Hong Kong is like an overstuffed suitcase – there’s just so much packed into the small territory! And like any overstuffed suitcase, sometimes it can be hard to find what you’re looking for. Follow this full-day sightseeing tour and you’ll quickly have your bearings.
Stop 1: Hop on the MTR (mass transit railway) to Tung Chung Station, then take the No. 23 bus for the 45-minute ride up to the Ngong Ping plateau. In this lush, mountain setting sits the Po Lin Monastery. Here, high above the city, there’s a real sense of peace and tranquility – something you’ll no doubt appreciate having tackled the eight-minute walk uphill from where the bus terminates. The impressive monastery, one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sanctums, is home to a number of monks. Just above it stands the breathtaking, 34-meter tall Tian Tan sitting Buddha statue.
Stop 2: Hop on the ferry in Mui Wo for the roughly half hour ride to the Cheung Chau, a pretty island in the South China sea to the west of Hong Kong. Straddling the thin part of this dumbbell-shaped island is a small village of the same name. Cheung Chau’s a fishing village, so make sure you find time to grab a bit to eat at one of the fresh seafood restaurants located along its narrow streets.
Stop 3: Take the ferry back to Hong Kong Island (Central) before strolling along Hollywood Road. This stretch in the heart of colonial Hong Kong is packed with shops selling a mix of trinkets, antiques and art. If you’re in the market for a first-class watercolor depicting the city’s colonial past, drop by British-owned Wattis Fine Art.
Stop 4: Hop aboard and walk along the outdoor covered escalator on Hollywood Road (fun fact – it’s the world’s longest escalator) toward the Central MTR station. Ride to Jordan Station Exit A and feel the hustle and bustle of Temple Street. The stalls here sell have an incredible array of stuff ranging from knick-knacks to electronics. And if you’re feeling adventurous, find the mercurial Stephen Shum for a palm reading.
Stop 5: Take an MTR ride to the traditionally Chinese neighborhood of Mong Kok to explore some of the bustling, gritty markets, such as the Ladies Market at Tung Choi Street or the Bird Market at Yuen Po Street.
Stop 6: Make your way back to Tsim Sha Tsui on the MTR in time to catch the ‘Symphony of Lights’ – an evening light and sound show along the Kowloon Promenade, where all of the skyscrapers light up in a dazzling array. Finally, glide back across Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry ride to Hong Kong Island. The tickets are cheap, and it’s the best way to see the beautiful illuminations of the city against the night sky (try to take a ride during the day at some point during your trip too). If you didn’t have your sea legs before, here’s hoping you’ve found them now.
Stop 7: Back in Central, it’s time to round out an awesome day. If you just fancy a few beers hit the watering holes on Lan Kwai Fong. Alternatively, if you’re in search of a vibrant spot to flash your bling roll over to Prive.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: JoopDorresteijn)
