What makes Hong Kong’s culture unusual stems back to events that happened almost 220 years ago. In 1842, following the First Opium War, China gave up its claim over Hong Kong and its 235 islands passing into the hands of the British. In 1898, a new agreement was reached between the two counties that would see Britain lease Hong Kong for 99 years. In 1998 Hong Kong and all its territory transferred back to the People’s Republic of China. However, the European influence is deeply embedded in the culture, making the country a true case of where East meets West. With English regarded as its official language (alongside Chinese), for English speaking travellers, Hong Kong is an easy place to find your way around.
Visitors staying for a few days can pack in loads of adventures just by sticking to the three major spots - Lantau Island, Kowloon on the mainland and Hong Kong Island.
For shoppers who love their high fashion, Hong Kong is binge-worthy buying. Just about every street corner is lined with European designer stores, one after the other - Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Yves Saint Laurant and Armani - all stocked with their latest collections from fabulous couture creations to those little must-have luxury accessories. If you don’t want to line up, we suggest you hit the shops early.
But there’s plenty of other shopping to be had and bargains to be found too. Department stores are everywhere and if you want your shopping experience to come with an extra lift in life, head to The Central Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system where the world’s longest outdoor escalator will deliver you to shops and restaurants along its 800-metre journey.
The markets are also particularly good. There are a few to visit so make sure you give yourself enough time to have a good mooch around, find what you’re looking for and to barter for your best price. That may mean walking away and then coming back later with a new bid. But be firm, it’s all good fun. Our top picks for market-goers are the Ladies Market, Temple Street Night Market and Jade Market in Kowloon, and Stanley Market and Cat Market and Hollywood Road on Hong Kong Island.
To break it down, the Ladies Market is a sprawling street market just off Nathan Road in the heart of Kowloon. This market is a treasure trove for those looking for jewellery, handbags and clothing, handcrafted goods and bric-a-brac. You can spend hours browsing and buying and while this market is geared to female consumers, it does cater to men and has enough variety and wide range of wares that appeal to almost all tastes, regardless of gender.
The Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon is a cracker. It’s huge, the largest market by far covering several city blocks, and it’s busy. People flock in each night to soak up the atmosphere, find fantastic authentic food options to gratify the appetite and maybe grab a bargain or two while they’re at it.
The Jade Market is off Shanghai Street and a winner for those hunting down beautiful baubles be they jade, pearls and other types of trinkets. When buying jade, we love how every piece comes with its own good fortune be it good luck, good health, long life, great happiness or success. It’s a fun place to spend an hour or two and you’re bound to leave with at least one lucky charm tucked under your arm. As you do, you might want to quickly duck into the Yau Ma Tei food market across the road. Even if you’re not buying, if you love seafood, it’s an interesting and authentic food experience you may find well worth your while.
The Stanley Market is located on the south coast of Hong Kong Island. Set in a seaside suburb with a resort look and feel this is a great spot to spend the day shopping, dining and enjoying the waterfront. With a reputation for high quality, this is the place to visit if you’re looking for silk, fashion and traditional clothing, jewellery and souvenirs. Stanley Waterfront Mart is across the road and provides a perfect way to spend time at one of the many outdoor eateries overlooking the water or checking out the adjoining specialty stores.
Food is another one of the reasons why you want to keep coming back to Hong Kong. The often-entertaining, interesting and for the uninitiated, sometimes disturbing aspect about Asian cooking is the fact that nothing is wasted. Like many cultures across the world, Hong Kong nationals are mindful about their food and never take it for granted.
The simple ‘no waste’ approach to food has resulted in the creation of time-honoured dishes and traditional cooking methods that while unfamiliar to many western palates are the daily dishes of millions. And what’s weird to the visitor is often a delicacy to the locals. For example, birds nest soup - a mixture of chicken broth and Swiftlet saliva, along with chicken feet, snake soup and chicken testicles are widely enjoyed in Hong Kong. If you prefer to skip those delights for something a little less exotic, you can live happily on Tim Ho Wan’s dim sum, or the noodles, soups and buns you’ll find being freshly prepared and cooked in restaurants along most city streets. If we were to make any recommendation when it comes to the local food it would be to explore the streets and alleyways, ask around and treat yourself to food experiences from cheap and tasty to top draw dining.
On that theme of food and authentic experiences, Aberdeen Fishing Village is a glimpse into the Hong Kong of old and a way of life that revolved around small and enterprising fishermen and women who lived, worked and raised their families on their junks (boats) totally connected to the sea for their livelihoods, as much as any farmer on the land would be. Aberdeen sits against a stark backdrop of tall shiny skyscrapers and fancy pleasure craft - a powerful reminder of Hong Kong’s cultural and working-class roots. While visiting Hong Kong, you can take one of the several traditional junk tours of Victoria Harbour on offer that will give you new insights and different perspectives of the city.
At night see Victoria Harbour in a new light from any of the waterfront vantage points. The nightly laser light show is world-famous and a spectacular display of colour that illuminates the sky above and the water below. Check seasonal start times to be sure you catch it.
After dark entertainment doesn’t stop there. Head to Lan Kwai Fong for all-night party action with restaurants, cocktail bars and plenty of nightclubs to keep you on your toes. And if you’re anything like the crew here at Gifting Owl don’t miss the chance for some genuinely inspired karaoke magic before you pack it in!
Of course, the next day - or perhaps the day after that - you can work all the party favours off with a spritely hike. You can always take on an urban adventure with a hike along Dragon’s Back or up the Ladder Street. These always reward the doers with awesome views along the way.
However, if you want your hiking adventures with a touch of the metaphysical, Lantau Island is where you’ll find Tian Tan - or as most people call it, Big Buddha. This magnificent statue sits over 34 metres high, resplendent as ever on the hilltop. To get to the village at the foot of Big Buddha, you can walk the mountain trail, bus it or take the really easy way and hop on the Npong Ping Cable Car. Top tip alert - try to snag a car with a transparent floor so you can see the ground beneath you as well as the magnificent vistas across the water and mountain range as you climb to the Tian Tan entrance. Once you’re there if you’re up for it take the 268-stair climb to the very top. You’ll not only stand in awe of Big Buddha but also be rewarded with even more of those spectacular views.
Monastical experiences are commonplace in Asia and Hong Kong is no exception. The Po Fook Hill Mountains is the home of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. A wonderful and enriching experience, getting there can be a challenge but well worth it. Take heed, you will need a fair degree of fitness to make the hilly climb to the monastery. If you’d prefer a more accessible experience there are monasteries dotted across the city in both Hong Kong and on Hong Kong Island.
For family fun or if you’re just a kid at heart that’s never strayed far from the land where dreams come true, Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-do. You’ll love this uniquely Chinese twist on Disneyland and our Gifting Owl for day tours of the park.
