Hong Kong alternatively known by its initials H.K., is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China, the other being Macau. It is situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea it is known for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. With a land mass of 1,104 km2 (426 sq mi) and a population of seven million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Hong Kong's population is 93.6% ethnic Chinese and 6.4% from other groups. Hong Kong's Cantonese-speaking majority originate mainly from the neighbouring Canton (now Guangdong) province, from which many of them fled to escape wars and Communist rule in China from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Attracations in Hong Kong:
The Avenue of Stars
Thanks to the efforts of Hong Kong’s movie industry over the past century, many in Asia and farther afield are familiar with the city’s sights before they’ve even set foot here. The Avenue of Stars pays tribute to the names that helped make Hong Kong the ‘Hollywood of the East’, while giving visitors a panoramic view of the city’s most iconic sight: its glorious skyline, dramatically set against The Peak.
With commemorative plaques, celebrity handprints, descriptive milestones, movie memorabilia, a life-size statue of kung fu action hero Bruce Lee and a bronze rendering of popular cartoon character McDull, the Avenue of Stars fittingly sets the glamour of Hong Kong’s film industry against the captivating dazzle of Victoria Harbour.
The Peak
If there is only one thing you can do in Hong Kong, go to The Peak. If you have many things to do here, still go to The Peak. The highest point on Hong Kong Island, this has been the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood since colonial times – back then it was the cooler air that attracted the rich and famous; in the post air-conditioning era, the views of one of the world’s most spectacular cityscapes keep them coming.
That view is also what makes The Peak one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. By day your eyes stretch across sparkling skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour all the way to the green hills of the New Territories. In early evening this panorama melts into pink and orange before reincarnating as a dazzling galaxy of light, shimmering beneath you. And if you listen carefully enough, you can hear Asia’s world city humming below.
Vantage Points
The anvil-shaped The Peak Tower has a large viewing platform called Sky Terrace 428, in addition to dining and retail outlets. Nearby, The Peak Galleria has a free-entry observation deck, as well as shopping and dining options. More eye gulps of the views can be had at Lugard Road Lookout, Lions View Point Pavilion. For leisurely unfolding vistas, take the 3.5-kilometre Peak Circle Walk.
The Peak Tram
Riding the Peak Tram is a visual experience in its own right -- Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers slide past your window at what appear to be impossible angles as you make the ascent to The Peak on the city’s historic, funicular railway.
Located at Lower Terminus, The Peak Tram Historical Gallery is a way of paying tribute to The Peak Tram, its heritage and the history of Hong Kong. Since 1888, The Peak Tram has served Hong Kong, quietly witnessing 120 years of the city's changes. The Gallery brings back many memories for local visitors and gives overseas visitors a glimpse of how the Pearl of the Orient has come to shine.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Opened in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a marine-life theme park featuring animal exhibits, thrill rides and shows. In 2012, its impressive ability to offer guests a world-class experience that blends entertainment with education and conservation was confirmed when it became the first Asian winner of the biannual Applause Award, the most prestigious award in the amusement and theme park industry.
The park is located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, covering more than 870,000 square metres. The Waterfront and The Summit areas are connected by the Cable Car and Ocean Express funicular train.
Polar Adventure – Explore the North and South poles in one day
Ocean Park’s newest attraction, Polar adventure lets you explore the North and South poles from the exhilaration of a bob sled ride, to the wonder of meeting king penguins up close. You’ll also see long-tusked Pacific walruses, spotted seals, arctic foxes, snowy owls and other extraordinary animals. And when you need a break, Tuxedos Restaurant serves refreshments with a view of more than 70 penguins frolicking on the ice.
Old Hong Kong - Relive fond memories of times gone by!
Old Hong Kong, brings the unique culture of Hong Kong in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s back to life. Savour the sights and sounds of yesteryear aboard the Heritage Tram! Be mesmerised by the colour and buzz of life in accurate recreations of old streets and scenes. Take a trip into nostalgia and take home some antique souvenirs to keep the memories alive!
Thrill Mountain
In this zone, guests can dangle off a cliff on the floorless roller coaster, Hair Raiser, or hang upside down while swinging on The Flash. Soar with The Aviator to feel the sensation of flight, before knocking around on bumper cars. Don’t leave without a ride on Rev Rooster, a high speed and energetic classic.
Rainforest
Hop aboard a raft and become immersed in the exotic sounds of a tropical rainforest. On this journey, you’ll encounter some of the most fascinating animals in the world! Catch the antics of the world’s smallest monkey, the Pygmy Marmoset; or see weirdly wonderful critters, including the Capybara, the world’s largest rodent, and Kinkajou; as well as the Green Aracari, the world’s smallest toucan.
Aqua City
Aqua City is a world-class marine themed area that will redefine your underwater experience. Here you can watch Symbio, a multi-sensory show featuring the world’s first 360-degree water screen. You can also embark on a journey of exploration into the Grand Aquarium featuring 5000 fish from over 400 species and other aquatic wonders. View them from the world’s largest aquarium dome, which has a diameter of 5.5 metres, or through an 8x13 metres giant viewing panel. Make sure you drop by Neptune’s Restaurant for Hong Kong’s first aquarium dining experience!
Hong Kong Disney
Hong Kong Disneyland – Mystic Point
You can never be sure what mysteries will be unlocked during your visit to Mystic Point Hong Kong Disneyland’s latest and exclusive attraction. This summer, Lord Henry Mystic, an eccentric explorer has graciously opened his home to everyone. Here, visitors can ride in his latest invention, the ‘Mystic Magneto-Electric Carriage’, to view his acquisitions from around the world. At Mystic Point, you can’t always trust your senses. Discover for yourself what is real and what is not!
Grizzly Gulch
Grizzly Gulch takes guests on an entirely new and original experience which has been developed exclusively for Hong Kong Disneyland. Board the Big Grizzly Mountain “Runaway Mine Cars” and embark on an out-of-control runaway journey throughout a spectacular and amazing wilderness landscape. Join in the soakingly good merriment in Geyser Gulch, and complete your exploration with the fascinating Grizzly Gulch Welcome Wagon Show and endless Wild West photo fun. Watch out for the mischievous grizzly bears and tricky water hazards!
Toy Story Land
Exclusive to Asia, Toy Story Land treats guests of all ages to an unforgettable experience. Join the toys from your favourite Toy Story films for playtime in Andy’s backyard where everyone can explore this oversized world with its three larger-than-life attractions. Andy’s speediest toy car RC Racer * is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you race along a 27-meter-high U-shaped coaster. Join the high flying adventure with the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, and howl with laughter on the rollicking Slinky Dog Spin *.
* ©Disney/Pixar ©Hasbro, Inc. ©Mattel, Inc. ©Poof-Slinky, Inc.©Mattel, Inc
Non-stop Fun from Day to Night
There are a lot more magical memories awaiting families in Hong Kong Disneyland, where you will embark on a magical journey through four themed lands: Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. Must-see attractions include Flights of Fantasy Parade, which will take you up, up and away on a sky-high celebration with your favourite Disney characters singing and dancing along Main Street USA; Mickey’s PhilharMagic in which Donald Duck relives the most memorable moments of Disney’s animated films in 3D; The Golden Mickeys, a Broadway-style musical show featuring Mickey and his friends; and also Fantasy Gardens where Mickey, Minnie and Goofy make surprise appearances to meet and greet with guests – so don’t forget your camera and autograph book.
Want thrills and laughs in space? Hop on an exhilarating ride like Space Mountain, or help Buzz Lightyear fight against aliens in Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. and ride in a boat at it’s a small world for a journey across the colourful globe where you’ll encounter more than 100 brightly costumed and animated dolls.
Take the Disneyland Railroad for a relaxing journey around the park, or learn the secret of how to draw Mickey Mouse and his friends in the Animation Academy. Also make sure you stick around to catch the Disney in the Stars Fireworks at night.
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
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Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
With its vast curtain of glass and 40,000 square-metre aluminium roof sculpted to echo a seabird soaring in flight, the striking Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is a major landmark on the Hong Kong Island skyline. Known worldwide as HKCEC, this harbour-front expansion used top-down construction techniques to meet a challenge of limited land supply; its highly innovative methods winning many industry accolades.
While Jackie Chan fans may remember the building as the setting for the dramatic grand finale of New Police Story, it was also the backdrop for a drama of far more significance – the Handover Ceremony on 30 June 1997. This is when the former British Crown Colony was returned to the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established.
Internationally, the HKCEC is known as a world-class convention and exhibition centre and was voted Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in Asia for the ninth time by industry awards in 2012.
Golden Bauhinia Square
The bauhinia is the emblem of Hong Kong. The Forever Blooming Bauhinia Sculpture that gives the Expo Promenade the commonly-used name, Golden Bauhinia Square, was a gift from the Central Government to mark the 1997 Handover -- an occasion that held tremendous significance for the world’s largest nation and that stands out as a landmark event in 20th century history.
Today the site is hugely popular with Chinese visitors who come to take photos of the Reunification Monument, which bears inscriptions of the calligraphy of President Jiang Zemin who represented China at the Handover Ceremony and to enjoy the pomp and symbolism of the daily Flag-raising Ceremony with beautiful Victoria Harbour as a backdrop.
Clock Tower
Standing 44-metres tall, the old Clock Tower was erected in 1915 as part of the Kowloon–Canton Railway terminus. The once-bustling station is long gone, but this red brick and granite tower, now preserved as a Declared Monument, survives as an elegant reminder of the Age of Steam. It has also been a memorable landmark for the millions of Chinese immigrants who passed through the terminus to begin new lives not just in Hong Kong, but in other parts of the world via the city’s harbour.
Top 10 dishes to try in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is justifiably famous for its restaurants and its cuisine, but it's the variety of food that is mind-boggling. Here are 10 specialities not to miss, from snake soup to whole roast suckling
Kimberley Chinese Restaurant ... where stuffed roasted suckling pig is the main attraction.
Stuffed roasted suckling pig at Kimberley Chinese Restaurant
Bring a sizable party and some bigger trousers before coming to Kimberley Chinese Restaurant, which specialises in upscale Cantonese cuisine including dim sum, abalone delicacies and the like. However, its main attraction is the roasted suckling pig, a behemoth of a dish. It differs from the traditional dish in that it is stuffed with delicious sticky glutinous rice and roasted whole over an open flame. So the skin arrives roasted to crispy perfection and the inside is filled with fragrant and flavourful mushy rice.
Beef brisket from Sister Wah
Although Central's Kau Kee restaurant is synonymous with beef brisket in Hong Kong, the city's foodies know that Sister Wah is the place to go for a refreshing bowl of beef brisket noodles. The stock's key ingredient is large chunks of daikon (similar to a large radish), making it lighter and sweeter than in many other beef brisket places. Sister Wah started in 2003 during the SARS downturn, but now the minuscule shop is always packed with loyal diners. Many are alumni from the nearby Queen's College, who make frequent visits even after they've moved away. There's a lovely familial vibe here thanks to the owner, Chan Yee Wah, who is more adoringly referred to as "Wah Jeh".
Snake soup from Ser Wong Fun
Snake soup is considered a delicacy in the city, as traditionalists believe it wards off colds and other maladies. One of the best places to try it is Ser Wong Fun, which has a 115-year history of serving snake soups. The snake meat is shredded into thin white strips and served in a broth of mushrooms, seafood and lemon leaves. The place is a little shabby and always very packed but the experience is quintessentially Hong Kong.
Egg tart from the Hoover Cake Shop
This beloved Hong Kong staple is most commonly found with two different styles of crust: a crumbly shortcrust, or flaky puff pastry. But the Hoover Cake Shop continues to draw crowds because it makes its tarts with duck eggs, intensifying the custard's silky flavour and its rich yellow hue. The shop is modest and cosy, and its only ingredient for a winning atmosphere is the deliciously buttery scent of baked goods wafting out.
Hot pot at Megan's Kitchen
Hot pot is a beloved Hong Kong tradition during the cold winter months – think hot fondue where you dip raw meats and fish balls into boiling vats of broth, rather than Lancashire stew. There are plenty of spots around town to enjoy it, but it's truly a one-of-a-kind hot pot experience at Megan's Kitchen. Megan offers a selection of up to three soup bases, and diners can choose from a variety of inventive and colourful broths – from rich crab-and-tomato topped with frothy egg white soufflé to sizzling Sichuan super-hot chilli escargot to the English oxtail, the options are nearly endless. Special ingredients to dump into the soups include Japanese beef with black truffle dumplings, rainbow cuttlefish balls, beef balls stuffed with cheese and much, much more.
Egg waffles from Lee Keung Kee
This egg waffle hotspot facing the bustling King's Road in North Point is not hard to miss as it's completely covered in press clippings of local celebrities that the shop has accumulated over the years. The name of this joint actually means "super hot gang" in Cantonese, but over the years it has become more commonly known as North Point Egg Waffles, or even "that place in North Point". The waffles here are a bit thicker in texture but retain the excellent fluffy consistency that makes egg waffles so beloved in this city. There are now at least eight branches of Lee Keung Kee egg waffles in Hong Kong, but the original is still the one generating all the buzz.
Eel claypot rice from Choi's Kitchen
Though this restaurant is fairly new on the Hong Kong dining scene, the owner, Mr Choi, had made a name for himself with claypot ventures in other parts of the city. Located in the booming foodie district of Tai Hang, Choi's Kitchen is a tidy little spot where you're commanded to place your order as soon as you've take a seat, for claypots take about 20 minutes to make on average. Don't miss the eel claypot rice. The eel, subtly sweet, contrasts nicely with the slick bok choi and the crispy rice. Choi's already has quite a reputation in Tai Hang, so be prepared for a bit of waiting during dinner hours.
Pork neck instant noodles with cheese sauce at Sun Kee
This neighbourhood cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) is so famous for its fried pork neck instant noodle topped with a giant dollop of cheese sauce, that once you step into either the Wan Chai or TST branch and utter something that even sounds remotely like "cheese" or "ramen", the servers will know what you're trying to order. The bowl of instant noodles arrives quickly, topped with thick slices of fried pork neck and oozing with a creamy cheese sauce. Both of Sun Kee's locations are frequented by Hong Kong celebrities, as evidenced by the numerous pictures plastered on the windows.
Black truffle scrambled eggs at Capital Café
In the 1950s, bing sutts (literally "iced rooms") started popping up all over Hong Kong to give the working class a chance to taste western food on the cheap. They have decreased in popularity over the years, but Capital Café, part of a new generation of retro bing sutts, has been a huge success. Decked all out in retro black and white, it serves Hong Kong's specialised version of western-styled all-day breakfasts – like brick toasts and macaroni char siu soup, but the star of its menu has to be the black truffle scrambled eggs. The super-soft truffled eggs arrive atop triangular pieces of toast and, when consumed warm, ooze a sort of creaminess that only the best scrambled eggs can bring.
Milk tea at Lan Fong Yuen
Often described as the "founder of milk tea," Lan Fong Yuen currently has two locations in the city. The original shop is still holding at Gage Street, where customers are frequently found sipping on their iced milk teas amid boxes and stock. Starting in the 1950s, founder Lum Muk Ho concocted milk tea by adapting the techniques used for Hainanese coffee. The tea goes through a nude-coloured sackcloth strainer into a copper teapot before being served either hot or cold. Here, the natural aromas of the tea are still very strong and can be enjoyed either with or without sugar. Lan Fong Yuen has also recently opened a larger branch in Tsim Sha Tsui.
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