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10 Essential Experiences for the Ultimate Summer Stay In Hong Kong
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Known as a city that never shuts down, Hong Kong continues to be an exciting destination full of inspiration, western culture and old tradition for luxury travellers alike. Here are 10 essential experiences for the ultimate summer stay in Hong Kong:
1. The Views
A trip to The Peak is one of the best ways to view Hong Kong. The 373-metre tram journey provides unparalleled views of the city skyline, overlooking Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. While a city tour will allow you to find your way around, tours of outlying islands will allow you to appreciate the area’s unique scenery and lifestyle.
2. The History
Starting as part of Imperial China and changing hands between the British, Japanese, and returned to the Chinese in 1997, Hong Kong has a vivid history. The Heritage Tour offers an insight into this vast history, showcasing the stunning architecture and sites including the Ancient Man Mo temple, and the walled village of Lo Wai.
3. The Harbour
Historical Victoria Harbour is known for its breath-taking views and for sailing on the Duk Ling, or clever duck, the last authentic junk in Hong Kong. Restored in the 1980s, the Duk Ling takes up to 30 passengers on a voyage through the harbour, running Thursdays and Saturdays from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
4. The Culture
For a fun and better understanding of the local culture, the Hong Kong Tourist Board is offering a variety of free classes over the Summer months, run at various times throughout the day. Everything from Feng Shiu, Tai Chi, Chinese Tea appreciation, Kung Fu, Chinese Cake-making, Chinese Medicine, and even Cantonese opera appreciation are on offer.
5. The Cuisine
Use your newfound appreciation of Chinese Tea and visit a teahouse - another must-do in Hong Kong. ‘Yum cha’, or tea drinking, has a rich history and is an essential part of Chinese culture. Scattered throughout Hong Kong, teahouses provide a casual dining experience where locals chat, eat dim sum and drink Chinese tea and other local delicacies.
6. The Shopping
Tax-free, duty-free and offering Summer sales, entertainment and exhibitions, shopping in Hong Kong is both sophisticated and hard to beat. With a variety of shopping districts and markets, including the famous Jade Market, you can search for the treasured Chinese Gem. For no-worry shopping, simply look for the Quality Tourism sign - organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the sign advertises shops and restaurants visitors can trust.
7. The Festivals
With numbers of Chinese festivals offered over the Summer months you are sure to witness the spectacular Birthday of Kwan Tai (held on July 26th each year); the Seven Sisters Festival (held August 7); and for the superstitious, the Yue Lann, or Hungry Ghost Festival (starting August 14, and continuing for a month), when ghosts are said to roam the earth.
8. The Wildlife
A sight not to be missed is the now sadly endangered Indo-Pacific-Humpbacked Dolphins, or pink dolphins, in their natural habitat. The fisheries of the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, on the western side of Hong Kong, are an important food source for dolphins in the area.
9. The Events
Summer offers a variety of special events in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Book Fair (July 23-29) will excite literature lovers, while for food and wine connoisseurs the Food Expo (August 14-18), and International Wine Expo (August 16) will tantalize the taste buds.
10. The Symphony of Lights
A harbour highlight loved by tourists, the Symphony of Lights begins every night at 8pm. Awarded the ‘Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show’ by the Guinness World Records, the 20 minute multimedia show has been designed to celebrate Hong Kong’s energy, spirit and diversity.
If you like these suggestions while visiting Hong Kong, contact your luxury concierge company Pure Conciergerie and we will organize your bespoke Hong Kong trip with five starts hotels, Michelin star restaurants, private guided visits and much more.
Email concierge@purentonline.com for trip packages, details and pricing
Via Luxury Travel Magazine
