Hong Kong SAR

Hong Kong is ‘China Light’ as it offers a wonderful introduction to the ancient Oriental culture and Cantonese cuisine of China but also English-style foods and creature comforts.

China’s ‘special administration region’ of Hong Kong is a place of contrasts. Modern skyscrapers tower over ancient temples, people in traditional dress mingle with business people in suits, and wooden junks dodge enormous container ships in the harbour. The Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) district is a glitzy expat hangout, while Kat Hing Wai is a modest, centuries-old walled city. Explore both to get the hang of Hong Kong.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hong Kong SAR

Is it better to stay on Hong Kong Island or in Kowloon?

It's a question even ancient emperors have asked themselves and the answer is still the same: it all depends on why you come to Hong Kong, and that is different for everyone. Both sides have easy access to the airport and to Victoria Harbour. Both sides have great hotels, restaurants, cafés and malls. To start an empire, of the business kind, Central on Hong Kong Island is your best bet. This, of course, brings a more hurried and official atmosphere with it, but there are smaller islands just a ferry ride away if you need to chill. Stay in Kowloon if you are looking for leisure, historic sights and family entertainment. Kowloon has the TST, short for Tsim Sha Tsui, the lively waterfront full of tourist attractions. Also beyond this harbour-side tourist hub there are enough one-of-a-kind shops, exhibits, parks and museums in Kowloon to keep you browsing for days. Still can't choose? Just make sure you stay near an MRT station, then you can easily hop from one side to the other.

HK is just a stopover for me. How to see the Hong Kong highlights in just a short time?

You can choose from many different bus tours in Hong Kong. Some last just a few hours, others take all day and include Lantau Island and nearby Tai O Fishing Village. You can also customise your tour if you get enough people together to fill a mini van. If you pay more, you can even get a private tour with a guide. If you're really short on time or want to stay as long as you like at each attraction, just hop on the Big Bus Hong Kong Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. You can even explore Hong Kong Island from the water, by ferry and sampan (with some tram rides to get you to the best places on land). These tours often take in a visit to the Mong Kok Ladies Market and the Aberdeen Fishing Village. If you think you need more time, why don't you check if you can make it a multi-day visit as stop over instead? Often it's not all that much more to fly out on a different day and since you've come this far...you may as well make the most of it!

Where can I go for the best city views in Hong Kong?

The Peak is by far the best vantage point in the whole of Hong Kong. On a clear day, you can look out over the skyscrapers, across Victoria Harbour and towards the mountains on the mainland. From Central, just hop on The Peak Tram, one of the steepest funicular railways in the world. There's also sky100 at the International Commerce Centre. This observation deck occupies, you guessed it, the 100th floor. Sky100 offers 360-degree vistas of all Hong Kong. Not quite as easy to reach, with 268 steps to climb to its lofty seat, is the Tian Tan Buddha lookout platform next to the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island. The view is worth it though, not least because the 34-metre high statue itself is an awesome sight. For a completely different perspective, take an evening cruise around Victoria Harbour to see the amazing sound and colour spectacle that is 'A Symphony of Lights'. This nightly show is the perfect finale to any Hong Kong holiday.