Hong Kong Vacations
Proudly calling itself “Asia’s World City,” Hong Kong is an influential hub connecting East Asia to the world’s most important capitals. It’s an important financial center, with a large, sophisticated and well-educated population, and a bustling, modern cityscape.
Located on the South China Sea, Hong Kong is home to vibrant neighborhoods, green city parks, excellent museums and some of the best shopping on the continent. The bustling street markets of Mong Kok, the world’s most densely populated area, are just a few hours away from lush, unspoiled countryside and quiet island outposts.
In downtown Kowloon, admire the impressive collection of Chinese artworks at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Indulge in luxury shopping in the vibrant commercial center of Tsim Sha Tsui, where you can also enjoy panoramic views of Hong Kong Island’s impressive skyline across the harbor.
From Kowloon, catch the famous Star Ferry over to Hong Kong Island’s Central district, where you can ride the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system to Soho’s fashionable bars and restaurants. Party until dawn in the lively Lan Kwai Fong district.
If you become weary of the concrete jungle, the countryside is never far away. In fact, large areas of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are classified as Country Parks, and misty mountains, quiet beaches and traditional towns are within easy reach of the city center. End a day of mountain hikes and beach excursions with a seafood dinner on the waterfront of the small fishing town of Sai Kung.
You can reach all parts of Hong Kong quickly and cheaply thanks to its highly developed and efficient public transportation system, which is also known for being surprisingly easy to navigate. Classic double-decker trams are still seen on the streets, but the most efficient way to get around is the city’s MTR metro system.
This former British colony is separated from mainland China by its own basic law and currency, and locals often speak English as well as Cantonese or Mandarin Chinese, making this an easygoing destination for native English speakers. You’ll find Western-style street names, restaurants and reminders of the city’s colonial past scattered throughout the city alongside monuments of ancient Chinese history and culture.
