Five Things to do in Hong Kong

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By lilian_sg

Shopping Haven: From Branded Goods to the Night Markets

Hong Kong is widely known as a shopping haven. It has many huge malls like Times Square which offers a one stop offering of clothes, restaurants and entertainment.

On the other hand, Hong Kong also has various markets worth visiting. In the day, visit markets such as the Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei and the Bird Market on Yuen Po Street. When visiting the Ladies' Market (Lui Yan Kai) which has mostly women's clothes on sale as you would have guessed from the name. At the markets, remember to utilise your bargaining skills but do remember that if the sellers are not willing to accept your offer, you should not waste time anymore. Just buy at their higher price or don't buy at all.


Eat, eat and eat Cantonese Cuisine: Dim Sum is a Must

In Hong Kong, you will probably not go wrong with dim sum. Remember to try them for breakfast or brunch. For the main courses, head to the many coffee shops (also known as char chan teng). Ordering by pointing at the menu can be fun and a culinary adventure. After that, treat yourself to some delicious dessert or egg tarts.

Hong Kong: A Food Haven

Hong Kong's Skyline at Night

Hong Kong at night.

Experience Local Culture and People Watch

After all the shopping and eating, it is time to learn more about Hong Kong and its people. Simply head to the Wong Tai Sin temple. This place of worship is famous among the Hongkongers for fortune-telling. Other places to visit include Happy Valley where you can see the locals betting on horse racing. Great places to people watch include Nathan Road and the Avenue of Stars.

Venture to Suburban Hong Kong

Most people have the impression that Hong Kong is just a concrete city. However, it is much more than that. Head to the suburban areas and the outlying islands. When you are in areas like Lantau, Lamma or Cheung Chau island, you will realise that there is still a place in Hong Kong where it is possible to relax.

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Experience the Night Life and View

Hong Kong is a city which never sleeps. Lan Kwai Fong is well known for being a nightlife spot. However, there are other places to head to like Wan chai and Kowloon.

For those who are not into clubbing or drinking, they can choose to enjoy the night view of Hong Kong at the waterfront area. Or for a unique experience, take the Star ferry from Kowloon to Central or vice versa. Take a seat at the top and enjoy the view on a clear night. It is a cheap mode of transport and will allow you to appreciate the harbour's beauty better.

Comments

jenp123 profile image

jenp123 21 months ago

Thanks so much for the awesome hub! I put that question out there because I'm traveling to HK in a few days. I will definitely take your suggestions, especially in regard to dim sum...yum! I've heard the Star Ferry is great, too

lilian_sg profile image

lilian_sg Hub Author 21 months ago

You are most welcome. Hope you will enjoy your trip there =)

Lady_E profile image

Lady_E Level 7 Commenter 21 months ago

Thanks, I look forward to visiting. I'm sure my favourite part will be eating Cantonese Cuisine. Thanks. :)

lilian_sg profile image

lilian_sg Hub Author 21 months ago

Haha...yeah. Remember to get some dim sum =)

Riviera Rose profile image

Riviera Rose Level 3 Commenter 21 months ago

What a great hub - I lived in Hong Kong in the early 90s and loved the place. Thanks for sharing!

lilian_sg profile image

lilian_sg Hub Author 21 months ago

Thanks Rose for commenting! Hong Kong has changed a lot since the early 90s!

David @ Malaysia Asia 21 months ago

Nice! Did all those and more! :) Gosh, I should start writing about my HK trip too.... Thanks!

Regards,

David @ Malaysia Asia

Aland 21 months ago

I have read a number of Hong Kong hotel reviews and blogs on travel and accommodation. It is a must-see place and I am planning a trip at the earliest.

checkout: http://excitehotels.com/hong_kong_city_hotels.htm

Rick Green 19 months ago

Having lived in Hong Kong for over six years, my best advice would be to venture off the beaten path. Like you mention, Lillian, Wong Tai Sin is a great place to go, especially during a festival when it is crowded and smoky with incense.

I also concur with people going to Happy Valley, to the race track. To that, I would add taking the Hong Kong Island tram to Western District or Kennedy Town and stroll through the side streets. Very few foreigners make it to this part of the city and it lacks the modern glam you get in Central, Causeway Bay, or Tsim Sha Tsui. On the Kowloon side, try going to Sham Shui Po. It's an easy ride via the MTR.

In venturing out of the city, the outlying islands are definitely a good option, but Disneyland on Lantau Island is not one I would recommend. Cheung Chau is a better choice, as far as local culture is concerned, even better during the Bun Festival, which usually takes place in May (date changes every year).

To this I would add going hiking. You don't have to go far to do this. The Hong Kong Trail follows the spine of Hong Kong Island with a number of places to get on or off it. I particularly like the Dragon's Back Trail at the eastern end of the island. To really get away from it all to a place that seems as far removed from Hong Kong as the Nine Pins, but is more accessible, I would suggest Plover Cove. Twenty minutes into the park, and you may not come across another person for hours!

lilian_sg profile image

lilian_sg Hub Author 19 months ago

Thanks Rick! Your comment is really useful. Someday when I visit Hong Kong again, I will definitely try out what you recommend.

Alex Woo profile image

Alex Woo 12 months ago

Great Article!

lilian_sg profile image

lilian_sg Hub Author 12 months ago

Thanks a lot Alex!!!

Gillian 9 months ago

For your next trip to Hong Kong:

http://gillian-chu.blogspot.com/2011/05/get-

buns-rolling-day-trip-to-cheung.html

lilian_sg profile image

lilian_sg Hub Author 9 months ago

Thanks. Unfortunately I don't think I will be there during the festival..

cire81 profile image

cire81 Level 1 Commenter 8 months ago

Hong Kong is a good place to holiday and it is a good idea to tour the unusual area. I am a big fan of the roast goose as it is really yummy. The best way to travel I have to admit will be via the subway. I like Hong Kong for its modernisation but not its fast paced of life. Personally I prefer to holiday in Vietnam as the pace of life is slower and I get to appreciate the finer things of life. This is also a heaven for budget traveller as things are not that expensive. Furthermore, you can enjoy free food and drinks. You can refer to the site for more information about this.

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-survive-in-ho-chi-mi

lilian_sg profile image

lilian_sg Hub Author 8 months ago

Yes, I do agree. HK is fast paced and packed with people! I have been to Ho Chi Minh city before but will check out your page =)

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