Hong Kong is an exciting and lively city that offers a great mix of culture, food, shopping and architecture. Try the local dim sum (dumplings with different fillings) and the hot pot, the Chinese fondue. It is a city that somehow has "everything". Skyscrapers, backyard markets, beaches and above all many islands. One day in the middle of crowds on Hong Kong Island and the other day by bus passing cows on a bumpy road on Lantau Island. Hong Kong is a contrast.
From 1841 to 1997, Hong Kong was a British crown colony before the territory was formally returned to China. To this day, Hong Kong has the status of a special administrative zone with relatively large autonomy. Hong Kong consists of the actual island Hong Kong, the opposite peninsula Kowloon, the New Territories geographically belonging to the mainland and over 200 other islands. If you want to spend a holiday in Hong Kong, you should first think about your priorities: culture, shopping and restaurants, a hotel in Kowloon or on the north side of Hong Kong. Especially impressive is the density of Hong Kong's sights in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island. If you want to enjoy nature and lie on the beach, choose the south side of Hong Kong or Lantau Island.
Whatever you decide to do, these are things you should do during your Hong Kong trip: 1. travel with the Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island and enjoy the unique view from the water to the sights. Hong Kong has one of the most famous skylines in the world! And 2. take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak and enjoy the view over Hong Kong and all Hong Kong sights.
Hong Kong Island
Around Victoria Harbour you will find the highest concentration of skyscrapers in the world. A must in every holiday in Hong Kong is the trip with the Peak Tram up to the 552 meter high Victoria Peak. From here you can enjoy the unique view of the Hong Kong and Kowloon sea of houses. On the south side you experience the other Hong Kong: sandy beaches in Stanley, Repulse Bay and Shek O invite you to relax by the sea. Even surfing is possible here!
The Kowloon Peninsula
From the Waterfront in Kowloon you have the most beautiful view of the Hong Kong skyline. In the evening this is the perfect place to enjoy the Symphony of Lights spectacle, where the skyscrapers are illuminated by an impressive light show. Hong Kong has over 3,500 buildings more than 90 m high and is by far the world leader in this field. On Kowloon you will also find the most important museums of the city like the Museum of History, the Science Museum and the Museum of Art. In several #shopping malls along the Nathan Road you will quickly get rid of your Hong Kong dollars. A stroll through the night market on Temple Street is still an enchanting experience.
Lantau Island
The biggest island of the territory you will experience during a holiday in Hong Kong because the international airport is located here. A day trip to the famous monastery Po Lin and to the 34 meter high Tian Tan Buddha is also worthwhile.
Best travel time and general facts
In summer the monsoon brings a lot of rain and humidity, in winter it can get cold below 10 degrees. So it is best to travel to Hong Kong in spring or autumn.
Size: 2755 km²
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar
Population: 7.5 million
Language: Chinese, English
