Hong Kong is a bustling city with a mix of Chinese and Western influences. It’s a great place for foodies, with an incredible variety of Chinese and international cuisine. Be sure to visit Victoria Peak for a stunning view of the city skyline, and take a ride on the historic Star Ferry. For a taste of local culture, explore the markets of Mong Kok and try your hand at bargaining. And if you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, take a hike on the Dragon’s Back trail for breathtaking views of the coast.
Hong Kong welcomes visitors with an iconic skyline, a legendary kitchen, and lush, protected nature where rare birds and colorful traditions thrive.
Standing at 552m, Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. It is also one of the most visited spots by tourists, and it’s not hard to see why. Sweeping views of the metropolis, verdant woods, and easy but spectacular walks are all reachable in just eight minutes from Central via Hong Kong’s 125-year-old, gravity-defying Peak Tram. Predictably, it’s become a money-making circus with restaurants and two shopping malls, but there’s still magic up here if you can get past that.
One of Hong Kong’s oldest temples and a declared monument, the atmospheric Man Mo Temple is dedicated to the gods of literature (‘Man’), holding a writing brush, and of war (‘Mo’), wielding a sword. Built-in 1847 during the Qing dynasty by wealthy Chinese merchants, it was, besides a place of worship, a court of arbitration for local disputes when trust was thin between the Chinese and the colonialists.
The Peak Tram runs every 10 to 15 minutes from 7:30am to 11pm; booking in advance or using an Octopus card to pay for the ticket will help reduce your queuing time. Note that the ticket office will push the fare that includes entry to the Sky Terrace 428 viewing deck (HK$122/148 per one way/return). Be sure to sit on the righthand side going up for the best views.
