Hong Kong
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Hong Kong is a special place. With multiple languages being spoken and multiculturalism prevalent, it’s definitely a good destination if you’re looking for a softer introduction to East Asia. There’s colorful nightlife, international cuisine, tons of shopping, and bustling business centers throughout this vibrant city, making it an exciting place to visit. Although Hong Kong has a luxurious image, many things can be enjoyed on a modest budget.
Travel tip #1: Hong Kong has its own currency (HKD), flag, anthem, passport, legal system, and more, but is considered part of China and has never been considered an independent country. Until 1997, Hong Kong was a colony of the United Kingdom. From then and until 2047 (50 years), the territory is in a transition period where its able to exercise a limited form of self-government and continue operating as it had been prior to the handover.
Places of Interest
Tian Tan: Outside the city center in the lush countryside lies Tian Tan, the Big Buddha. The 34-meter statue is near Po Lin Monastery and symbolizes the relationship between man and nature, as well as people and faith. Take the bus heading from Tung Chung Terminal to get to Ngong Ping Terminal on Lantau Island. There are enough signs to help navigate your way.
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple: One of Hong Kong’s more popular temples, Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin is known for making your wish come true exactly how you grant it and accurately telling your fortune. The temple is very ornate, with beautiful buildings and statues. Get your fortune told from a stall or shake some sticks for a small fee to see what the stars have aligned for your future.
Ladies Market: Crazy doesn’t even begin to describe the chaos of this bargain-centered shopping street. You can find just about anything at the Ladies Market–located on Tung Choi Street–from appliances to teapots to silk scarves to toys. It’s one of the more popular shopping attractions in Hong Kong, and should be experienced even if you’re only in Hong Kong for a short time.
Victoria Peak: To snap one of the most well-known images of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor, Victoria Peak is the spot to go. It’s beautiful during the day and at night; open from 7:00 am until midnight, you have plenty of time to fit this into your itinerary while in Hong Kong. The journey to Victoria Peak is quite insane, with a nearly vertical tram (The Peak Tram) being the main form of transportation to the top. The crowds make the adventure even more electrifying.
Tsim Sha Tsui: This area of Hong Kong has many museums, shops, and restaurants. Included in Tsim Sha Tsui is The Avenue of Stars, which is right along Victoria Harbor, making for a fun and scenic stroll. Another nice place for a break from the hustle and bustle is Kowloon Park.
Golden Bauhinia Square: The Forever Blooming Bauhinia Sculpture that gives Expo Promenade its commonly used name, Golden Bauhinia Square, was a gift from the Chinese Government to mark the 1997 Handover. This is a good spot to take photos due to the fantastic view of Kowloon Bay.
A Symphony of Lights: This is the famous nighttime laser, light, and music show that takes place along the buildings of Victoria Harbor every night at 8:00 pm. The best places to catch it are from The Avenue of Stars and Golden Bauhinia Square. If you plan it right, you can watch from a cruise ship in Victoria Harbor, too.
Travel tip #2: Cantonese, English, and Mandarin are main languages in Hong Kong, with additional dialects of Chinese spoken, too. Most of the people in the central areas more or less speak some English, but Cantonese is the best way to communicate with street vendors and locals in general. If you’re Cantonese is lacking, you may struggle a bit and will more than likely get ripped off at least once by a street vendor who gives you the wrong amount of change. Don’t let that potential phase you too much, though.
Food
Dim sum: Dim sum is a Hong Kong favorite that’s typically eaten for a late breakfast or early lunch with family and friends. The meal is about bringing people together over yummy food and tea, which makes sense as to why going out for dim sum is known as “yum cha,” meaning “drinking tea.” Menus are extensive at dim sum restaurants, with over 100 items standardly offered. Classics to order are: steamed shrimp dumplings, siu mai, barbecued pork buns, and cheung fan. Most of the menu items are steamed, but there are many deep-fried, pan-fried, and baked dishes to choose from.
Curry fish balls: A staple Hong Kong street food, curry fish balls are cheap, delicious, and easy to eat while walking. The name may sound strange at first, but they consist of fish cake in ball-form which are first deep-fried and then boiled in a tasty curry sauce.
Soya bean curd: Another food with a strange name, but yummy flavor. Also known as “tofu,” this traditional dessert is a crowd-pleaser with it’s simple sweetness and silky texture. Of course, there are shops that specialize in soya bean curd, but most places serve up a standard dish that’ll do.
Egg puffs/waffles: If you’ve never eaten an egg waffle, you must while in Hong Kong! These sweet, cake-y treats can be found on nearly every street corner and their sweet aroma is hard to miss when strolling by. They get their trademark shape from the dimpled-iron their baked in.
Wonton noodles: A signature Hong Kong dish, wonton noodles are a classic in Cantonese cuisine that consist of shrimp (sometimes with minced pork added in) wontons served in a steaming broth with thin egg noodles cooked al dente. The noodles should be a bit springy while the broth really completes this dish. A famous spot to grab a bowl of wonton noodles is Mak’s—the line can get really long, so be prepared to wait.
Vegetarian fare: After gazing at the magnificent Big Buddha statue on Ngong Ping, head over to the Po Lin Monastery for some vegetarian cuisine. The set lunch is worth it if split between two or three people, and includes a variety of simple yet tasty vegetarian dishes: mushrooms, greens, tofu, corn, etc. Some say the food at Po Lin is bland, but I found it quite delicious. (However, I am a huge fan of veggies alone, so I’m not too hard to please.)
Travel tip #3: Street food is a way of life in Hong Kong. Many food items that Hong Kong is known for can be purchased from a cart, making the street food vendors an intimate part of Hong Kong’s culture. The government is trying to change some of these rules and tighten their reins on street vendors, causing some to close shop. Support street food vendors by purchasing their food—your stomach and wallet won’t regret it.
Transportation & Accommodation
Hong Kong is very crowded and packed with people, making trains and buses convenient and reliable forms of transportation. The MTR is Hong Kong’s extensive subway system that’s pretty easy to navigate, but know that pushing is the norm. Buses and minibuses are also commonly used by locals and tourists alike, just ensure you have correct change to pay your fare. The Airport Express is the easiest way to get from the airport to downtown and runs throughout the day. Taxis are also readily available. I recommend using the MTR, as most places of interest are easily accessible from these stations.
Living spaces in Hong Kong are tight—literally. With limited space, the city has turned to building upward. There are a multitude of hostels, guesthouses, and hotels to choose from on booking.com based on your budget, but plan to spend a bit more on accommodation compared to other places in Asia. If you’re a budget traveler, hostels are of course your best bet. If you’re looking for lots of space it would be best to pay for a hotel.
Travel tip #4: The Octopus Card is a rechargeable transportation card. This is a smart option if you’re going to be traveling around Hong Kong for more than a couple of days, as it makes using the MTR quick and efficient. The initial deposit is refundable, too.
Climate
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with four seasons. Spring is warm and humid, leading into hot and rainy (humid) summer weather. Autumn is one of the nicest times to visit, with sunny and fairly dry days. Winter doesn’t get too chilly—16 Celsius is the average low. Overall, the climate is generally mild, making Hong Kong a good destination year around. March and April as well as October and November are the nicest times to visit, though.