Thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, I got the opportunity to visit Hong Kong recently and the trip was wonderful. Even though our time there was limited and we only had four days to explore the city, we managed to cover most of the popular attractions Hong Kong has to offer. Besides doing some shopping at the Ladies Market, we visited a temple, took a ride on the Observation Wheel, went all the way up to The Peak, and also spent a day at Disneyland. If you’re visiting Hong Kong soon, be sure to make yourself a checklist and include all these places below!
1. Visit the street markets in Mong Kok – With tons of stalls offering clothes, little trinkets, accessories and souvenirs, you’ll be spoilt for choice wandering about the crowded aisles filled with people. Be sure to practice your haggling skills as the prices of goods are usually marked up crazy high. Even if you don’t intend to purchase anything, it’s fun to simply glimpse through all the quirky stuff up for sale.
2. Hong Kong Observation Wheel – The new Observation Wheel in Hong Kong is located in the Central area and from 60 metres up above, you’ll be able to view the spectacular Victoria Harbour.
The wheel has 42 gondolas that comfortably seat eight passengers and, get this: The Observation Wheel comes equipped with high-speed WiFi. We got on the Observation Wheel at night time and the view was amazing!
3. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort – Love theme parks? Maybe Disneyland would float your boat! Hong Kong is one of the five locations in the world that is home to a Disney theme park and it’s certainly enchanting.
With various attractions, dining options and souvenir shops, it is definitely a world of exciting experiences that await you. One also must not miss the Disney Paint the Night night parade and the fireworks display. Don’t miss out on my next article whereby I will talk about my magical experience at Disneyland!
4. Eat at a Dai Pai Tong – Unlike Malaysia, al fresco stalls are hard to come by in Hong Kong and as of now, there are only less than 30 licensed Dai Pai Tong locations left. Usually located at the back alleys or on side walks, the Dai Pai Tong is definitely a dining spot to explore and to immerse yourself in the typical Hong Kong culture.
5. Visit the Mong Kok Flower Market and Yuen Po Street Bird Garden – The quaint Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is filled with little stores selling colourful birds of all sorts, elaborate cages, bird food and all the supplies involved with raring birds.
There are also aged men strolling around the garden holding onto their caged birds and some of them are seen feeding the birds with insects such as small grasshoppers and crickets.
Adjacent to the Bird Garden is the popular Flower Market which is a jungle of exotic blooms and scents. Dozens of shops and wholesalers here sell auspicious flowers and luck-bringing plants all year long. During the Chinese New Year season, tons of people flock to the market to carefully select flowers and greenery to bring good fortune.
6. The Peak and Trick Eye Museum – The Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong island and tourists usually go up there to catch the magnificent view that stretches across the skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour, all the way to the green hills of New Territories. This panorama turns into a dazzling galaxy of light as the evening arrives. To get up to The Peak, you can take the Peak Tram.
Located at The Peak is the Trick Eye Museum which recently opened its doors in Hong Kong. The 3D gallery plays with the laws of perspective, resulting in visual 3D effects that are pretty cool. Being barrier-free simply means that visitors are allowed to touch the artworks and take photos freely, so it really is an enjoyable attraction not to be missed.
7. Seek good fortune at the Che Kung Temple – Located in Sha Tin, the Che Kung temple was originally built here 300 years ago but the structure here was erected in 1993 to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers during the Che Kung festival, which occurs on the second day of Chinese New Year.
A giant statue can be found at the altar in the main worship hall and every year, thousands of worshippers queue up to offer incense as well as food for the Gods in return for good fortune all year long. We also got the opportunity to have our fortune read by the masters at the temple!
8. Make wishes at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree – In the past, villagers would toss joss paper tied to oranges over the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree to make wishes. The higher the branch it lands on, the more likely the wish would come true.
However, measures have been taken to protect the site from becoming buried in paper. Nowadays, people still make wishes with joss paper, but they are tidily placed on wooden racks or imitation trees. It is still a beautiful sight that is not to be missed.
9. Take a stroll along Victoria Harbour – No trip to Hong Kong is complete without visiting the gorgeous Harbour which separates Hong Kong island and Kowloon. A large number of skyscrapers line its shores on both sides while junks, ferries and cruise ships flood the waters.
At night, the lights illuminate the skyline and the view is breathtaking. We managed to take a stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade at night and thoroughly enjoyed the cool breeze while stopping by every hand print of Hong Kong’s finest stars along the famed Avenue of Stars. The Promenade also acts as the perfect trail for a jog or a run.
10. Explore Causeway Bay and Times Square – Causeway Bay is a major shopping central that is busy every day of the week. Besides luxury brands like Chanel, you will also find plenty of mid-range goods, as well as more affordable bargains along the streets. You’ll find everything you need here! It may be very overwhelming so do take your time.
Situated in Causeway Bay is a large shopping mall, Times Square. With nine stories of retail space, shopaholics will not go wrong visiting this mall. When I was at Hong Kong, I also got to see Times Square’s Chinese New Year decorations and Lion Dance exhibition. We learnt a little about the art of hand-crafting the iconic lion head, as well as the history behind the traditional dance.
Do access Discover Hong Kong before you plan your next travel itinerary to explore the beautiful city! Psst … You can also check out the other articles I’ve written pertaining to my trip:
[REVIEW] Urban Cafe Commune @ MOKO, Hong Kong
[REVIEW] InterContinental Grand Stanford @ Kowloon, Hong Kong
Poon Choi: A Traditional Chinese New Year Dish Fit For All Family Reunions
