A hustle and bustle like no other – Hong Kong is the land of blazing neon bombardment and effervescent excitement. On its enraptured outskirts, too-cute fishing villages, mountains of enfolding Buddhas, and awe-inspiring cable car rides. An undeniable dreamscape, Hong Kong offers a deluge of unending ferry boat rides, shopping escapades, and tried-and-true ‘wishing trees.’
the romance
Travel at twilight to an oh-so-nonchalant floating restaurant where you can dine your hearts out on dim sum served in tradish bamboo baskets. Tram it to Victoria Peak for a spectacular gander at the city’s skyline or peruse the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade against a sea of harbor-waters-meets-stars. The final must – cozy up at Kowloon Park with a bottle of Reserve Merlot from China's Shanxi province.
the scenery
Hong Kong is just what the fashionista consumerist ordered (don’t hate her because she’s stylish) - three interconnected malls, the high-falutin’ Harbour City, Ocean Centre, and Ocean Terminal, for a grand total of over 750 stores and restaurants. If the surplus of Marxist commodities got you down, opt for the leisurely hiking trails of Lamma Island - Yung Shue Wan to the Sok Kwu Wan ferry dock before a seafood supper over cradled waters.
the attractions
The New Territories of Hong Kong provide ample opportunity for exploring local cultural fare and rich historical reserves. Tour the FanLing Apiary when the pretty-in-pink orchards are in full bloom or visit Hoi Pa Village, an old Hakka settlement, for an invigorating daytrip bathed in sun. Visit the ancient pagodas of the Ping Shan Heritage Trail or the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum for a treat in esthetics and contextual evidence.
the adventure
Photo from Ocean Park
Dabble in expatriate meanderings with a train ride to the Sha Tin Racecourse – one of the world’s finest racecourses and Hong Kong’s largest green reserve – Penfold Park. For a shark aquarium, dolphin and sea lion show, the biggest reef aquarium on the planet, and panda bears all in unequivocal gathering place – check out Ocean Park for reels of opportune photo-ops.
the secrets
For a little peace and quiet, the delicate island of Macau is number one – harboring the sacred Temple of Kun Yam, or Goddess of Mercy, the Barrier Gate, the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Taipa Bridge. Don’t worry - if you find yourself missing the fast lane, make it rain at the Lisboa Casino. Over on the island of Cheung Chau, couplings will find the intrigue of Pak Tai Temple most magnetic, being home to the Bun Festival of fair May. Venture into the Cheung Po Tsai Cave for pirate treasure hordes or chillax on Tung Wan Beach.
before you go
What to Expect
Spring: March though May are usually quite warm and low in humidity (16-29°C/61-84°F). Keeping an umbrella close by is recommended during this season though as torrential rain storms are very common.
Summer: June through August are very hot (25-32°C/77-90°F). Humidity levels are high as well. Unpredictable typhoons and storms occur often during this time of the year.
Autumn: September through December are warm and much less humid than the summer months (14-32°C/57-90°F). There is little rainfall too making this an ideal time to visit the city.
Winter: January and February are slightly cooler and rain is generally infrequent (13-20°C/55-68°F).
Clothing
Light clothing is appropriate for the all times of the year except during the winter months when a sweater or light jacket may be necessary in the evenings. Raingear is essential for travel in both the spring and summer.
Currency
The Hong Kong Dollar
The Lingo
Cantonese and English
Documents
A valid passport
Local Delicacies
Dan Dan Noodles: Hong Kong’s famous noodles. They’re usually served with minced pork or as part of a Sze Chuan style dish.
Sweetheart/Wife Cake: A popular Chinese pastry made with melon, almond paste, sesame and spices.
