partial to men’s fashion. Starting at 2 p.m. in the afternoon, the place especially comes alive under the glare of bare light bulbs during the dusk when the business is in full swing.

When the sun sets, the place comes alive with traders selling their wares along with the fortune tellers and the opera singers. Named after the Tin Hau temple, the market grew from a single banyan tree gathering of 1920s to its current state. The place is one huge market for counterfeit goods and tacky items. However, no one is expected to pay the listed price as the bargaining is hugely popular with rates going down to almost half of the asking prices.

You can even enjoy Cantonese opera performances in addition to occasional western singers and musicians that take place in the Public Square Street section towards the Jordan station. These are free for the casual bystanders and donations are made on a purely intentional basis. The place is an ever enduring example of how modernity is surviving with the festivity and traditionalism of the Chinese theatre as well as the market. So do remember to add the place in your itinerary as the show is on every night for you to enjoy.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Considered to be one of the places to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Hong Kong city skyline, Tsim Sha Tsui offers an experience of a completely different kind. Take a stroll through it and you could gaze around at the topographical and architectural spectacle of the city. Starting from the colonial era Clock Tower, take a stroll right past the Hong Kong Art Museum and the Hong Kong Space museum going on until you reach the Avenue of Stars.

The promenade really comes to life during evening when the nightly show “Symphony Of Stars” take place. You can catch the live narration of this spectacular sound and light show at the Promenade. If the weather permits, you can also take a relaxing alfresco or a waterside drink in the new Deck n Bar located here. Running parallel to the Salisbury road, the promenade is a favorite jaunt of the love birds and shutterbugs who are there to capture the essence of the city or to just enjoy a few peaceful moments with the beautiful backdrop adorning the memories. However, the place gets the maximum footfalls during the Dragon Boat Festival that takes place during June or during the firework display that takes place during the Chinese New Year during Late January or early February.

7 Day Hong Kong Macau Shenzhen Tour
(7 Days / 6 Nights)

On Request

Details

7 Day Hong Kong Macau Shenzhen Tour / HKG-09 (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Hong Kong-Shenzhen (China)-Macau (China)-Hong Kong

7 DAY HONG KONG MACAU SHENZHEN TOUR

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Hong Kong
Day 2 : Hong Kong - Shenzhen (China)
Day 3 : Shenzhen (China)
Day 4 : Shenzhen (China) - Macau (China)
Day 5 : Macau (China) - Hong Kong
Day 6 : Hong Kong
Day 7 : Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Tours

Hong Kong

Asia''s World City

General Information

Description

Location

Climate

Hong Kong Hungama(4 Days / 3 Nights)

Hong Kong and Macau(4 Days / 3 Nights)

Hong Kong & Maccau Package(6 Days / 5 Nights)

Exclusive Hongkong & Bangkok Tour(8 Days / 7 Nights)

Hong Kong with Cruise Tour(6 Days / 5 Nights)

Hong Kong Macau Disneyland Tour(7 Days / 6 Nights)

Hong Kong Macau Shenzhen with Cruise Tour(9 Days / 8 Nights)

7 Day Hong Kong Macau Shenzhen Tour(7 Days / 6 Nights)

Hong Kong Hungama
(4 Days / 3 Nights)

Hong Kong and Macau
(4 Days / 3 Nights)

Hong Kong & Maccau Package
(6 Days / 5 Nights)

Exclusive Hongkong & Bangkok Tour
(8 Days / 7 Nights)

Hong Kong with Cruise Tour
(6 Days / 5 Nights)

Hong Kong Macau Disneyland Tour
(7 Days / 6 Nights)

Hong Kong Macau Shenzhen with Cruise Tour
(9 Days / 8 Nights)

7 Day Hong Kong Macau Shenzhen Tour
(7 Days / 6 Nights)