Travel to Hong Kong

The fame of Victoria Bay of Hong Kong is threefold – as China's largest harbour, for being the third largest in the world and one of its busiest sea ports. Appearing between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, the harbour is a teeming and unceasing hive of activity, its cargo ships, cruise liners and fishing vessels going to and fro regardless of night and day.

The views of Victoria Bay are among some of the most beautiful boasted by Hong Kong, with the natural beauty of the sea and the visually stunning architecture. The city's most modern and highest skyscrapers cluster around the skyline of the Bay; four of the world's tallest buildings all appear within sight of the harbour. Unlike most busy ports of the world, Victoria Bay is largely free of pollution and is designed in lines of the aesthetic pleasure so beloved of Hong Kong architects. The myriad of amusement parks, public zoos, museums and leisure parks cluster around the area, inviting the attention of sight-seers drinking in the fresh sea breeze and azure-hued scenery.

The secession of the harbour to the British Empire by the Treaty of Nanking was a great windfall for the British colonists, as this sea port was an ideal nexus between the major shipping lines that run from Singapore to Japan and therefore one of southern China's most strategically important harbours. They rechristened it in 1861 after the then-ruling Queen Victoria, the oldest and longest-reigning monarch of British history whose rule saw a golden age of industry and prosperity for her country.

The sprawling harbour is divided into two main parts. The section falling between Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui is the one seen by most visitors, but the Kwai Tsing Container Port to the northwest is actually the most impressive in terms of activity. The latter is the passage through which most of Hong Kong's enormous export wealth is funnelled.

Being the natural hub of the city to which all urban celebrations tend to gravitate, the harbour plays host to some of the most spectacular public events and festivities in the city. The annual fireworks show in honour of the Chinese New Year is among the most iconic of these,

prompting thousands of tourists to gather in wonder upon the promenades below.However, the Symphony of Lights is by far the most breathtaking spectacle to light up the Bay. Since 2004, over 40 of Hong Kong's skyscrapers take part in creating a massive show of light and sound almost every night. Laser lights and sky beams reflect off the overhung clouds and rippling waves of the Victoria Harbour, presenting an audio-visual extravaganza of epic proportions. This "Symphony of Lights" is entered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest permanent light and sound concert in the world. It is also famous for being among the three most beautiful night-scapes in the world.

One can gain some of the best vantage points and panoramic views of the harbour at the following four places:

Victoria Peak is the highest mountain in the city, accessible via a half-hour trek through the city park. You can see the sky set afire when the sun sets onto Lantau Island and many places of refreshment are dotted along the way.

The Avenue of Stars is located along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and is famous for its benches into which are set the handprints of Hong Kong's most famous film stars. The Star Ferry Terminal, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Cultural Centre and the Space Museum appear all around this avenue and the speakers out of which the music for the Symphony of Lights emanates are almost right behind.

Golden Bauhinia Square appears on the Wan Chai waterfront at the very centre of the harbour, being surrounded by the Bay on three sides.

The Central Plaza is the third-tallest building in the city; the highest church in the world is set right at its topmost level. As the building sits on the waterfront of the harbour and the chapel has glass panels on all sides, this is one of the best places to watch the passing ships go by in the evening.

In addition to the aforementioned sites, one can also take a ferry cruise along the Victoria Bay. The Star Ferry is the best choice among these tours, providing a magnificent night-time excursion that the National Geographic has listed among the 50 best experiences of a lifetime. When it comes to exploring the best of Hong Kong's sights and sounds such as Victoria Harbour, finding the most strategically placed Hong Kong hotel accommodation is key to a well-rounded sight-seeing experience. Traders Hotel Hong Kong is one of the centrally placed Hong Kong hotels that provide quality service and accommodation ideal for the traveller's functional and budgetary requirements.

Hong Kong is home to excellent tourist destinations and is a perfect holiday gateway for the families and honeymoon couples. It is a city which never sleeps and has some chaotic business centers of the world. To have an idea about the most preferable things-to-do while being in Hong Kong, just go through this article. You can always book cheap flights to Hong Kong with the help of an online travel agency.

Weather of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has four seasons, featuring winter, summer, fall, and spring. If you want to visit the city during a warm and sunny weather, book flights to Hong Kong during October to December. Those who book Hong Kong flights on the regular basis feel it is best to visit the city during the spring season.

Places to be Visited in Hong Kong

Booking flights to Hong Kong will satiate your urge of expediting a city which has numerous sights to explore. Hong Kong offers you traveling through coves to coastline, enjoying a dazzling nightlife to shiny daylight, and endless entertainment. Go through the article to know how to make the best of your holidays once you've booked flights to Hong Kong.

Victoria Harbor and Peak

Victoria Harbor is Hong Kong's greatest tourist spot. It is a jewel which leaves the overseas travelers spell bound with its beauty. Those who keep on booking flights to Hong Kong, visit this particular tourist spot for sure. To have a bird's eye view of the Victoria Harbor and the entire Hong Kong Island, you need to trail on the Victoria Peak. You can visit this peak during the day time to check out the crowded Victoria Harbor or at night to enjoy dazzling beauty of the city.

Giant Buddha

Your journey to Hong Kong won't be considered complete if you haven't visited the Giant Buddha. This statue sits serenely on Ngong Ping plateau amidst the stunningly beautiful mountains. If you're booking Flights to Hong Kong with an online travel agent, make sure your schedule surely includes a visit to this holistic place.

Star Ferry

Amongst the top-rated things-to-do in Hong Kong, riding in a Star Ferry stands on the apex. There are several green and white ferries which are only means of transport from the Central District on Hong Kong Island to Tsim Shs Tsui. While riding on the ferry, you can enjoy the magnificent view on both banks of Victoria Harbor.

Tsing Ma Bridge

One of the world's longest span suspension bridges, Tsing Ma is a landmark of Hong Kong city. This engineering marvel is not only beautiful but one of the busiest bridges in the world. Once the Hong Kong Flights lands at the international airport and you take a car to travel to the main city, you get an opportunity of traveling over this bridge.

Shopping and Eating in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a place to have unique shopping experience. This place is full of markets and malls to choose from sheer assortment of products. Funky local markets and glitzy malls lure you to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones. Hong Kong is also known as culinary capital of Asia and houses more than 11,000 restaurants. There are pre-defined food districts in the city where you can enjoy specific cuisines as per your choice. Book Cheap Flights to Hong Kong to have an exceptional shopping and culinary experience along with holidaying.

And the best view of Hong Kong Island skyline is from the Kowloon waterfront - the Avenue of Stars at Tsim Sha Tsui.Avenue of the Stars is the local version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and celebrates the movie stars of Hong Kong cinema. It is located on Kowloon's seaside promenade and offers fantastic views, day and night, of the Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour. The Avenue can be reached from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station or the Star Ferry terminal.

A Symphony of Lights (best viewed from the Avenue of the Stars) is a spectacular light and laser show, from more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour, synchronized to music and staged every night at 8:00pm. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the light show is in English. Other nights it is in Mandarin or Cantonese. Spectators can tune their radios to FM103.4MHz for English (FM106.8 for Cantonese or FM107.9 for Mandarin). During one of Hong Kong's many festivals there may also be spectacular fireworks (esp. Chinese New Year).

Victoria Peak - Enjoy the fantastic view of Hong Kong from the lookout on Victoria Peak. The view encompasses Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Victoria Harbour and is excellent viewing day and night. Take the Peak Circle Walk or go directly to the Lugard Road Lookout for fabulous views over the harbour. There are more great vistas from the Lions View Point Pavilion and the viewing terrace at the Peak Galleria, as well as the Peak Tower Sky Terrace. There are many walking tracks around the peak that offer nice views of all sides of the island. There are two shopping malls: The Peak Tower and The Peak Galleria, which provide restaurants, a supermarket, and souvenir shops. In addition, you can visit Madame Tussauds - The world-famous wax museum now features more than 100 incredible wax likenesses of stars, world leaders and sports heroes displayed in five totally interactive themed settings within the Peak Tower complex. The famous old peak tram runs from Central [Lower Peak Tram Terminus on Garden Road] to the Peak or take the scenic bus to the Peak [Bus 15 from Exchange Square bus terminus (MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D), 30 minutes to Victoria Peak].

Hong Kong Disneyland located on Lantau Island and is best reached via the MTR Disneyland Resort Line from Sunny Bay Station. Hong Kong Disneyland is smaller than other Disney parks but offers some unique attractions such as "Festival of the Lion King" stage show, "Golden Mickey's" stage show, "Mickey's PhilharMagic 3D" show. The park is very busy around Chinese New Year but has short queues most of the year.

Ocean Park is an amusement park on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. The park has many rides including roller coasters.There are many aquariums and the most popular attraction is the giant pandas. Ocean Park is committed to promoting and supporting animal conservation in the Asia region. [Bus 629 from MTR Admiralty Station Exit B].

Happy Valley Racecourse [near Causeway Bay MTR station or tram to Happy Valley Tram Terminus] horse racing season runs from September to May and has the most convenient and impressive location, races take place on Wednesday nights [$10 entrance fee, take your passport and you can get in at tourist price of 1 HKD]. The South China Morning Post newspaper (on Wednesday) contains a racing guide section for Happy Valley. Most expatriates congregate at the beer garden (near the finish line) as the racing commentary is in English.

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery and is located on the mountain behind Shatin Pai Tau Village nearby the KCR Shatin railway station (5 minute walk). This is one of the best temples to visit. The complex comprises five temples, four pavilions, a pagoda, a veranda, over 12,000 Buddha statutes and, of course, monkeys. At the opposite side of the main temple is the 9-storey Pagoda, which was selected as the symbol of Hong Kong printed on the HK$100 note.

Ngong Ping 360 is a 25 minute cable car ride, with a fantastic view of the island, from Tung Chung to the culturally themed Ngong Ping Village high atop a mountain plateau on Lantau Island. View the "Walking with Buddha" multimedia facility that takes you through the life of Siddhartha Gautama - the man who became Buddha - and his path to enlightenment. Five minutes walk from Ngong Ping Village, you'll find the Po Lin Monastery and the serene Giant Buddha, the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue. From Ngong Ping Village, you can take a bus or taxi to explore other parts of Lantau Island, including the famous stilt houses of Tai O Fishing Village or the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland. [MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B and walk 5 minutes to the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal]

Golden Bauhinia Square (also known as The Expo Promenade) outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the Wan Chai waterfront marks the most significant occasion in Hong Kong's history - the return of the former British colony to the People's Republic of China. See all the pomp and ceremony of the official daily flag raising (7.50am) at the Golden Bauhinia Square [MTR Wan Chai Station Exit A5].

Aberdeen Harbor is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks take a sampan (boat) ride or take in the view from one of two magnificent floating restaurants where you can taste delicious fresh seafood. [Bus 70 from Exchange Square bus terminus (MTR Hong Kong Station D), get off near Aberdeen Promenade].

Ping Shan Heritage Trail (in Tin Shui Wai, New Territories) is a kilometre-long trail through three villages and contains some of the most significant historical buildings in Yuen Long District of the New Territories including Hong Kong's only ancient pagoda (Tsui Shing Lau) which is believed to date back more than 600 years. [MTR Tin Shui Wai Station Exit E]

Harbor Cruise on Victoria Harbor, one of the world's busiest and most impressive natural harbors, is a great way to take in the sights of Hong Kong. The Symphony of Lights cruise is very popular.

Kowloon Walled City Park was originally the site of a walled Chinese fort. After Hong Kong Island was ceded to Great Britain in 1842, the fort's role was to police the Chinese side of Hong Kong Harbour. Later the Chinese abandoned the fort. The Chinese and British authorities finally agreed to clear the site in 1987 and transform it into this beautiful Chinese park and garden. [Take a taxi from MTR Lok Fu Station to the entrance on Tung Tau Tsuen Road or Bus 1 from Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry bus terminus to Tung Tau Tower Road (opposite the park)]

Wetland Park is an ecological park with a network of board walks built over the marsh land and bird watching towers. There is a visitors centre and museum. The museum has many interactive exhibits ideal for children and some live animal habitats. [KCR West Rail to Tin Shui Wai Station then Light Rail 705/706 to Wetland Park station]

As the economic and financial center in East Asia, Hong Kong enjoys all the benefits of a dynamic and vibrant metropolis. Hong Kong however still captures the romance and mystery of days gone by in the markets and lanes where East meets West. In addition to its impressive modernity, Hong Kong has many accessible beaches and natural sights for outdoor lovers. Lantua Island for example, provides a relaxing atmosphere for a holiday break.

#One: Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park is a small public city park on Hong Kong Island in Central. It is surrounded on one side by the skyscrapers and on the other side by Victoria Peak. But in the small 8 hectare (20 square acres) space between Cotton Tree Drive and Kennedy Road, the Hong Kong Provisional Urban Council and the Hong Kong Jockey Club opened this park in 1991. It is free and attracts a million visits a year. In the big garden is a pond that covers a former tennis court, waterfalls or rapids and several important facilities including a sports facility, a big aviary, museums, a plant conservatory and a children's playground. 

The park has won several awards including one from the United State Urban Services Department for its excellent design and facilities in the crowded urban area. The aviary is a walk through aviary. This means that you can walk on a walkway through the tree canopy so that you can see the birds flying around inside up close. The little Hong Kong Park has a lot of interesting attractions crammed into it and is a major highlight of a visit to Hong Kong Island.

#Two: Avenue of Stars


The Avenue of Stars is basically a sidewalk on the shore of Hong Kong's Victoria Bay that is modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The sidewalk and pedestrian area has the handprints and signatures of famous Hong Kong actors such as Jackie Chan and metal sculptures of Hong Kong actors or film industry figures such as Bruce Lee. It stretches for about 440 meters along the shoreline, and there are benches and decorative plants. 

To keep people from falling into the ocean below, there is a metal handrail along the sidewalk. Some local people go there to enjoy the sight of the bay and the passing ships, jog, and enjoy the harbor air, and tourists go to see the light show at night and to take photographs. This sidewalk attracts a lot of mainland Chinese. You can see most of the tall buildings on Hong Kong Island here, and at night as part of the light show, music and dialogue are played.

#Three: Man Mo Temple

It is the oldest temple in Hong Kong in the Mid-levels area of Hong Kong Island. It is half the way up Victoria Peak. In the temple, two idols are worshiped, the God of Literature and the God of War. It was built in 1847. People go to the Man Mo temples in China to pray for success in examinations or in their academic or literary endeavors. They also go to Man Mo temples to settle disputes. A bronze bell there was also made in 1847. Though it has been often renovated, the original appearance is preserved, and it is visited by lots of people.

It is said that the ceremony for settling disputes between people of cutting off a chicken's head and burning yellow paper originated during the Qing dynasty. In this ceremony, in order to avoid going to court, people invoke the gods to punish people who don't perform the vows that they publicly make in the ceremony.

#Four: Hong Kong Aberdeen

Aberdeen Harbor is on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. It is on the other side of Victoria Peak from the main Hong Kong urban area. Aberdeen is the largest town on Hong Kong Island outside the main urban area, and the harbor was famous as the place where the Hong Kong boat people lived in the 1960s and 1970s. Movies such as a James Bond movie and a Bruce Lee movie were filmed there, so the harbor is recognized world wide. 

Now, the harbor area is mainly an anchorage for the yachts and pleasure boats of the Hong Kong suburban dwellers in the area. But there are still some famous floating restaurants and local fisherman using the bay, so it is a place to go for seafood on a boat and to see the scenery and the area tourist destinations like Hong Kong Ocean Park.

#Five: Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is the highest peak in Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 554 meters and has been considered as a landmark of the island. It is the best spot to have a bird's eye view of the Victoria Harbor and the whole thriving island. Viewed from the peak, the scenes are different between day time and night. At day time, you can see high and crowded buildings and the busy Victoria Harbor. 

At night, lit up by colorful lights, the whole scene is dazzling as a fairly-tale world. The best spot to enjoy the scene is the Peak Tower and the Lion Kiosk beside the peak tram terminal. To reach the Victoria Peak, you can take the peak tram which was put into service in 1888. Its steepest point has an angle of 27 degree which definitely can give you an unforgettable experience. Recommended Hong Kong Travel, Hong Kong attractions and Tours to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong was once a sleepy fishing village. But, with the arrival of the British in 1842, it became a crown colony of the United Kingdom, which continued until 1997, when the British handed it over to China, after signing an historic agreement by the then prime minister of the UK, Margaret Thatcher, and the then Chinese President, Deng Xiaoping.

The city has now become one of the vibrant destinations in the world, apart from being a prominent economic center in Asia. The World Tourism Organization rates the city among the 15 most preferred tourist destinations in the world. Al though a part of China, Hong Kong is quite different from rest of the nation, and has its own government and legal systems, monetary policy, and immigration policy. Situated in Eastern Asia, bordered by the South China Sea, it is made up of three areas, such as, the Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories as well as the Outlying islands including Lantau Island, Lamma Island, and Cheung Chau Island.

The center of economy, entertainment, and politics - Hong Kong Island is considered the heart of the special administrative region. Stretching from the Tin Hau to Chai Wan on the eastern part of the island is the prime residential area of the region. The northern part of the island is the main commercial as well as entertainment area, stretching from the Central District to Causeway Bay. Likewise, the southern part of the Island is home to some of the destinations that are abound in natural beauty, such as, Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay and Ocean Park, which is one of the top-most theme parks in Southeast Asia.

However, most popular among the destinations in the island is the Peak, the highest point on the island that is perched at an altitude of 554 meters. The Peak serves as a perfect base to have a bird's eye view of the whole of the thriving island as well as the spectacular Victoria Harbor, which is one of the three natural water harbors in the world. One of the most popular ways to reach the Peak is to take a ride on the Peak Tram, which runs from the city center and reach here within seven minutes. Another stunning landmark of the island is Bank of China Tower - a soaring 70-storeyed building. In addition, situated on the southwest coast of the Island is the Cyberport, a high-tech facility supporting the multimedia, telecommunications, and IT industries.

The island is also much famed for its destinations including Aberdeen, a traditional village inhabited by hundreds of fishermen. From traditional style Chinese boats to most sophisticated boats, an amazing variety of fishing boats can be seen here. Further, located here are the HK Convention and Exhibition Center and Golden Bauhinia Square, which stands as a symbol to memorize the Return of Hong Kong to its motherland. Kowloon is an exciting part of the city, and is considered one of the prominent industrial and commercial hubs of the nation. It is also home to one of the busiest airports in the world, namely, Kai Tak international airport. A ride on Star Ferry from Kowloon across Victoria Harbour to the Island would be a great experience. On utilizing the excellent options rendered by Kowloon, the city has now become a prominent shipping center in the world.

A visit to Hong Kong is incomplete without touring its amazing attractions such as Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (HSBC) Building, Exchange Square and the International Finance Centre, Victoria Park and the Hong Kong Central Library, The Fringe Club and the Foreign Correspondents' Club, Happy Valley and Sha Tin Racecourses, and Murray House.

Attractions in Hong Kong also include an array of Buddhist as well as Chinese temples including Man Mo Temple, Chi Lin Nunnery, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Che Kung Temple, and Tin Hau Temple. In addition, included in the landmarks are a range of museums, such as the Arts Centre Pao Galleries, the Racing Museum, the Film Archive, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, and Sheung Yiu Folk Museum. Gastronomy - The city boasts of a variety of excellent options to satisfy your gastronomic needs, with restaurants providing cuisines, ranging from Japanese, French, and Italian to Asian and Chinese cuisines. Shopping - Fabulous choices are available in the city for a great shopping, with a variety of shops on such happening areas as Stanley Market and Temple Street.

Also referred to as the 'Pearl of the Orient,' the city provides excellent options to cater to the accommodation needs of all types of tourists, no matter you are a budget conscious traveler or a luxury lover traveler. Many of the hotels and resorts are located within the heart of the city, and hence are within easy close proximity to almost all top tourist attractions.