I always wonder how these Chinese nations manage to maintain the equilibrium between modernity and tradition? And when talking about this commendable job, I cannot forget talking about Hong Kong, a model of contemporary place with an essence of old values and culture.
Also, known as the Asia’s World City, Hong Kong epitomizes before the world a story of hard struggle and then a glorious future! Yeah, the autonomous territory which was once a part of British Colony got its sovereignty in the year 1997. Since then, Hongkongers have nurtured their land and worked rigorously in its development.
Alright, this was a quick intro of Hong Kong but there’s more that can interest you like its ‘culture’. I know a places’ culture and diversity is something that attracts any traveller at first. So let me give you an insight of what kind of culture Hong Kong has.
Like a rainbow has many colors in it, similarly Hong Kong has a mix population including British, Indian, Cantonese, Chinese, Jews and Shanghainese mainly. And when such a variety of caste and creed is involved the culture of that place is worth taking note of!
Interestingly, to Hong Kongers Kung Fu comes as a part of the entertainment. Ohh, tough people! While Tai Chi is practiced as any other regular exercise, hmm dare to mess with them?
Another popular entertainment form in Hong Kong is Cantonese Opera which is a blend of drama, music, and story of Chinese Legends. WOW, what a lovely way to remember their history and heroes, isn’t?
Eager to see the culture, entertainment and scenic beauty of Hong Kong but are skeptical because can’t compromise with their taste buds? Well, I bet you will never repent tasting the delicacies of this magical land; rather you would fall in love with its cuisine.
Okay, to make your trip happier and easier let me help you to focus on the “must-do-things” there.
Must Eat
The city that worships the God of Cookery has many a demon in the kitchen. Like its culture the city’s cuisine is too a mix bag of various tastes like Cantonese, Sichuanese, Japanese or French. No matter whatever your epicurean desire is, the city which is also sighted as World’s top culinary capital has something for all.
When in Hong Kong don’t you dare miss out these lovely foods from its platter! Do taste the Wontons, Roast Goose, Wind Sand Chicken, Shrimp and Chicken Balls, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings and much more.
Must See
Besides the skyscrapers and Hong Kong nestles a dynamic cultural landscape where one can feel the crux of Chinese roots, colonial connections, the contributions of its home-grown talent and heart throbbing picturesque beauty.
Visit the landmark from the “Age of Steam” Clock Tower. The tower is also a remembrance of Hong Kong’s colonial heritage. To know a place better it’s always good to visit its ‘treasure house’ i.e. museum. Go to the Hong Kong Museum of History and get a glimpse of Hong Kong’s cultural and historical heritages.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is another beautiful spot to visit. Take a romantic walk with your partner or stroll along with your friends along the waterfront and get awestruck looking at one of the world’s most spectacular city skylines.
Must Go
Is your wife a true shopaholic? Then don’t even let her know about the Ladies’ Market, which stretches a kilometer and has variety of clothing, accessories and souvenirs. I repeat, taking your wife there could mean you getting a big pain! Not only the ladies’ market but Temple Street Night Market is equally scary for all those men, who can’t handle the shopping bills of their spouse. This market also has some special attractions like Tarrot readers, opera singers, and fortune tellers. Hmm, means a lot more chances of losing money!
Give your kids a reason to smile by taking them to Disney Land, where magic and adventure is waiting for them. Not only kids but even elders have a lot to do there.
Another adventurous spot for you all could be the Ocean Park. This park is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park. So you and your kids can enjoy an exciting underwater experience there.
The mystical land of Hong Kong has many temples situated there. However, when in the city do add visiting Wong Tai Sin Temple to your to-do-list as it is believed that here wishes come true!
Madame Tussauds is another spot you must go with your family and see all your favorite celebs.
Nature and Hong Kong
Behind the hustle-bustle of the cosmopolitan city, there lies a heavenly site of nature, which makes the place no less than a paradise. If the lights and glamour of the city will make you awestruck, I am sure the peace and greenery of the city will make you fall in love with this place.
The nature reserves such as Tai Mo Shan Country Park, Kam Shan Country Park, Lantau South Country Park, Tai Po Kau Special Area and others will make you forget all the tiredness and will infuse the lively spirit in you.
Hong Kong is not only home for variety of people but also nestles numerous rare species of birds. Hong Kong has around 450 species of birds. Isn’t it a wonderful place for nature lovers?
Sand And Beaches
Lantau Island: Comprising near about 200 more Islands, Hong Kong makes a perfect destination for beach bums. The Lantau Island is the largest Island and travellers there can enjoy the Buddhist architecture, fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s castle, a long sandy beach and multiple shopping outlets.
Also, one can enjoy the cable-car when visiting the beautiful Island.
Lamma Island: Enjoy the traditional Chinese fishing village along with a laid-back multicultural community, at the attractive Lamma Island.
The Island also has many other attractions like Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Tin Hau Temple at Yung Shue Wan, Ling Kok Shan Hiking Trail and others.
Cheung Chau: Along with annual explosion of Bun Festival fun, Cheung Chau’s temples, seafood restaurants, and beaches, the Cheung Chau Island has a lot more for travelers.
These are just few popular Islands of Hong Kong, however, there are much more for you to explore.
I think I have enough elaborated you about the startling places and USPs of Hong Kong and I very well know that a prolonged version of my Hong Kong admiration might make you feel bored, which I certainly don’t want.
So for this week, let’s settle with this piece of blog till I come back with some more interesting things about Hong Kong.
