When we say ‘Hong Kong’, you may immediately picture a bustling metropolis of skyscrapers and hustle. While that may be true, there is a magical side to the city’s culture that goes far beyond its cloud-touching architecture.
Nestled in the middle of where East meets West, where the ancient world melds with the modern, the city has a thriving cultural zest you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
From its sacred temples to cutting-edge buildings, not to mention the mouth-watering food, it remains a must-visit destination for travellers seeking rich and fulfilling experiences. Plus, if you’re flying from London, you can be there in a little over 12 hours!
Here are our top reasons to visit…
The world on its doorstep
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Hong Kong is set to host a range of must-see events in the coming months that make this the perfect time to book a trip.
Later this month the Hong Kong Sevens (literally) kicks off. One of the most popular sporting events in Asia, the event will be held from March 28 to the 30 at the Kai Tak Sports Park – the old airport – this year.
At the same time, Hong Kong Island will play host to Art Basel, uniting premier galleries from Asia and beyond. And don’t forget the Hong Kong Derby, taking place on March 23!
Its sacred temples
The city is home to temples that provide serene escapes for travellers looking for a quiet moment of reflection away from the busy streets. Make sure Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most atmospheric sanctuaries, dedicated to the gods of literature and war, is on your list, as well as Wong Tai Sin Temple. The latter is known for its fortune-telling practices, if you wanted a little glimpse into what may be ahead.
A ride on the Ngong Ping cable car on Lantau Island will also take you to experience the Tian Tan ‘Big’ Buddha, who sits atop a mountain, looking across the South China Sea.
Mesmerising architecture
If you glance up you’ll notice a skyline that is testament to Hong Kong’s position as a global business hub. The International Commerce Centre and the Bank of China Tower are just two of the awe-inspiring buildings that show off the city’s innovative design.
Make sure you also carve out some time to take in the Symphony of Lights, which happens each night, using lasers and lights to illuminate the towering skyscrapers.
Perfect for art fans
When you’re in the city, don’t sleep on the area of West Kowloon, where its cultural district showcases the best of the city’s art scene.
M+ is a vast contemporary visual culture museum with enough galleries to get lost in for days. It also boasts a growing collection of the city’s neon signs – as Hong Kong’s iconic landscape is replaced by LED – as it celebrates their cultural significance.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Palace Museum has ancient Chinese treasures on display and the Xiqu Centre treats travellers to spellbinding performances of Chinese opera while they’re in town.
In the Hong Kong Museum of Art you’ll find17,000 pieces that tell the story of the city’s history.
From ancient Chinese ceramics to cutting-edge local art, the collection is known for boasting paintings by 18th and 19th-century Western and Chinese artists that capture the first meetings of East and West from their own perspectives.
A heritage reimagined
Recognising, but reimagining, its colonial heritage, Tai Kwun, in Central district, has been transformed into a must-see hub.
Once a Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victorian Prison, the cluster of buildings buzzes with new energy, as exhibitions fill former cells and offices and performances are held in its historic courtyards.
A destination for night-lovers, cocktail bars and restaurants have made their home here. Check out Dragonfly, a glamorous Art Nouveau-inspired bar and Hong Kong’s first speakeasy, which creates a brilliantly atmospheric drinking experience for tourists and locals alike.
Culture around every corner
All you need to do is walk around the streets of Sham Shui Po to witness just how creativity flows through the buzzing district. Tai Nan Street sees former factories now packed with artists’ studios and workshops showcasing crafts like ceramics and leathermaking, while the HK Urban Canvas project has turned the traditional neighbourhood into an open-air gallery filled with vibrant murals on shop shutters and the side of buildings.
You won’t go hungry as you take in the sights, either, with market stalls selling street food as you mingle with locals grabbing a bite.
Over in Tsuen Wan, The Mills has been transformed from a former cotton mill to a museum and arts space celebrating Hong Kong’s textile manufacturing history. Contemporary artists are hosted here, while the rooftop garden is perfect for photos and the trendy cafes below provide a spot to rest and relax while you take a load off.
And make sure you wander around neighbourhoods like Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui to discover why Hong Kong has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most atmospheric cities after dark.
Don’t forget the island
If you hop on the ferry to Lantau Island you’ll discover Tai O, which feels a world away from the busy streets of the city.
This centuries-old fishing village – known as the ‘Venice of Hong Kong’ – is a maze of traditional stilt houses rising from the water, which is an impressive spectacle for any tourist to experience.
Make sure you hang around until twilight, where the wild water buffalo that’ve made this area their home wander down to the beach to sleep as the sun sets. It’s a sight to behold!
A city transformed after dark
From entertainment to bars, the city’s pulse shifts gear as the sun sets.
Music fans can enjoy Cantonese opera performances of centuries-old stories retold for a modern audience at the Xiqu Centre theatre, while the Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon is a haven for food lovers keen to soak up the local culture and enjoy everything from traditional Chinese crafts to delectable street food.
If you head across Victoria Harbour, the streets of Central and Sheung Wan are home to a cluster of contemporary art galleries that often coordinate their opening nights, creating a vibrant scene for bar and exhibition hopping.
Fun fact: Hong Kong is home to nine of Asia’s 50 best bars, with Bar Leone in Central being named number one in the region. Cheers to that!
Visit discoverhongkong.com to find out more.
