This submit might include affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, without charge to you, if you happen to make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
Hong Kong is a kind of cities that at all times surprises you. It’s a sprawling, city metropolis nestled between mountains and white sand and seashores.
Its potential to embrace new applied sciences, while protecting true to its heritage and traditions is superb.
Whereas many individuals go to Hong Kong on a cease over between the West and Australia, it’s price sticking round for a couple of days (and even longer!).
There are such a lot of issues to do in Hong Kong, you may even be stunned by what you discover…
The Prime Issues to Do in Hong Kong
1. Take the Cable Automobile to the Huge Buddha
Maybe one of the crucial common issues to do in Hong Kong is to experience the Ngong Ping 360 cable automobile as much as the Tian Tan Buddha, extra famously referred to as The Huge Buddha.
Whereas Ngong Ping isn’t something attention-grabbing, the Buddha is taken into account Hong Kong’s most iconic landmark.
Sitting fairly on the high of 236 steps, the positioning the place this 32-meter bronze statue of the Buddha rests affords the most effective views of Hong Kong. You possibly can see throughout Lantau Island and in direction of the South China Sea.
You should definitely take a look at the close by Po Lin Monastery and its corridor of 10,000 golden buddha statues.
It’s free to go to the Buddha statue and monastery, however you do have to pay for the cable automobile. In the event you’re not petrified of heights, take into account getting the crystal automobile which has a glass ground, permitting you to see the ocean and jungle beneath. Guide your cable automobile ticket upfront (together with the Crystal Automobile improve choice)
- Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm (buses function later, however the monastery and Huge Buddha shut at 5.30pm)
- Handle: to take the cable automobile, head to Ngong Ping Cable Automobile Tung Chung Station, Lantau Island
- For cable automobile lovers: Chances are you’ll get pleasure from this digital behind the scenes tour for a behind the scenes have a look at the round the clock work that ensures the cable automobile stays protected and dependable.
2. Take a look at the Tai O Fishing Village
Tai O is a singular fishing village on the South West aspect of Lantau Island. It’s most well-known for its picket homes constructed on stilts, in addition to being a spot to get boat excursions out to see the indingious pink dolphin.
The streets of Tai O are lined with retailers, eating places and market stalls promoting dried seafood and handicrafts. A preferred memento to take again from Tai O is shrimp paste, or fish maw cleaning soap (it’s apparently superb on your pores and skin).
Prime tip: You may get a bus to Tai O from Ngong Ping, so we suggest visiting right here after seeing the Huge Buddha.
- Hours: 24 hours
- Handle: Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Full Day Lantau Island Small Group Tour in Hong Kong
Go to a few of Lantau Island’s most well-known and intriguing spots: Cable automobile to Huge Buddha, village of Tai O, lunch at a UNESCO web site, and a ship experience by stilt homes constructed proper on the water. Click on to study extra and reserve your tour
3. Go on a hike!
Hong Kong might be not the primary place you consider as a mountain climbing vacation spot, but it surely really has tons of and tons of of mountain climbing trails.
Probably the most well-known hike in Hong Kong is the Lion Rock hike, which affords views over Kowloon, Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island. It’s a reasonable hike with some troublesome elements, however is certainly not the toughest hike in Hong Kong.
One other common hike is the Dragon’s Again path. That is situated on Hong Kong island and is taken into account the simplest hike. Its gradual incline and ending spot at Huge Wave Bay means it’s a fantastic hike to do for households.
If you need a difficult hike, take into account mountain climbing Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak, or hike to Sharp Peak in Sai Kung.
You could find plenty of details about hikes in Hong Kong, together with beginning factors and time frames by looking via AllTrails. Listed here are 5 mountain climbing concepts in Hong Kong.
In the event you’re not comfy mountain climbing by yourself, you may like to hitch one of many following mountain climbing excursions.
4. Go to the Wong Tai Sin Temple
The Wong Tai Sin Temple is a well-liked attraction in Hong Kong and in addition a working Buddhist temple and shrine.
It’s devoted to Wong Tai Sin, or the Nice Immortal Wong, god of Immortality.The locals imagine that “What you request is what you get” when praying on the Wong Tai Sin temple, and also you’ll probably at all times see locals praying with incense.
The temple additionally has a surprising backyard with koi fish ponds and bridges. You should definitely test this out once you go to.
Do not forget that this isn’t only a vacationer attraction however a spot of worship for the locals, so costume respectfully, don’t {photograph} individuals praying and ensure your children don’t run round inflicting a ruckus.
- Hours: 7.30am – 4.30pm each day
- Handle: Chuk Un, Hong Kong
5. See the Gardens of the Chi Lin Nunnery
Simply down the street from the Wong Tai Sin Temple is the Chi Lin Nunnery, a big Buddhist temple and backyard in Diamond Hill.
It was inbuilt 1934 as a retreat for Buddhist nuns, after which rebuilt in 1998 to resemble conventional Tang Dynasty structure.
Right this moment it’s a well-liked place to go to and see conventional Chinese language manicured gardens. The backyard is surrounded by bonsai, ponds and a waterfall. Within the middle of the pond is a golden shrine.
As you stroll across the backyard, you’re feeling disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the town, and but can nonetheless see the towering mountains to the North, and skyscrapers to the south.
Undoubtedly don’t miss this free factor to do in Hong Kong.
- Hours: 9.00am – 4.30pm each day
- Handle: 5 Chi Lin Dr, Sheung Yuen Leng, Hong Kong
6. Stroll Previous 10,000 Buddha Statues
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is strictly what it says on the tin. It’s a monastery situated on the high of a hill, however to get there you need to move by 10,000 golden buddha statues. See laughing buddhas, smiling buddhas, indignant buddhas and extra.
The monastery is a bit deceptive, because it’s probably not a monastery as no monks reside right here, however it’s a buddhist shrine and complicated with unbelievable views of Sha Tin.
The principle attraction of this monastery although is unquestionably the walkway lined with buddhas.
- Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm each day
- Handle: 220 Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin
7. Watch the Symphony of Lights from Tsim Sha Tsui
Probably the most common issues to do in Hong Kong at evening is to observe the symphony of lights, a light-weight and music present that takes place every single day at 8pm.
The sunshine present lasts for about 10-Quarter-hour and is greatest considered from the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, overlooking the buildings on Hong Kong Island.
Because the music begins, the skyline is lit up with neon lights and lasers that dance to the sound of the music.
After watching the present, make sure that to wander alongside to Avenue of the Stars to see statues of Hong Kong’s most well-known individuals, together with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.
You can too see the Symphony of Lights from aboard this enjoyable cruise.
- Hours: 8.00pm each day
- Handle: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
8. Take within the views from Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is situated on Hong Kong Island and is one of the best place to go for views, particularly at sundown.
The views are the primary purpose to go to Victoria Peak, as apart from that, you’ll discover a shopping center with Madame Tussauds and a pair different gimmicky museums.
One factor that’s definitely not a gimmick although, is the Peak Tram. That is the easiest way to stand up and down from the Peak.
It’s a funicular railway that was inbuilt 1888 and connects Central to Victoria Peak. It was the primary funicular in Asia and covers a distance of 1.4km. Save time ready on traces and ebook your ticket upfront.
Recognized domestically as Mount Austin or Tai Ping Shan, Victoria Peak welcomes thousands and thousands of tourists per yr.
- Hours: trams function from 7.00am – midnight
- Handle: Central, Hong Kong
9. Eat some Dim Sum
Hong Kong is a foodie’s haven. You could find scrumptious meals from any delicacies in Hong Kong, and it’s fairly reasonably priced too.
For the locals, they love dim sum. A type of eating the place small dishes are shared round a desk. You possibly can have something from steamed buns to sui mai (a meaty dumpling) and soup dumplings.
Every dish is fairly low cost, so watch out to not order an excessive amount of as it will possibly rack up the invoice.
An excellent place to attempt dim sum as a vacationer is Man Mo Dim Sum in Central. The employees right here converse English and can assist you order.
There are dim sum eating places all around the metropolis, however they’re typically fairly native and more often than not the menu isn’t in English. That is definitely one of the crucial genuine issues to do in Hong Kong.
- Hours: 11.00am – midnight
- Handle: Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tour Concept: Natural Xiao Lengthy Bao (Soup Dumpling) Class+ Market stroll
Be a part of a non-public cooking class and market go to that teaches you the traditional artwork of creating Xiao Lengthy Bao—steamed dumpling sometimes crammed with pork. Guide your class right here.
10. Journey the Ding Ding
The ding ding is what the locals name its iconic tram that rides from one aspect of Hong Kong Island to the opposite (named after the dinging sound it makes). The tram is the most cost effective, and slowest, type of transport in Hong Kong.
We don’t suggest it if you happen to’re in a rush making an attempt to get from A to B, however when you have time to kill and your legs are drained from exploring, it’s a enjoyable attraction in Hong Kong.
The ding ding passes via Hong Kong’s most spectacular skyscrapers and fashionable buildings. It’s been working since 1901, when Hong Kong was a lot smaller in measurement (and shorter).
It’s slightly piece of historical past and custom that rides via the fashionable and rising.
The ding ding operates all throughout Hong Kong Island and begins from 6am and runs till midnight.
11. Take the Children to Ocean Park
In the event you ask any baby in Hong Kong which is their favourite theme park, I’d wager $10 Hong Kong {Dollars} they’ll say Ocean Park over Disneyland.
Ocean Park is a component theme park and half aquarium and zoo. On the backside of the park, you’ll discover the zoo animals. Right here is the place you will note the uncommon Big Panda, the park’s most well-known friends, in addition to an aquarium housing a whale shark.
Take the prepare or cable automobile to the highest of the mountain and also you’ll be met with curler coasters and theme park rides. There’s additionally a stadium the place you may watch a dolphin present.
In the event you’re searching for issues to do in Hong Kong with children, they’ll love you if you happen to take them right here.
- Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm each day
- Handle: Ocean Park, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
12. Spend a day on the seashore
What many individuals don’t find out about Hong Kong is that it has some completely gorgeous seashores. Probably the most lovely (in my view) are situated within the Sai Kung Nation Park.
It’s a little bit of a distance out of the town middle and requires mountain climbing to get to them, however it can 100% be well worth the effort once you see the unspoiled nature of Tai Lengthy Wan or Lengthy Ke Wan Seashore.
In the event you don’t have lengthy to spend, you may go to one of many seashores on Hong Kong Island that are additionally very nice seashores, they’re just a bit busier due to their proximity.
Most individuals head to Repulse Bay, Huge Wave Bay or Shek O Seashore for a fast day trip on the seashore.
Chances are you’ll like this customizable journey exploring the Sai Kung Wild Seashores
13. Go to one of many outlying islands
Hong Kong is definitely an archipelago of islands. Most individuals consider Hong Kong as simply Hong Kong Island, but it surely’s really made up of a number of islands linked by bridges and ferries.
When you have extra time in Hong Kong, I extremely suggest you catch a ferry over to a few of the outlying islands to do a little bit of mountain climbing and exploring the agricultural villages.
Lamma Island is a well-liked seashore for mountain climbing and visiting the seashores. The city has develop into a little bit of an expat haven on Lamma Island, so in order for you someplace extra genuine, then Cheung Chau is one other nice shout.
Cheung Chau additionally has seashores, however due to its location on the South China Sea it’s not at all times clear. Nonetheless, what I really like about Cheung Chau is its solely a few streets crammed with homes that locals nonetheless reside in.
This island is a well-liked place to go to throughout the Cheung Chau Bun Pageant. It’s by far one of the crucial distinctive occasions in Hong Kong (apart from the Dragon Boat Pageant), the place you may see individuals climbing up towers of steamed buns.
The competition is held on the eighth day of the 4th Full Moon and celebrates the Buddha’s birthday.
14. Store for Souvenirs in Women Market
Women Market is an attraction in Hong Kong that should not be missed. There are two sides of Hong Kong; the brand new, glamorous aspect of Hong Kong that you simply see on Hong Kong Island, after which the native, genuine Hong Kong the place everybody lives on high of one another in Kowloon.
That is what you see round Women Market. Set within the bustling neighborhood of Mong Kok, this market sells the whole lot from souvenirs to knock-off designer purses to telephone instances.
It’s additionally a fantastic place to seek out some avenue meals, however actually it’s price trying out to see how the locals reside. Ensure to lookup as you stroll via the market to see the small flats amongst flashing neon lights.
- Hours: 4.00pm – midnight
- Handle: Tung Choi St, Mong Kok
Chances are you’ll like the next purchasing and meals excursions
15. Get Your Fortune Instructed at Temple Avenue Night time Market
In the event you’re eager to attempt some avenue meals in Hong Kong, then Temple Avenue Night time Market has some glorious native eating places the place you may attempt fish balls and dumplings and sit out on the road.
It’s much like Women Market in that it has market stalls promoting bric-a-brac and souvenirs, but it surely’s additionally the place you will see stall after stall of fortune tellers.
You may get your face or arms learn, have your tarot playing cards learn, or just get instructed your fortune primarily based in your date of start.
The fortune tellers often occupy the road close to the Tin Hau temple on the high of Temple Avenue Market. In the event you’re not sure the place to go, pay attention for the sounds of previous individuals singing karaoke.
- Hours: 2.00pm – 11.00pm (it’s greatest to come back after 7.00pm as not all stalls are open early within the day)
- Handle: Temple Avenue, Jordan, Hong Kong
Earlier than You Go
So there you will have it, these are one of the best issues to do in Hong Kong, and as you may see, there’s so much to discover right here.
Earlier than you go, make sure to manage your esim card. We get ours via Airloa.
Even simpler is shopping for an eSim card. You may get one for Hong Kong from Airola right here. All you do is set up the app, select your vacation spot and bundle, set up the eSim after which activate it.
It’s solely $5 for 1 GB knowledge for 7 days, or $9 for 3 GB knowledge for 30 days.
When touring in China, additionally, you will need a VPN, so you may entry many websites sometimes blocked by China. Seize your VPN for China right here
Hong Kong Lodging
We’ve hand picked a collection of one of the best Hong Kong lodging choices for 3, 4,and 5-star accommodations, plus flats and hostels. Click on right here for our Hong Kong lodging checklist.
Additional Studying on China Journey
In the event you favored this submit, please take into account sharing it. And in case you are on Pinterest, you may pin the beneath picture to save lots of for later!
Supply: Breaking Travel News
