Renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour, Hong Kong has a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area.
Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a metropolitan area and special administrative region of China in the eastern Pearl River Delta by the South China Sea.
The diverse contrasts and close proximity of stunning city scapes and mountains, heritage sites and extensive green countryside attracts tourists from afar. Best time to travel there would be November to March, although it could be rather chilly then.
The city is well connected with various modes of transport to choose from and all are worth traveling in just for the experience. There is the city taxi, the tram that goes along the road (covers a few areas only), boats to get to the other islands, public buses and the MTR metro trains - the most popular transport option which connects most of the city together simply enhances the ease of commuting. Therefore its a smart thing to purchase the Hong Kong Octopus Card with a $50-55 deposit to cover for a day's travel. The card value can be topped up at any of the metro stations. People of Hong Kong are always willing to help any tourist out, so one is unlikely to feel lost.
Some of the highlights to cover on day one would be the 'Victoria Peak' which offers spectacular views over the city, harbor and mountains beyond as you take a ride in the Peak Tram up the steep slope of the hill. The Man-Mo temple on Hollywood street where one could buy green-stoned jewelry, good-luck charms or just souvenirs. Then after, take a bus to Ocean Park, where you'll see acrobatic performances by young children, fun performances by dolphins amongst other games to keep the children entertained. There is also the vertical lift-up in which you get a good 360 view of the entire area from a pretty good height.
Head to Stanley market by bus for some shopping while the sun is still up and then unwind by the restaurants by the coast for dinner and beer. When in town, make your way to the The 'Symphony of Lights' show featuring harbor-front buildings at the Victoria Harbor, Tsim-Sha-Tsui, Kowloon. This is worth the watch as many buildings get their lights to go on-off in sync with the music that's played at audible level. During the December time, the place is decorated with plenty of lights and decorative motives along the walls and side walks making it lively and cheerful.
Lantau Island features the world’s tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha, along with the Po Lin Monastery, Tai O village on stilts and Ngong Ping 360. This would be roughly a day's trip and getting there would be via the train. Then onto a cable car to get to Ngong Ping 360 where the Buddha is located. A little extra money will give you the cable car with a transparent floor to get a view below. For those who are healthy and fit can choose to trek the terrain to get to the Buddha. The place is a small neat village by itself and you get the view of the Buddha so sooner than you land there. The statue is at a height and will need to climb stairs that's over 100 steps. The place is beautiful, quiet, serene. Definitely worth the visit. Family with little kids can do make a trip stop at the Disneyland too.
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