Hong Kong has long been known as a destination known for its bright lights, hustle, bustle and some of the world's best street food.
There are family-friendly theme parks (including Disney) and vertiginous skyscrapers that are so mesmerising that you'll have a hard time keeping your eyes at street level. The city lights up like a Christmas tree every night with light shows that twinkle across the harbour and light up the lush tropically-forested mountains that surround it.
A lot of people think of Hong Kong as a city break or a stopover rather than as a destination in its own right.
This is where you learn that just like any glamorous lady; she has more than a few surprises and tricks up her sleeve. Hong Kong wears her recently acquired glass and neon finery like a cloak that conceals a wardrobe of vintage and cultural treasures. Old Hong Kong is something else entirely from the face that the city has always presented. The tide has turned, and it's time to embrace the essence of the layers of history that have created this unique, blended city.
Lovers of nature and culture have traditionally been a touch shy of total immersion in a city that is still awake when other cities go to bed.
Outside the bright lights and thronging crowds of the main commercial and party districts, however, there are havens of calm and culture, perfect surf breaks and remnants of old historical days in perfectly preserved buildings that nestle side by side with Michelin-starred restaurants. Regeneration of older parts of Hong Kong, such as West Kowloon, are bringing a different character to the town that feels laid back, while Buddhist temples in magical forests transport you to an unexpected realm of calm.
In Hong Kong you can do as much or as little as you like. You can move fast or slow, search for peace or adrenaline or pack in a bit of both to ensure you return home relaxed yet full of stories that you will never find in another city. 
Thousand Island Lake
Travelling to and within Hong Kong.
The time zone makes it an easy trip from Australia with relatively little jetlag and the flights are direct from many places in Australia. The convenience of Hong Kong as an international travel hub means that you'll always have the opportunity to stop and check something new off your list. While you're there, you'll find that this busy city is incredibly easy to get around with an extremely well-run train system, ferries, taxis and buses aplenty. Get yourself an Octopus card and you can travel most of the public transport system without having to carry pockets of cash around. It's super cheap and efficient. Central Station is easy to get to from the airport, and in no time, you'll find yourself wide-eyed in the centre of the action. Grab a good night's rest before starting your Hong Kong adventure. Explore by day and feast by night.
Whoever heard of going to Hong Kong to relax?
It doesn't sound right, does it? But it's a city of two halves. Organised chaos, excitement and full-on charisma reign on the one side. On the other, nature, culture and tranquillity in quiet tucked away places that you could have almost to yourself in the off-season.
I suggest a day of two halves. On your first day, I'd blow away the cobwebs from the flight with a walk along the classic Hong Kong trek, the Dragon's Back. It's a relatively easy 4-hour walk with a couple of steeper areas. It's not a place for heels or buggies though, and there are few rest stops along the way, so make sure you take a water bottle. Get the Concierge to book you a taxi and leave the city as early into the morning rush as you can bear. The trains are always busy first thing in the morning so spare yourself the culture shock of an Asian City in rush hour and get out of town. Your driver will drop you off at the start of the trek, and there are usually taxis at the destination of Big Wave Bay where you can hire a surfboard if the mood takes you or just take a quick refresher or meal at a local cafe. Support the local economy of this lesser travelled area by getting your travel agent to book you a local tour guide who can point out all the best views and areas of significance. One of the most spectacular views that begs for a bucket list photo is the view of the Chai Wan skyscrapers from the Dragon's Back hiking trail, framed between lush semi-tropical trees. It's a sight that accentuates the feeling of ancient and modern occupying the same space that transports you across the millennia as the sun rises over the glistening South China Sea. A fantastic way to spend your first morning and burn off some calories from all the dim sum that you just can't resist! After lunch, head back to your hotel to get ready for the other must-see view in Hong Kong. The Peak is a viewpoint from the highest part of the city limits, where you can relax with some dinner, a glass of wine and the technological marvel of the evening light show.
The History and Culture of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has been a strategically important area for centuries since it was a sleepy fishing village. This has brought together a cosmopolitan mix of people from all over the world that now call the city home. The result is an eclectic mix of architectural styles where original Chinese-style tradition rubs shoulders with Western-style architecture, art and food.
Pay a visit to the 'Big Buddha' at Lantau Island and take the jaw-dropping Ngong Ping 360 cable car. A huge, 34m tall stone Buddha sits on his plinth in glorious isolation, disturbed only by the swaying of the branches and the chirping of the birds. The custodians of Po Lin Monastery, a beautifully preserved traditional building occupied by gentle, kind souls, will sell you a bowl of delicious vegetarian food at the Monastery cafe. Indulge yourself and keep your money local to help the Monks preserve this remarkable heritage site.
Regeneration of older, traditionally working-class suburbs is happening all over the world and Hong Kong is no exception. Pay a visit to West Kowloon, where life feels slower and the vibe is arty. Where people live and work. Coffee shops and cafés abound, and it's a great spot for grabbing an outside table and watching people going about their daily business. Fortified by a drink or two, escape the bustle and crowds and move at a different pace at the West Kowloon Cultural District. Here you will find the Xiqu Centre, a world-class performance venue promoting Chinese traditional theatre, Cantonese Opera and regional forms of performing arts. The Xiqu Centre’s striking design blends elements of traditional and contemporary Chinese architecture to reflect the evolving nature of the art of Chinese opera.
The Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Eat yourself happy on Hong Kong Island.
Classic dim sum or congee houses compete with Michelin-starred fusion food restaurants. Read more about Traditional Hong Kong Yum Cha and dumpling wrapping in this blog post for foodies. You'll be a foodie too by the time you leave, so give into temptation and book a tour of Wellington Street, the 'Michelin Mile' where excellence attracts more excellence. This street is home to some of the most iconic traditional food and the birthplace of a unique fusion food scene that has seen dumplings meet puff pastry, and what a delight it is! If you're missing home, grab some beef puffs. They're made from Australian Wagyu Beef and are the closest thing to a gourmet Aussie pie that you're going to get. The meat is juicy, tender and delicious, accompanied by a satisfying crunch. Abalone puffs at Lung King Heen are expensive, but you have to have one of these little local delicacies. For the best Siu Mai in town, head to Duddells and for BBQ Pork buns that were so exquisite that they earned a Michelin Star, pop along the street to Tim Ho Wan. For vegetarians or vegans, try Summer Palace, where the chefs are making waves with plant-based food, making mind-boggling magic with exotic mushrooms which deliver a classic MasterChef 'Umami Bomb'. Every restaurant or dumpling house has its own speciality, so have a look at what other people are eating and get that. Be adventurous. Adventure is written large into the personality and history of Hong Kong and the best way to experience it is to blend.
Release yourself into the melting pot and enjoy the difference. Your only limitation is the tightness of your belt.
Set your FUN level to maximum.
Hong Kong has a staggering number of international events and well-loved local fixtures. It's a work-hard, play-hard city for its residents, but you're just here to play, so make the most of it. If you want to live like locals, make sure you head to the Hong Kong Races at Happy Valley Racecourse. It's on most Wednesday evenings and gets absolutely packed; the atmosphere is electric, with excited patrons studying form and cheering on the winners. It's a real must-do, especially if you love horse racing.
A major drawcard for international travellers is the Hong Kong Sevens, for a giddy, multicultural carnival atmosphere. If you love sport, dressing up and watching the finest players in the world flatten themselves for amusement value, then it's perfect. Pick yourself up a costume from one of the many shops on Pottinger Street and join the good-natured, noisy, multicoloured, snaking trail to the stadium. This event takes place over the course of three days in late March/Early April, so get your travel agent to book your flights as soon as the tickets are released as they sell out quickly.
You can't beat the atmosphere at the Hong Kong Sevens
The World's Biggest Party - Chinese New Year 2024.
Looking for the party of a lifetime? Hong Kong is the place to be with a mouth-watering number of international events every year but Chinese New Year (CNY, also referred to as Lunar New Year) is in a league of its own. In 2024, the moon takes us into the Year of the Dragon, the most auspicious year in the Chinese calendar.
Two things to remember:
- It's going to be busy
- It's going to be awesome
You'll need to book early. Demand for accommodation and flights rises as all of China and Hong Kong mobilise in the long journey home to spend time with their loved ones. But worth it? Yes! This is when Hong Kong shows its absolute true colours and when it is most alive and vibrant. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see how Hong Kong really celebrates their families, homes and good fortune. It's a generous time of year when you may be invited to events or be strolling past restaurants filled to bursting with joy-filled, family gatherings. Ever the entertainer, the city goes into overdrive, with money exchanging hands in cheerful red envelopes as the devout pray for good luck in the coming 12 lunar cycles. Pick up a lucky pinwheel to carry some of the luck home with you from the world's biggest party.
Yes, it's an amazing party, but there are traditions to be observed, especially if you are at someone's home or place of work. The auspiciousness of the occasion is sacred and protected during this period of rebirth and change. Everything must be done in the right order at the right time to ensure that maximum luck is guaranteed. Follow along with the traditional activities to get the full CNY experience. Visiting the Wong Tai Sin and Che Kung temples, the Chinese New Year flower markets and try your luck on Raceday!
Chinese New Year Night Parade
CNY 2024 - Do it Right!
- You might have been up until all hours the night before, but it is strictly taboo to wash on the first day of the Chinese New Year. This is to avoid washing off the remnants of luck and incense too early.
- No meat. Tofu was invented for this moment!
- No Congee. Hong Kong's beloved breakfast, Congee, is seen as peasant food, so it has no place in the celebrations.
- No Medicine. Nobody will report on you if you do, though. Just be discrete.
Before you head to the airport, create your own luck.
Visit the Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival (CNY). It's a beautiful little tradition during which you are encouraged to write down your dearest wishes for the New Year and enclose them in an envelope. Tradition states it must be attached to a mandarin with string or ribbon and thrown onto the Wishing Tree, which shimmers in decorations throughout the festivities; however, due to popularity, the actual tree is now cordoned off. You can still grab some extra luck by visiting the tree and hanging your mandarin on the replica tree next to it.
As you bid farewell to this most unique of cities, use the Hong Kong Tourism Board's virtual tourist explorer to plan your next visit or read our Hong Kong destination guide. We also recommend you contact a Travel Agent specialising in Hong Kong itineraries, events and passes. You can find our Hong Kong specialist travel agents here!
One of Hong Kong's luckiest spots, the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree
