Hong Kong Travel Guide

Pulsating with energy and addicted to change, this cosmopolitan destination brings east and west together in a fiercely unique and utterly unforgettable way. Hong Kong was under British rule for 156 years before returning to Chinese sovereignty at midnight on 1 July 1997. Over the course of that history, it passed from being a sleepy region of farms and fishing villages to becoming a titan of global commerce.

Today, this bustling, glamorous city bristles with skyscrapers and is a top choice for shopping, nightlife and cuisine, but it remains rich in culture and natural beauty. Meadows dotted with ancient temples, serene forest-covered mountains, breathtaking hiking trails, beautiful beaches, islands, and traditional villages are all part of what make Hong Kong irresistible.

Best time to visit Hong Kong

While Hong Kong is considered a year-round destination, the best time to visit is generally from September to November, when the weather is warm and the rainy season has ended.

What to see in Hong Kong

-Visit the dramatic Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery.

-Spend a day on the beaches in Stanley.

-Watch a horse race in Sha Tin.

-Visit secluded monasteries on Lantau Island.

What to do in Hong Kong

-Take the funicular to the top of Victoria Peak.

-Spend a day at Hong Kong Disneyland.

-Go shopping in the Western Market.

-Stroll the gardens of the Wong Tai Sin Temple.

Getting to Hong Kong

There are plenty of direct flights to Hong Kong from London, and connecting service from other British cities. Direct flights to Hong Kong from the US are long, but are available primarily from the west coast and from major cities such as New York and Chicago.

Read

The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham, White Ghost Girls by Kate Greenway and The Monkey King by Timothy Mo.

Listen

Four Heavenly Kings

Watch

Rush Hour 2 (2001), Chinese Box (1997) and The World of Suzie Wong (1960).

Drink

Hong Kong-style milk tea or Chrysanthemum tea.

Eat

Dim sum, curry fish balls (yu daan), roast goose, wontons and egg tarts.

What to buy

Jade jewellery, cloisonne and lacquerware, silk robes and custom-tailored suits.

What to pack

Pack comfortable closed shoes, as the streets of Hong Kong can often be wet and dirty. White sneakers are the mark of a tourist, so dark shoes are preferable.

What's on in Hong Kong

See enormous towers of iced buns at the spring Cheung Chau Bun Festival, while parades and fireworks are the highlight of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Hong Kong Summer Temptations are every shopper's dream with dozens of events and promotions.

Did you know?

-There are more cell phones than people in Hong Kong.

-Hong Kong has more skyscrapers than any other city in the world, with over 9,000 high-rise buildings.

A final word

Both fascinating and frenetic, Hong Kong's blend of ancient culture and modern amenities make for an unforgettable holiday.