If you didn’t know already, I’m half Chinese and whilst I adore my Asian heritage I can often find myself disconnected with it as a part of my identity due to not having much exposure from that side. This trip to Hong Kong marked my third visit to the country (technically a SAR of China but technicalities) and as always, it was a complete culture overload in the very best sense.
Hong Kong ranks as probably my favourite place I’ve ever gone to on holiday and in it’s honour, I’m going to share some of my highlights from the trip.
the harbour in Tsim Sha Tsiu
This is the place to catch Star Ferry in order to cross the river to get to central. It’s actually ridiculously cheap compared to what other cities charge (about the same as a metro ticket) as people use it as casually just as you would do any other form of transport – however you can get such a gorgeous view of both Tsim Sha Tsiu and Central whilst on it (so much so that I rode it three times!).
more views from the harbour
view from Star Ferry
Tai Kwun – centre for heritage and arts
This used to be Central Police Station but has since been converted, however it meant that along the tradition exhibitions you could also visit and learn about the courtrooms that were there ~100 years ago.
Tai Kwun is located in Central so is right by the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators which is the longest covered escalator system in the world (at over 800m) and is used as another walkway (and is often quicker than the bustling streets below).
view from Mid-Levels Escalator near Tai Kwun
Mong Kok + Prince Edward
This area of Kowloon is where all the major street markets in Hong Kong congregate. Compared to other major tourist parts, Mong Kok feels as though its stayed the truest to its Chinese roots and authenticity. The most famous (and most touristy) market is the “Lady Market”, however there’s also the goldfish and flower markets along with “Sneaker Street” and all the street food money can buy.
dim sum restaurant near Prince Edward
flower market
pagoda at City U (a university in Hong Kong)
my friend and I with Lantau Island behind us
Nan Lian garden
Chi Lin Nunnery
The Nan Lian garden and Chi Lin Nunnery can be found together in Diamond Hill. The garden is a classical one designed in the Tang Dynasty-style and it was incredibly calming to walk around, a complete contrast compared to the rest of Hong Kong. The Nunnery was founded in 1934 for Buddhist nuns and was also built in the Tang Dynasty style.
the instagram famous Choi Hung Estate
(a lot of photos were taken here)
Lamma Island – island in Hong Kong
I went on a day trip with some of my family to go for a morning hike as it’s what the island is known for (at least to the locals). The picture above shows a much calmer version of it – before it chucked it down with rain later on!
view of Hong Kong Island and some of New Territories from Victoria Peak
Here my friend and I did a circular walk so we could see the view from all over the island. Unfortunately it was a slightly cloudy day but beautiful all the same.
I hope you enjoyed having a small insight to my time in Hong Kong as it was an absolute dream for me!
Have you been to Hong Kong before? If so, how did you like it? If not, is it somewhere you’d like to go to?
What’s your favourite place to visit on holiday?
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