Hong Kong

Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories make up Hong Kong, as well as 236 smaller island islands. Of the territory less than 25% is developed and the remaining land is made up of nature reserve and country parks.  This puts Hong Kong’s thriving city set amongst beautiful natural surroundings.

Hong Kong is China’s wealthiest region and has one of the world’s most liberal economies.  With a population of around 6.7 million it is also one of the most densely populated places in the world.  97% of the population are Chinese and speak Cantonese and English.  Religion is most commonly Buddhism or Christianity.

Places to Visit in Hong Kong

Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and is definitely worth the night time view.  Located on the western side a tram is provided for ascent up the mountain.  The view is spectacular day or night, and the Victoria Harbour one of the world’s busiest harbours is a sight not to be missed from this point. 

Repulse Bay is well known for its long beach and clear waters.  Lush greenery and beautiful views can be enjoyed from one of many open-air restaurants.  Great shopping and entertainment facilities are also available in this area although restaurants are very expensive.  At night flaming torches light the waters edge and at days last light the sky can be seen in pink and magenta and the moon rises over the sea to complete and unforgettable experience.

Stanley is the place to visit for its market.  Authentic Hong Kong souvenirs can be bought here.  There are also beaches and a number of great restaurants to enjoy.  Temple Street Market is another great spot for bargain hunting, and although many items on sale are fakes it is the experience and atmosphere of this famous night market that must be enjoyed.

Sai Kung Peninsula is in the eastern territories and is perfect for hikers to escape from the busy city area.  Amongst the forests and rough coastline small fishing villages can be explored. 

The Ten Thousand Buddha’s Monastery is a major attraction and possibly the most interesting temple in the new territories.  Situated on the top of a hill it can be reached via escalators or some 400 steps.  On the inner wall of the temple there are shelves filled with 13,000 small gold Buddha statues each in slightly different poses.

Ocean Park is the largest Leisure Park in South East Asia and one of the largest marine parks in the world. Between Aberdeen and Repulse Bay it has been built on both sides of the mountain with a cable car system linking lowland and headland sections.  Which also provides spectacular views of Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

Hong Kong Cuisine

With more than 6000 restaurants in the city there is always something new to discover.  With Hong Kong apartments being so small, friends and family gather in restaurants. 

Food is also an art form and few places take it as seriously as Hong Kong.  Chefs strive to make a balance between flavours and textures in dishes and naturally seafood is popular.  Ordering duck is a culinary odyssey served in three courses.  Roasted over a charcoal fire in dark syrup it is brought to the table with a demonstration of it being carved. Firstly the skin is eaten as a starter.  Meat is then eaten in a crepe wrap followed by the final course of duck soup usually with cabbage and mushrooms. 

Dim Sum must be tried when visiting Hong Kong.  Served for brunch it is purely Chinese.  A pot of tea is given as soon as arriving at the restaurant, and servers will walk around with trolleys of bamboo canisters where you can point to anything you would like to try.  Typical dishes include spare ribs, pork buns, spring rolls and shrimp dumplings.  Desert offers mango pudding and hot egg tarts. 

Seafood lovers must visit Sai Kung or Lei Yue Mun, where snappers, crabs, prawns and scallops can be bought fresh from fishing boats and then you are able to take them to one of many nearby rstaurants to be cooked to your liking and specifications.

Hong Kong Climate

Hong Kongs subtropical climate brings summer monsoons and cool dry winters.  Climate is seasonal due to altering wind direction between summer and winter.  Typhoons occur between June and September.  Hong Kong’s climate allows for all year round tourism although October to December are most popular.