Stopover in Hong Kong |
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The skyline is maybe the most spectacular in the world, it is still rapidly developing, Victoria Peak behind the business towers, the harbour in between and the tall apartment blocks along the shore are all truly remarkable. Hong Kong is more extreme and interesting than Singapore but also more challenging. While city transport is easy and well signed you can’t expect English translations in all shops and restaurants (if you don’t trust Chinese menus you might end up with chicken noodle soup for most of your meals). The climate can also be extreme if you’re unlucky - wet and windy, hot or cold. On the other hand you get an authentic Asian experience while you can enjoy pure 5 star luxury or go the with cheaper options. ![]() Hong Kong: Central
The cheap ferry ride between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island is a must and the view to Central is definitely the more interesting one. It feels like Wall Street among the towers. The Hong Kong Park and Zoo are free to explore or take the 800m long commuting escalators for some change of scenery. The steep Peak Tram leads to two shopping malls with a breath-taking view, but be prepared for a very commercial experience with Mme Tussaud and Burger King (instead try the second mall rooftop which is free of charge). Contrary to this the old Man Mo Temple in Hollywood Road with its smoking incense coils is an atmospheric delight you won’t forget. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Hong Kong: Kowloon
With lots of foreigners, Indian and African immigrants, Kowloon is more colourful than other parts of the city but not necessarily more interesting. The Peninsula Hotel and the Cultural Center are here, the Kowloon City Park draws hundreds of Phillippine maids at weekends while the Harbour City Mall draws the cruise ship passengers. The Chinese Film Walk of Fame on the waterfront is maybe a bit artificial but the amazing view of the Hong Kong skyline is definitely worth it (don’t miss the daily laser light show at 8pm). ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
Hong Kong: Mon Kok
Once next to the old airport, Mon Kok is now a trendy super-populated crazy Chinese quarter north of Kowloon. On a rainy night it’s like something out of Blade Runner, extremely exotic corners next to a billion dollar shopping mall, thousands of neon signs above the crowded streets that turn into pedestrian areas at night. The long, narrow and packed street market parallel to Nathan Road also caters for tourists with souvenirs, fake items and cheap t-shirts. Further up at Argyle Street is the electronic goods centre with dozens of small shops and good prices. There’s also a shoe shop street and a gold fish street where you can buy puffed up creatures and mutated monsters with two tails, or exotic fish babies. Behind a flower street the bird market waits in a little park with old men and a thousand singing birds in tiny cages (these markets are indicated on the maps that hotels distribute for free). ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Hong Kong: Cheung Chau island
As an alternative to the developed market towns of Aberdeen and Stanley you can also take a half hour ferry ride to the little island of Cheung Chau and enjoy a glimpse into the past. The town sits in a scenic location between the water, the main harbour is filled with fishing boats and there’s a swimming beach on the other side. It’s lovely to stroll through the alleys, walk along the green coasts, look at the temples or just relax in one of the many restaurants. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Hong Kong travel tips
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