Hong Kong is an amazing city that offers a unique blend of Chinese mysticism along with the openness of its British colonial past. Though very much a part of China, it enjoys a certain amount of autonomy.
Best Time to Visit
Basically it has a tropical climate and the summers can be rather hot and humid. It has mild winters and the best time to visit it would be from October to March. This is the time when there are no chances of typhoons to disrupt your fun. The real heat begins from May-June and Hong Kong is best avoided from June to September because of rains and storms.
Atmosphere
Hong Kong offers different flavors and hues, so whether you are out to enjoy the ultimate in luxury or would like to sample the true spirit of the place, you will not be disappointed. As one of the most populous places in the world, the first thing that will strike you on the road is the bustling crowd and the mixture of noises. It takes some time to get used to, but once you allow yourself to go with the flow, you would be amazed at the vibrancy of the place.
The Peak
Hong Kong Island is a mountainous area and one of its major attractions is the stunning view from The Peak. You can take the Peak Tram from the Central, previously known as Victoria. It takes just 8 minutes to get to the Peak. You can enjoy the view either from the Peak Tower or the Lion’s Pavilion. Besides this, the shopping experience at the multi-level Peak Market is unique in the sense that it caters to all, offering products that suit all budgets and needs. For those looking for a touch of nature, the circular Peak Trail would be the best. You can also find a branch of Madame Tussauds at the Peak.
Central
If shopping is your first aim then you can find some posh high end shopping at the Central. This is the area where the British colonizers were basically settled and can really be called the center of all commercial and administrative activity. Among the well-known spots are The Landmark, Prince’s Building, Hollywood Road (known for its antiques), SoHo and of course, the Central Mid-Level’s Escalator. This is the longest outdoor escalator in the world and transports thousands of people daily. Here, you will also find the Hong Kong Park that offers a stunning relief from the hustle bustle of the place.
Events
If you are looking for some unique cultural events then the Chinese New Year celebrations that boast of lion dances, parade and fireworks would be of interest to you. Besides these, you have the Hong Kong Arts Festival in the months of February and March, the Man Literary Festival in March and the International Film festival in March or April.
But Hong Kong is not just for shopping. Most people tend to forget that as an island country, it is home to unforgettable beaches with good water quality. If you are looking for some relaxation and fun then you should head for the Southern side or the New Territories which boasts of lovely beaches. Some of the well-known are Repulse Bay, Big Wave Bay, Shek O Beach, Deepwater Bay Beach, and the Hung Shing Yeh Beach.
Hiking
Another major attraction of this place is the endless possibility for hiking. Hong Kong is a unique mix of high skyscrapers, mountains, beaches and lovely views. The four famous hiking trails in the country are Hong Kong Trail, Lantau Trail, Maclehose Trail and the Wilson Trail. It can be a great way to enjoy the place for those who wish for a bit of active fun. Besides these, there are several shorter hikes that may take you through different parts. Some people prefer to take guided tours around the main attractions of the city.
Victoria Harbor
Cruising along the bustling Victoria Harbor is yet another way to experience the special thrill of this place. You can enjoy it at various times of the day, but the best is at night when you are subjected to a symphony of lights which is perfectly synchronized with music. This 13 minute display is something that you will always remember. Some people like to explore the outlying islands and this can be a different experience altogether.
Accommodation
There are many different accommodation options in Hong Kong, like hotels, elegant Hong Kong apartments and guest houses. You can easily find accommodation you are looking for online.
Hong Kong has so much to offer that it takes your breath away.