If tranquility and serenity are adjectives you would use to describe the perfect trip, leave Hong Kong out of your itinerary. The boisterous energy of 14 million inhabitants leaves the visitor wondering if insomnia is contagious in this city. Hong Kong is the quintessential representation of east meets west, boasting its own Times Square along with artifacts from the Paleolithic Age. The far-reaching history and booming capitalist economy has propelled Hong Kong to the forefront of modern technology and commerce. The best way to navigate this urban jungle is to allow extraordinary diversions to lead where they may, while visiting a few key sites when you travel to Hong Kong.
From Opium Wars to Opulence: Hong Kong History
Since the Stone Age, the island of Hong Kong has supported a society rich with influences from Europeans and the Portuguese through steady and moderate trade. During the 1700s, increased commercial value of Asian luxury goods sparked heightened global interest in this once-neglected corner of China. Following the Opium Wars of the mid-19th century between the British and Chinese, Hong Kong was officially ceded to the British Empire as a Crown Colony beginning in 1898 for a term of 99 years. During that term, Hong Kong’s economy blossomed onto the international stage to become one of the most prosperous free markets of today. After 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China as a Special Administrative Region under the conditions that the market and government would remain free and democratic (non-Communist) while Beijing would only handle national security and foreign diplomacy (”one country, two systems”).
Today, Hong Kong has maintained a majority of its autonomy and travel to Hong Kong has remained relatively easy for Western nationals. At this time a visa is still not required unless traveling through China as well. English is still an official language along with Chinese.
The Sights and Sounds of Hong Kong Travel
The constant buzz of modern life and the ghostly prevalence of ancient life on the island will keep any traveler occupied without a moment to spare. A unique attraction that pays homage to the Chinese fixation with caged song birds is the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden where 70 different bird stalls, each elaborately decorated, fill the air with their own harmony. From anywhere in the city it is impossible to miss the looming Bank of China Tower, now Hong Kong’s national monument and a modern declaration of China’s mounting role in the global economy. In the center of the city is Times Square, a monumental 9-story shopping complex that dwarfs Western commercialism. Hong Kong museums do not skip a beat, ranging from science and space to history and art.
When the sensory overload of the city center begins to take a numbing effect it is easy to escape to one of Hong Kong’s many parks and monasteries. Victoria Peak is by far the most popular asylum, standing 1,810 feet above the city lights – only to offer more distractions of a smaller commercial district. The famous Man Mo Temple and the Miu Fat Monastery provide a mind-calming sanctuary while Kowloon Walled City Park, which once protected a private Chinese enclave during British rule, is a true natural refuge from Hong Kong’s concrete.
Once in Hong Kong, the city will guide you along its commercial corridors and through its ancient alleys. Tradition and history are alive in every corner of this modern municipality, as long as you can turn away from the neon distractions.
Posts Tagged ‘Travel’
Hong Kong Travel: Not For The Faint Of Heart
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010When Is The Best Time To Travel To Hong Kong?
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010I want to travel from Chicago (ORD) to Hong Kong (HKG) either this summer or next christmas. Which one’s airfare is cheaper? I can only afford tickets about 800-920 dollars.
Hong Kong Travel ? Incredible City
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010Hong Kong is among those places that are unique and multifaceted, that it becomes very difficult to describe them. Popular as the ‘city of contrasts’, ‘world class city’, and an ‘amazing city’ all aptly sum up the city. Hong Kong today is a ‘special administrative region’ under the People’s Republic of China. Earlier the Hong Kong territory was under the British for many decades as a result of the 19th century Opium wars. In 1842, Hong Kong, came under the British and remained with them until the 1997 handover to China. With the policy of ‘one country, two systems’, Hong Kong will retain its own social, economical and political systems.
Hong Kong travel is unlike any other travel experience. From a small fishing village in the early 1800s, to a modern cosmopolitan metropolis of 21st century, all through it is an amazing journey. The city has grown into a vibrant city, an important financial and economical center, full with imposing sky rise buildings. The map of Hong Kong can be clearly marked of three main important areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the new territories and some 260 small outlying islands. This city of contrasts provides with an excellent opportunity, to experience at the same time an exciting modern city along with fusion of the ancient civilizations and rich traditions. It is a perfect picture out here with the city balancing the old and the new traditions, varied sights and attractions as varied as the people of the region.
Travel Hong Kong has in store a fantastic holiday destination for the travelers. A city that is always in the process of evolving and taking in on the modern advancements, tourists return with memorable times. The best time for Hong Kong travel is the period from October to December, when the days are sunny and cool comfortable nights. Even the months of January, February and March are good times to travel. However, summer months can get too hot and humid and even the cheapest months for the reason that it the low season for tourists because of the weather.
Traveling to Hong Kong would see unfolding of a city that is soaked in traditions yet taking in on the modern developments. In fact, it is an odd combination of everything one could expect to find here and asume of the city. The city’s vibrating commercial activity is the highlight of any holiday here. A vacation to Hong Kong is going to be packed, full of bright lights, exciting shopping opportunities, moving nightlife and an array of tourist attractions. For sure, every age group would find something to intrigue them and enjoy to their fullest. The attraction of ‘Symphony of Lights’ on the Hong Kong Island is a favorite place among the romantic couples, whereas the visitors with a family find the Ocean Park and Disneyland very interesting options. Catch the city’s best picture of the skyline from the Victoria Peak, considered to be amongst the best in the world.
Travel Hong Kong gives many reasons to travelers, who flock here from all over the world. However, it is the exceptional shopping, excellent food, cruising to the outlying islands and spending some relaxing moments in the lap of the nature that are not to be missed when traveling to Hong Kong.
How Can I Travel From Hong Kong To Yuanyang In The Yunnan Province Of China?
Monday, December 28th, 2009What methods of transportation are available to travel from Hong Kong to the city of Yuanyang in the Yunnan Province of China?
Alternatively, from Hanoi, Vietnam to Yuanyang in the Yunnan Province of China?
What kind of Visa do I need to enter the Yunnan Province if I am staying in Hong Kong?
Travel Hong Kong: 12 Must See Places
Monday, December 7th, 2009Hong Kong features a diverse mixture of characters as a result of long British occupation and a great Chinese influence. As a state of China, Hong Kong provides a good introduction to who ever wants to know more about China without entering the mainland plus a venue for more attractions with western culture and Asian spirit.
1. Hong Kong Museum of Art – Located at 10 Salisbury Rd Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is open to anyone who wants to take a glimpse of Hong Kong’s culture and history through its large collection of over 14,000 items ranging from calligraphy, paintings, Hong Kong treasure, art objects, antiques, and lithographs. The museum is open from 10:00am-6:00pm daily except Thursday (public holidays not included).
2. Hong Kong Disneyland – The newly open and the first ever Disneyland in Asia offers total fun and excitement for the whole family. The park is divided into four major attractions: Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Main Street, USA.
3. Victoria Peak – Soaring 1810 feet above sea level, the Victoria Peak is premier destination for tourists who want to take a birds eye view of downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. Go another step higher and take a 10-minute hike to the actual Victoria Peak.
4. Lantau Island – Travel Hong Kong and take a cruise around the waters of Lantau Island and watch pink dolphins that only live in this waters.
5. Ocean Park – Travel Hong Kong and visit Ocean Park. This is one Hong Kong attractions where you and your kids will have a great fun. The park is one big oceanarium containing Lowlands Gardens where pandas live, goldfish pagoda and butterfly house are located, Marine Land where atoll reef and shark aquariums are found, and Headlands amusement park where you can go and take a ride with cable cars and roller coasters.
6. Water World – Travel Hong Kong with kids would never be so much fun without taking a plunge on Water World. Enjoy wave pools, play area, and water slides.
7. Middle Kingdom – A miniature China that houses Chinese shrines, street scenes, temples, and palaces only at Middle Kingdom.
8. The Central district – If you travel to Hong Kong because you love to shop, you better go to the central Hong Kong district where big shopping malls and several Western designer and signature boutiques are located.
9. Lamma Island – If you want to see a different Hong Kong, try Lamma Island. It hosts several outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. And if you love to taste fresh Hong Kong seafood in great dining ambiance, Lamma Island is still the preferred place to go.
10. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Sha Tin) – Located at New Territories, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery features Buddha in different poses and colors.
11. Hong Kong Space Museum – See what’s in store for you in the future at Hong Kong Space Museum. The complex offers hundreds of displays ranging from telecommunications, robotics, energy, computers, and physics with hands on experience that will keep you interested.
12. Wet Market – In Hong Kong, everything is fresh. And when they say fresh, they mean it. If you happen to travel Hong Kong to visit a friend or someone you know, come along when they go to wet market where the freshest among freshest seafood are for sale.