Kowloon is colourful, all Chinese bustle spilling out into the streets, while across the harbour, Hong Kong Island means mostly business and luxury. There are miles of unspoilt scenery in the New Territories,outlying islands with traditional villages and lots of attractions for kids and people of all ages.
Visitors landing on Lantau island soon discover Hong Kong’s excellent infrastructure, cheap and efficient, from underground and buses to fast ferries or nostalgic trams, making it easy to travel around.
Hong Kong Island, Harbour to Victoria Peak
- Take a breathtaking ride on the steep tram up to Victoria Peak and by clear weather enjoy superb views, from Hong Kong Island and harbour to Kowloon. Wander through the streets and catch a glimpse of the Peak’s exclusive properties then stroll through the Victoria Peak Garden looking out to Lamma Island.
- Sail across the harbour on the legendary Star Ferry or relax on a sunset cruise when all around, the shoreline lights up the night sky with laser beams and glittering illuminations.
- Relax on Statue Square and look up at some of the island’s most striking buildings, such as the Bank of China Tower or the HSBC Headquarters. Spot the last colonial buildings, see the Cenotaph and Chater Garden and browse the air-conditioned shopping malls.
- Ramble along the scenic ridge of the Dragon’s Back meandering along the south east coast, with steep slopes and valleys, beaches and sea views.
Hong Kong Attractions in Lantau
- Take the cable car for a long scenic ride to the Po Lin monastery and the Big Buddha seated at the top of some 300 steps. Explore the temples, order a vegetarian meal and enjoy the views before the mist rolls up from the sea.
- Hop on the local bus to the fishing village of Tai O, with huts on stilts, Chinese hats and bicycles, and fish and shellfish by the bucketful making their way to market. It’s a world away from the city's bustle.
- Spend a day in Disneyland and discover lands of fantasy, adventure, space and Americana, rides, shows and the unmistakable Chinese touch in the Feng Shui lay-out.
Hong Kong, Top Things to Do in Kowloon and Beyond
- Explore Kowloon’s colourful markets, from jade, flowers or birds to lucky goldfish or Chinese medicine. The night market in Temple Street sells all sorts of cheap goods, with quality to match, and there are lots of fortune tellers and food stalls.
- Visit the Tin Hau temple dedicated to the Sea Goddess, the bustling Wong Tai Sin, draped in dragons and clouds of incense, and beyond Kowloon, the deserted hill top temple of 1000 Buddha. On the way back, visit a Hakka walled village.
- Walk along the Tsim Sha Sui waterfront with its Avenue of Stars, complete with celebrity handprints and a bronze statue of Bruce Lee. Enjoy the harbour views from Marine Deck, stroll down the palm avenue, watch the street entertainers and dine al fresco as the last junk sails into the night and dreams of mainland China.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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