Hong Kong at a glance
A legendary destination at the crossroads of the Far East, the island of Hong Kong, literally "the fragrant harbor," is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. Centered among an archipelago of 250 small islands, this "Asian Manhattan" cultivates a distinct identity defined by Feng shui, a thriving film industry, and a deep-seated passion for horse racing. Between its high-density urban landscape and bustling commercial port, Hong Kong draws visitors with its atmosphere, heritage, and shopping. The city also offers plenty of room to recharge, thanks to its local beaches and 21 country parks. Don’t miss the local food scene, especially dim sum, those small bites served in round bamboo steamers.
The climate is humid subtropical with an average temperature of 70°F (21°C).
A high-energy megalopolis
Take the famous funicular that has been running since 1888 to reach Victoria Peak (at an altitude of 1,817 feet or 554 meters). The 360-degree panorama is hard to beat. The two main landmarks to spot are the Two IFC tower on the Hong Kong side and the ICC tower over on Kowloon.
Afterward, visit the impressive walk-in aviary at the Edward Youde Aviary in Hong Kong Park. It houses 3,000 birds, including many colorful species. Walking through while listening to the birds is a surprisingly quiet experience.
If you have the time, head south to visit Aberdeen and its tanka boat people. You can take a 20-minute tour of the harbor in a traditional sampan.
Hop on a Star Ferry to cross over to Kowloon. This mini-cruise between the islands happens 450 times a day and is a must-do. Start at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Nearby, film fans will find the Avenue of Stars, a local take on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Stroll down Shanghai Street (near MTR Jordan), where street barbers, traditional herbal medicine shops, and old-school storefronts offer a dense slice of Chinese culture.
When night falls, head to the Temple Street Night Market, a hub for kitsch finds, Cantonese opera singing, and fortune tellers. Alternatively, hit the Lan Kwai Fong district for its countless bars and lively restaurants. If you are in town on a Wednesday, the Happy Valley Racecourse opens its gates from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to thousands of locals. People go to place bets or just soak up the electric atmosphere.
If you want to see the city from above, the 46th floor of Central Plaza in Wan Chai offers a great view of the bay and Victoria Peak. The Sky100 observation deck is another good option.
Nature and spirituality
Twice as large as Hong Kong Island, Lantau features stunning natural landscapes, including white sand beaches and quiet hiking trails. It is accessible in 40 minutes by ferry from the Central pier. While there, do not miss the Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery.
If you are traveling with kids, Disneyland, which features plenty of Toy Story-themed attractions, is located in the northeast of the island. Ocean Park is a solid alternative.
Lamma Island, a 30-minute ferry ride from Central, is a mountainous island where you can enjoy a peaceful, car-free environment.
To relax, head to the beaches at Repulse Bay or Deep Water Bay. Further south, Stanley is a favorite spot for locals looking for a quiet, laid-back atmosphere.
When to go
The best times to visit are early spring between March and April, and late autumn from October through November.
Getting there
Air China flies to Hong Kong with a layover in Beijing. Other airlines offering service with connections include Air France, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Getting around
The MTR (subway), bus, and ferry networks serve the city perfectly. A practical tip: pick up an Octopus prepaid card to use on all public transport.
Hong Kong is a city unlike any other in China. Having remained under British authority for a long time before being reintegrated into the Chinese republic recently (in 1997!), this port megalopolis opened up to the world long before the rest of the country.
And you can really feel it. The urban planning, the cultural life, the professional scene, everything is more open, more welcoming, and very different from a city like Beijing, for example. In short, it is the city to see in China. It is just too bad that accommodations are so expensive.