Top Things to Do in Hong Kong" City of the Future, Hong Kong Boasts a Blend of Beautiful Mountain Parks and Vibrant Modern Architecture
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
"Top Things To Do in Hong Kong" City of the future, Hong Kong boasts a blend of beautiful mountain parks and vibrant modern architecture. Busy, bustling, yet always charismatic, Hong Kong is Asia's ultimate city sensation. Created by: Cityseeker 10 Locations Bookmarked Victoria Peak "Hong Kong's Top Tourist Stop" At a height of 552 meters (1,811 feet), Victoria Peak is Hong Kong's highest point and one of the most visited of the island's many attractions. The Peak, as it is locally known, boasts spectacular views of the city's skyline, backed by the bustling Victoria Harbour. By night, the view transforms into a glittering sea of vibrant lights. A walk around the Peak by Daniel Case reveals views over the greener Western parts of Hong Kong Island, and a visit to the viewing platforms at the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria is a must. It is a steep climb to the top, and while hikers are welcome, an inexpensive tram is also available. The oldest funicular in Asia, the Peak Tram is over 125 years old. With a steep ascent, the tram links Central to the Peak Tower. The Peak is also known for its lovely gardens, most notably that of the old governor’s summer lodge with its faux-Victorian design. Once there, you're likely to see birds, butterflies, and giant dragonflies as well. www.hk-victoria-peak.com/ [email protected] 1 Lugard Road, Hong Kong The Big Buddha (Hong Kong) "Impressive Landmark" Also known as Big Buddha, this 34-meter- (112-foot-) statue is located just minutes from the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It is best known for its impressive size and stature as among the world's largest seated bronze Buddhas. Surrounding the statue are six smaller figures, known collectively as "The Offering of the Six Devas," that represent the by travelsourced Buddhist ideals of generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom. The enormous bronze statue took over 12 years to complete, each feature carefully made to inspire respect. The Buddha faces North, overlooking China from its perch, head gently tilted and hand raised in blessing. Erected in 1993, the Big Buddha sits on top of a green hill at the summit of 268 steps. + 852 2985 5248 www.plm.org.hk/eng/bud [email protected] Ngong Ping Road, Hong dha.php Kong Hong Kong Disneyland "Fairy-tale Destination" Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the most important landmarks of the city. Having opened its doors in 2005, this extravagant theme park ensures the spirit of carnival stays alive through the year. Here is where Mickey Mouse, along with his friends Donald Duck, Aladdin, Peter Pan and Buzz Lightyear, parade around, whereas a multitude of adventurous rides will by nextvoyage please the thrill-seeking patrons. The park also harbors plenty of dining establishments which serve an amalgam of delectable Asian cuisines. Enlivened further by a number of shows, fireworks and festivities, Hong Kong Disneyland, is, indeed, one of the most exhilarating experiences the city has to offer. + 852 183 0830 (Reservations) www.hongkongdisneyland.com/ Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Victoria Harbour "Stunning Skyline Views" One of Hong Kong's star attractions and one of the deepest container ports in the world, Victoria Harbour is shielded on both sides by urban structures. The port has towering skyscrapers and Victoria Peak on one side, and the Tsim Sha Tsui shoreline on the other. Everyday, hundreds of ferries, tugs, speed boats, and barges come here, carrying people and by AdamHillTravel cargo. The history of this iconic harbor dates back to the First and Second Opium Wars, when China was defeated by the British, making Hong Kong a British colony. Named Victoria Harbour after the Queen of England, the harbor's critical position on the South China Sea, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, facilitated a thriving economy which largely impacted Hong Kong's development. The harbor, a natural landmark that showcases both the past and future of Hong Kong's progress, is a spectacle at night. It comes alive with a light and sound show that features a dazzle of lasers, music, and twinkling buildings. +852 2807 6543 www.discoverhongkong.c [email protected] Salisbury Road, Hong Kong om/in/see-do/tours-walks/ guided-tours/victoria- harbour/index.jsp Ocean Park "Truly World Class" One of Hong Kong's oldest theme parks and among the globe's most visited amusement parks, Ocean Park Hong Kong also holds the distinction of being the top contenders of Asia's biggest theme parks. This massive parkland has something for everyone. Comprising of an oceanarium, amusement park, marine park and animal park, it is spread by Leonardolo at English across two zones, The Summit and The Waterfront. These are segregated Wikipedia further into thematic areas. For thrilling rides such as The Flash, The Mine Train and Raging River, The Summit is the place to go. It is also where you will find the Polar Adventure. Meet the adorable giant pandas at The Waterfront. Also get up-close with marine mammals at this end of the park. Fun, educational and exciting, Ocean Park will keep you wanting for more. +852 2552 0291 www.oceanpark.com.hk/ [email protected] Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong Ngong Ping 360 "Gondola Thrill" Ngong Ping 360 is an aerial cable car system located in Lantau Island, affording breathtaking views of the island's topography, characterized by vast blue waters and verdant hills. The system includes a round-trip cable car route and a sightseeing village called Ngong Ping Village, where markets and performances are held during festivals. The full length of the by NatalieTracy Ngong Ping cable is 5.7 kilometers (3.5 miles), strung above the South Sea, North Lantau National Park, Hong Kong airport and ending at the Big Buddha. With a one-way trip taking about 25 minutes, this gondola lift is one of the most-favored attractions among tourists. There is a special cabin available called Crystal Cabin, equipped with a glass bottom, enchanting visitors' with a breathtaking bird's eye view of the island. For great aerial views of Hong Kong, the Ngong Ping 360 is the best. + 852 3666 0606 www.np360.com.hk/en/ [email protected] 11 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Hong Kong Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery "Iconic & Quirky" Perched atop a hill in the Sha Tin district of Hong Kong, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is the work of Yuet Kai, a Buddhist who dedicated his life to this iconic temple. First founded in 1933, the temple was constructed over the course of 24 years, with the last Buddha placed in 1957. The temple complex is remarkable, but it's the walk up that is the by Mitchan14 true visual treat. Thousands of Buddha statues, each one unique, line the path to the monastery. The monastery is the final resting place of Yuet Kai. If you've worked up an appetite, the monastery's vegetarian restaurant offers reasonably priced healthy cuisine with all profits going towards temple's maintenance. +852 2691 1067 www.10kbuddhas.org/ 221 Pai Tau Street, Pai Tau Village, Shatin, Hong Kong Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck "Best Viewing Spot" Aptly named, Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is perched on the 100th floor of International Commerce Centre. Boasting to be the only indoor observation deck that offers 360 degree vistas of the island city, this top-class attraction is reached by fast elevators within a minute. by Diego Delso Check out the enthralling 3D sculpture with multimedia displays chronicling the growth of Hong Kong. Or get superb views on the advanced telescope. Get a breathtaking view of the Victoria Harbour beneath your feet at the Sunken Model, a unique, see-through glass floor. For more cultural information, the Interactive Story Wall with over a 100 stories is recommended. Head to the gift shop to buy some Hong Kong inspired merchandise. The on-site cafe is a great spot to refresh with coffee and tasty bites. + 852 2613 3888 www.sky100.com.hk/ [email protected] 1 Austin Road West, 100th Floor, International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong Hong Kong Museum of History "Chronicling Hong Kong's Past" One of the top museums in town and also free of charge for its permanent exhibits, Hong Kong Museum of History chronicles 400 million years of by No machine-readable this island's history. That is indeed a massive amount of time to explore author provided. and understand. Spread across eight galleries, this bi-level establishment Alanmak~commonswiki really takes one back in time. Dioramas, multimedia exhibits and graphic assumed (based on copyright panels give insight into the topography, nature, culture, history and claims). growth of Hong Kong. With thousands of objects creating a story-line that is exciting and engaging, there is probably no other museum in the city that is as comprehensive as the Hong Kong Museum of History. They also have special exhibitions at times. +852 2724 9042 hk.history.museum/ [email protected] 100 Chatham Road South, Hong Kong Nan Lian Garden "A Serene Spot" Influenced by the Tang-style layout, the Nan Lian Garden is probably the only one of its kind in the city. This beautiful park, characterized by glistening ponds, is indeed a wonderful place to stroll. The tea house and snack houses offer refreshments for park visitors. The rockery and the Buddhist temple of "Pavilion of Absolute Perfection" are some of the by Anna & Michal major highlights of the garden.