15 Unimaginable Issues to do in Hong Kong (Native Suggestions!)
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Hong Kong is a type of cities that all the time surprises you. It’s a sprawling, city metropolis nestled between mountains and white sand seashores.
Its capacity to embrace new applied sciences, while preserving true to its heritage and traditions is wonderful.
Whereas many individuals go to Hong Kong on a cease over between the West and Australia, it’s value sticking round for just a few days (and even longer!).
There are such a lot of issues to do in Hong Kong, you may even be shocked by what you discover…
The High Issues to Do in Hong Kong
1. Take the Cable Automotive to the Large Buddha
Maybe one of the vital common issues to do in Hong Kong is to experience the Ngong Ping 360 cable automotive as much as the Tian Tan Buddha, extra famously generally known as The Large Buddha.
Whereas Ngong Ping isn’t something fascinating, the Buddha is taken into account Hong Kong’s most iconic landmark.
Sitting fairly on the prime of 236 steps, the location the place this 32-meter bronze statue of the Buddha rests provides probably the greatest views of Hong Kong. You’ll be able to see throughout Lantau Island and in the direction of the South China Sea.
Make sure to try the close by Po Lin Monastery and its corridor of 10,000 golden buddha statues.
It’s free to go to the Buddha statue and monastery, however you do have to pay for the cable automotive. For those who’re not frightened of heights, take into account getting the crystal automotive which has a glass flooring, permitting you to see the ocean and jungle beneath. E book your cable automotive ticket prematurely (together with the Crystal Automotive improve possibility)
- Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm (buses function later, however the monastery and Large Buddha shut at 5.30pm)
- Tackle: to take the cable automotive, head to Ngong Ping Cable Automotive Tung Chung Station, Lantau Island
- For cable automotive lovers: You might get pleasure from this digital behind the scenes tour for a behind the scenes have a look at the round the clock work that ensures the cable automotive stays protected and dependable.
2. Take a look at the Tai O Fishing Village
Tai O is a singular fishing village on the South West facet of Lantau Island. It’s most well-known for its picket homes constructed on stilts, in addition to being a spot to get boat excursions out to see the indingious pink dolphin.
The streets of Tai O are lined with outlets, eating places and market stalls promoting dried seafood and handicrafts. A preferred memento to take again from Tai O is shrimp paste, or fish maw cleaning soap (it’s apparently superb to your pores and skin).
High tip: You may get a bus to Tai O from Ngong Ping, so we advocate visiting right here after seeing the Large Buddha.
- Hours: 24 hours
- Tackle: Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Full Day Lantau Island Small Group Tour in Hong Kong
Go to a few of Lantau Island’s most well-known and intriguing spots: Cable automotive to Large Buddha, village of Tai O, lunch at a UNESCO website, and a ship experience by stilt homes constructed proper on the water. Click on to be taught extra and reserve your tour
3. Go on a hike!
Hong Kong might be not the primary place you consider as a mountaineering vacation spot, but it surely really has lots of and lots of of mountaineering trails.
Probably the most well-known hike in Hong Kong is the Lion Rock hike, which provides views over Kowloon, Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island. It’s a average hike with some troublesome elements, however is in no way the toughest hike in Hong Kong.
One other common hike is the Dragon’s Again path. That is positioned on Hong Kong island and is taken into account the best hike. Its gradual incline and ending spot at Large Wave Bay means it’s a terrific hike to do for households.
If you need a difficult hike, take into account mountaineering Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak, or hike to Sharp Peak in Sai Kung.
You will discover a lot of details about hikes in Hong Kong, together with beginning factors and time frames by shopping by means of AllTrails. Listed below are 5 mountaineering concepts in Hong Kong.
For those who’re not comfy mountaineering by yourself, you may like to affix one of many following mountaineering excursions.
4. Go to the Wong Tai Sin Temple
The Wong Tai Sin Temple is a well-liked attraction in Hong Kong and in addition a working Buddhist temple and shrine.
It’s devoted to Wong Tai Sin, or the Nice Immortal Wong, god of Immortality.The locals imagine that “What you request is what you get” when praying on the Wong Tai Sin temple, and also you’ll probably all the time see locals praying with incense.
The temple additionally has a shocking backyard with koi fish ponds and bridges. Make sure to examine this out whenever you go to.
Do not forget that this isn’t only a vacationer attraction however a spot of worship for the locals, so costume respectfully, don’t {photograph} individuals praying and ensure your youngsters don’t run round inflicting a ruckus.
- Hours: 7.30am – 4.30pm day by day
- Tackle: Chuk Un, Hong Kong
5. See the Gardens of the Chi Lin Nunnery
Simply down the highway from the Wong Tai Sin Temple is the Chi Lin Nunnery, a big Buddhist temple and backyard in Diamond Hill.
It was inbuilt 1934 as a retreat for Buddhist nuns, after which rebuilt in 1998 to resemble conventional Tang Dynasty structure.
In the present day it’s a preferred place to go to and see conventional Chinese language manicured gardens. The backyard is surrounded by bonsai, ponds and a waterfall. Within the middle of the pond is a golden shrine.
As you stroll across the backyard, you are feeling disconnected from the hustle and bustle of town, and but can nonetheless see the towering mountains to the North, and skyscrapers to the south.
Positively don’t miss this free factor to do in Hong Kong.
- Hours: 9.00am – 4.30pm day by day
- Tackle: 5 Chi Lin Dr, Sheung Yuen Leng, Hong Kong
6. Stroll Previous 10,000 Buddha Statues
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is precisely what it says on the tin. It’s a monastery positioned on the prime of a hill, however to get there you will need to cross by 10,000 golden buddha statues. See laughing buddhas, smiling buddhas, indignant buddhas and extra.
The monastery is a bit deceptive, because it’s probably not a monastery as no monks stay right here, however it’s a buddhist shrine and sophisticated with unimaginable views of Sha Tin.
The principle attraction of this monastery although is unquestionably the walkway lined with buddhas.
- Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm day by day
- Tackle: 220 Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin
7. Watch the Symphony of Lights from Tsim Sha Tsui
One of the common issues to do in Hong Kong at evening is to look at the symphony of lights, a lightweight and music present that takes place day-after-day at 8pm.
The sunshine present lasts for about 10-Quarter-hour and is greatest seen from the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, overlooking the buildings on Hong Kong Island.
Because the music begins, the skyline is lit up with neon lights and lasers that dance to the sound of the music.
After watching the present, make certain to wander alongside to Avenue of the Stars to see statues of Hong Kong’s most well-known individuals, together with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.
You can too see the Symphony of Lights from aboard this enjoyable cruise.
- Hours: 8.00pm day by day
- Tackle: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
8. Take within the views from Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is positioned on Hong Kong Island and is the most effective place to go for views, particularly at sundown.
The views are the primary purpose to go to Victoria Peak, as other than that, you’ll discover a shopping center with Madame Tussauds and a pair different gimmicky museums.
One factor that’s definitely not a gimmick although, is the Peak Tram. That is one of the best ways to stand up and down from the Peak.
It’s a funicular railway that was inbuilt 1888 and connects Central to Victoria Peak. It was the primary funicular in Asia and covers a distance of 1.4km. Save time ready on traces and guide your ticket prematurely.
Recognized regionally as Mount Austin or Tai Ping Shan, Victoria Peak welcomes hundreds of thousands of holiday makers per yr.
- Hours: trams function from 7.00am – midnight
- Tackle: Central, Hong Kong
9. Eat some Dim Sum
Hong Kong is a foodie’s haven. You will discover scrumptious meals from any delicacies in Hong Kong, and it’s moderately inexpensive too.
For the locals, they love dim sum. A type of eating the place small dishes are shared round a desk. You’ll be able to have something from steamed buns to sui mai (a meaty dumpling) and soup dumplings.
Every dish is fairly low-cost, so watch out to not order an excessive amount of as it will probably rack up the invoice.
An ideal place to strive dim sum as a vacationer is Man Mo Dim Sum in Central. The workers right here converse English and can assist you order.
There are dim sum eating places all around the metropolis, however they’re usually fairly native and more often than not the menu isn’t in English. That is definitely one of the vital genuine issues to do in Hong Kong.
- Hours: 11.00am – midnight
- Tackle: Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tour Concept: Natural Xiao Lengthy Bao (Soup Dumpling) Class+ Market stroll
Be a part of a personal cooking class and market go to that teaches you the traditional artwork of creating Xiao Lengthy Bao—steamed dumpling sometimes full of pork. E book your class right here.
10. Journey the Ding Ding
The ding ding is what the locals name its iconic tram that rides from one facet of Hong Kong Island to the opposite (named after the dinging sound it makes). The tram is the most affordable, and slowest, type of transport in Hong Kong.
We don’t advocate it for those who’re in a rush making an attempt to get from A to B, however when you have time to kill and your legs are drained from exploring, it’s a enjoyable attraction in Hong Kong.
The ding ding passes by means of Hong Kong’s most spectacular skyscrapers and trendy buildings. It’s been working since 1901, when Hong Kong was a lot smaller in dimension (and shorter).
It’s a little bit piece of historical past and custom that rides by means of the trendy and rising.
The ding ding operates all throughout Hong Kong Island and begins from 6am and runs till midnight.
11. Take the Youngsters to Ocean Park
For those who ask any youngster in Hong Kong which is their favourite theme park, I’d wager $10 Hong Kong {Dollars} they’ll say Ocean Park over Disneyland.
Ocean Park is a component theme park and half aquarium and zoo. On the backside of the park, you’ll discover the zoo animals. Right here is the place you will note the uncommon Large Panda, the park’s most well-known company, in addition to an aquarium housing a whale shark.
Take the prepare or cable automotive to the highest of the mountain and also you’ll be met with curler coasters and theme park rides. There’s additionally a stadium the place you possibly can watch a dolphin present.
For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Hong Kong with youngsters, they’ll love you for those who take them right here.
- Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm day by day
- Tackle: Ocean Park, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
12. Spend a day on the seaside
What many individuals don’t find out about Hong Kong is that it has some completely gorgeous seashores. Probably the most stunning (for my part) are positioned within the Sai Kung Nation Park.
It’s a little bit of a distance out of town middle and requires mountaineering to get to them, however it is going to 100% be definitely worth the effort whenever you see the unspoiled nature of Tai Lengthy Wan or Lengthy Ke Wan Seashore.
For those who don’t have lengthy to spend, you possibly can go to one of many seashores on Hong Kong Island that are additionally very nice seashores, they’re just a bit busier due to their proximity.
Most individuals head to Repulse Bay, Large Wave Bay or Shek O Seashore for a fast time out on the seaside.
You might like this customizable journey exploring the Sai Kung Wild Seashores
13. Go to one of many outlying islands
Hong Kong is definitely an archipelago of islands. Most individuals consider Hong Kong as simply Hong Kong Island, but it surely’s really made up of a number of islands linked by bridges and ferries.
You probably have extra time in Hong Kong, I extremely advocate you catch a ferry over to among the outlying islands to do a little bit of mountaineering and exploring the agricultural villages.
Lamma Island is a well-liked seaside for mountaineering and visiting the seashores. The city has turn out to be a little bit of an expat haven on Lamma Island, so if you need someplace extra genuine, then Cheung Chau is one other nice shout.
Cheung Chau additionally has seashores, however due to its location on the South China Sea it’s not all the time clear. Nevertheless, what I really like about Cheung Chau is its solely a few streets full of homes that locals nonetheless stay in.
This island is a well-liked place to go to through the Cheung Chau Bun Pageant. It’s by far one of the vital distinctive occasions in Hong Kong (other than the Dragon Boat Pageant), the place you possibly can see individuals climbing up towers of steamed buns.
The competition is held on the eighth day of the 4th Full Moon and celebrates the Buddha’s birthday.
14. Store for Souvenirs in Women Market
Women Market is an attraction in Hong Kong that should not be missed. There are two sides of Hong Kong; the brand new, glamorous facet of Hong Kong that you just see on Hong Kong Island, after which the native, genuine Hong Kong the place everybody lives on prime of one another in Kowloon.
That is what you see round Women Market. Set within the bustling neighborhood of Mong Kok, this market sells every part from souvenirs to knock-off designer purses to cellphone circumstances.
It’s additionally a terrific place to seek out some avenue meals, however actually it’s value trying out to see how the locals stay. Make certain to lookup as you stroll by means of the market to see the small flats amongst flashing neon lights.
- Hours: 4.00pm – midnight
- Tackle: Tung Choi St, Mong Kok
You might like the next procuring and meals excursions
15. Get Your Fortune Instructed at Temple Avenue Evening Market
For those who’re eager to strive some avenue meals in Hong Kong, then Temple Avenue Evening Market has some glorious native eating places the place you possibly can strive fish balls and dumplings and sit out on the road.
It’s just like Women Market in that it has market stalls promoting bric-a-brac and souvenirs, but it surely’s additionally the place you can find stall after stall of fortune tellers.
You may get your face or arms learn, have your tarot playing cards learn, or just get advised your fortune primarily based in your date of start.
The fortune tellers normally occupy the road close to the Tin Hau temple on the prime of Temple Avenue Market. For those who’re uncertain the place to go, hear for the sounds of previous individuals singing karaoke.
- Hours: 2.00pm – 11.00pm (it’s greatest to return after 7.00pm as not all stalls are open early within the day)
- Tackle: Temple Avenue, Jordan, Hong Kong
Earlier than You Go
So there you will have it, these are the most effective issues to do in Hong Kong, and as you possibly can see, there’s so much to discover right here.
Earlier than you go, make sure to set up your esim card. We get ours by means of Airloa.
Even simpler is shopping for an eSim card. You may get one for Hong Kong from Airola right here. All you do is set up the app, select your vacation spot and package deal, set up the eSim after which activate it.
It’s solely $5 for 1 GB knowledge for 7 days, or $9 for 3 GB knowledge for 30 days.
When touring in China, additionally, you will need a VPN, so you possibly can entry many websites sometimes blocked by China. Seize your VPN for China right here
Hong Kong Lodging
Now we have hand picked a collection of the most effective Hong Kong lodging choices for 3, 4,and 5-star lodges, plus flats and hostels. Click on right here for our Hong Kong lodging record.
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