Sign in with Facebook"Welcome to my favourite city in the world" Top 5 Page for this destination Hong Kong by swissfondue
Hong Kong Travel Guide: 8,193 reviews and 19,572 photos
I'm thrilled to be recognised as a top 5 travel writer for my favourite city and if you visit my pages you'll see why I return again and again to amazing and wonderful Hong Kong.
This great city certainly punches above it's weight and does so mostly with great efficiency. I have always been a big admirer of what I describe as "chaotic organisation" which is why I am constantly impressed by Hong Kong. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is a wonderful example of an easy to use, cost effective, safe and incredibly convenient transport system which to an outsider seems to be constantly frantic, but really isnt!
Hong Kong's other great asset is CHOICE. Walk down any street at any time and it seems like the majority of its seven million inhabitants are out and about going somewhere. This is accentuated by early evening when they ALL are, spoilt by the choice of so many eating, shopping and entertainment venues. The crowds, the noise and the millions of neon lights make the atmosphere electric.
Hong Kong is somewhere I could definitely live for a period of time. The air pollution levels are off the scale somedays and maybe its too overpopulated but these are small concessions that I could personally live with. Hong Kong is simply the gifted offspring of a successful marriage between the traditions of the East and the technology of the West and although it would seem impossible for such a city to be peaceful and reflective it can be, and you will be surprised how close to the heart of the city these pockets of serenity can be found.
I really enjoy spending time in Hong Kong where, after numerous visits, I have yet to run out of new experiences. Each time I return to find somewhere new and fresh to explore. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to learn about the cultures of the people who shape the city by living in it, and although the same cultural and geographical division of rich and poor seen in every prosperous city is evident in Hong Kong it never ceases to amaze and delight me that politeness and patience is shown everyday.
While many people think of Hong Kong as just a stop-over city, the more time you allow yourself the more you become immersed in the lifestyle and especially the culture. There is a lot to like about the influence culture has on everyday life.
While there is plenty to entertain shopaholics, there is so much more to Hong Kong than leaving with a bag of bargains. Try to venture if you can away from the Harbour and the tourist areas of Tsim Sha Tsui and Central into the outlying areas of the New Territories and you will certainly experience everyday life with all its wonderful sights and sounds.
Not matter which area of Hong Kong you are in, the streets will be thronging with people. However the heart of the city is Victoria Harbour which both divides and connects Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
Aside from the Peak, I would think that the Harbour is one of the most photographed attractions in Hong Kong and if you are lucky enough to be there on a clear day the views, especially of the Hong Kong Island skyline are quite spectacular. The harbour is also the stage for a nightly laser light show called The Symphony of Lights which atracts thousands of people to the Kowloon harbourside each evening. Please see my "things to do" tips for information on the Symphony of Lights.
Though renowned as a tourist attraction Victoria Harbour is essentially a working harbour and forms part of the busiest port in the world.
If you havent found all the information you need from VT Travel Guides, then the Hong Kong Tourism Board may be able to assist you. They provide comprehensive information at their visitor centre located in the arrivals hall of Hong Kong Airport. In the city there are two more Visitor Centres, one in Kowloon in Tsim Sha Tsui and the other on Hong Kong Island at the Peak. The TST centre is open from 8am to 8pm daily and the Peak centre is open from 9am to 9pm daily. The HKTB is a great tool for tourists needing extra information about what to see and do in Hong Kong. They also have phone apps which could come in useful if you like using your phone to find your way around so check out their city walks app, virtual tour guide app and Discover Hong Kong app. I havent used any but I understand that they are FREE.
The HKTB has also created a Cultural Kaleidoscope programme aimed at giving tourists opportunities to experience Hong Kong in a more personal way. Find out how to sail on Victoria Harbour on the Duk Ling or be introduced to the art of Tai Chi in my "things to do" tips. The HKTB also runs the Quality Tourism Services Scheme (QTS). If you see a gold and black QTS sign in a shop, restaurant or hotel it means that the establishment has met the accreditation criteria to become a quality service provider.
- Pros:The efficiency which makes the city function so successfully.
- Cons:None in my opinion except maybe the humidity during summer. I could live there happily.
- In a nutshell:Without doubt one of the world's most exciting and liveable cities.
Reviews (126)
Harbour City - One stop shopping
Shopping
(32)
Personally, I like to shop in lesser known shopping centres but its impossible not to include the mega Harbour City... more travel advice
Crocodile
Shopping
(32)
Crocodile is a local clothing label that has been synonomous with Hong Kong fashion for over sixty years. It originally... more travel advice
Winding your way to the Peak on the No...
Things to Do
(42)
This is an interesting but rather long way of getting to the Peak especially if you are caught in a traffic jam or... more travel advice
Shop until you drop!
Things to Do
(42)
Shopping in Hong Kong is the number one recreational activity so retailers entice shoppers with seasonal sales. There... more travel advice
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swissfondue's Related Pages
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Comments (7)
A really comprehensive and thorough page on an amazing part of the world. And if I ever need some birds , flowers or goldfish - I now know where to find them!!
Thanks Grant for checking out my HK page. Hong Kong and I are madly in love and have been since my first trip 6 years ago.
great details and useful interesting tips/reminders for one who has visited HK on multiple occasions ;-)))
As my new friend I thought to look at your pages....and I have never been to Hong kong
Hey Heidi, the roof top pool photos r is great, I really should add Hong Kong to my "priority list" now ... :)
Hi, very interesting page, and very well written! I only spent one day in Hong Kong (I remember you read my page about it), but your tips and photos brought back wonderful memories. I definitely want to return there!!!
great photos, and wonderfully written tips!! (I gave highest marks for several) HK is one of my FAVS too, and when I lived in Australia in 70s, got to spend a fair bit of time, and have been back and back as stopover on way to my Sri Lanka.
Hi there Heidi, would love to see some pics of the Langham Place Hotel if you have some, leaning towards staying there - thanks :)