Best Hong Kong Vacation Spots
From luxury shopping to praying within Buddhist temples and scaling skyscrapers, the fun never stops in the “Pearl of the Orient”. If you are in Hong Kong this summer or are planning out a trip there soon, here is a compilation of the best tourist spots you should visit:
1) Victoria Peak
Enticing waters stand between islands of towering architecture and you can see across both divides from the nature-filled Vitoria Peak affectionately known by natives as just “The Peak”. Once standing atop its elevated greenery, which you can get to by means of a scenic tram ride, you are ushered into a privileged position in the heavens from where you look down on the wondrous works of both nature and man. A night visit should definitely be on the cards as the view transforms into a mesmerizing combination of lights once darkness sets in.
2) Wong Tai Sin Temple
This temple was built to honor the deity it is named after and it’s often one frequented right before horse racing and during times of great illnesses to change the fate of visitors for the better. Besides getting down to pray for that $100 wager you placed on “Bucky” the horse, there is also a lineup of scintillating festivals held within its doors during this time of the year.
3) Repulse Bay
It’ll come as a surprise to many but Hong Kong does have beaches despite its portrayal as a heavily modernized metropolis. There are expansive stretches of pristine lands to savor some of which include the soft-sandy shores at Repulse Bay. Not too far away is a horseshoe-shaped cove called “Big Wave Bay” that avails more of the same rolling contours but with less of the attention that comes with the former.
4) The Temple Street Night Market
For a taste of eccentric seafood and a variety of the local cuisine, head over to the Temple Street Night Market. You’ll get great discounts on all manner of electrical and household goods when you go late into the night as well as excellent offers on traditional Chinese crafts, trinkets and basically all that comprises a one-stop, open-air market. After a day of haggling over prices and quality, look to one of the ancient streetside parlors offering the healing services of a Hong Kong massage to ease both the mind and sore muscles.
5) Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park
Whether you’re traveling with kids or on your own, you are sure to love the city’s vibrant Disneyland. It’s a hive of activity over summer bringing to reality all your favorite childhood movies and cartoons and availing fantasy rides, musicals and the trademark fireworks-over-the-castle display perfect for both the young and the young at heart. Rival Ocean Park is also a nice alternative theme park offering roller coaster rides and a grand aquarium presenting sea cucumbers, sea stars and more than 400 different species of fish. You’ll also be treated to a showing of the endangered Chinese Salamander and rare red and giant pandas too.
Other popular vacation activities also include hiking the spectacular trail that is Dragon Back, visiting Po Lin monastery to take in the architectural marvel of “Big Buddha”, and boarding the 19th-century vessel “Star Ferry” that takes you on an adventure filled with amazing views of the city.
