Hong Kong is an exciting metropolis that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese culture with the globalized modernity of today. Temples for pilgrims, markets for shopping enthusiasts, party spots for night crawlers and an incredible variety of cuisines make up its cultural offerings; so much can be experienced here!
Hong Kong offers more than its share of bustle. There is also a tranquil side, including lush islands, floating fishing villages, and beaches along the South China Sea – providing a pleasant respite from urban stress. You can fly into Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific for the best accommodations.
1. Ocean Park
Ocean Park Hong Kong is one of the world’s premier theme parks, offering visitors an experience like no other with aquarium attractions and thrilling rides combining to provide an unforgettable thrill ride experience. Additionally, this attraction boasts animal conservation and research programs to make this visit truly rewarding.
The Grand Aquarium at Ocean Park features an impressive collection of marine animals from across the globe, with underwater habitats hosting penguins, sea lions and seahorses among many others. As a popular family destination, The Grand Aquarium makes for an exciting visit.
Ocean Park’s Pacific Pier is another popular attraction, featuring a tide pool where visitors can observe sea lions, seals and otters up close and personal. This interactive attraction is especially beloved among children as it gives them an excellent way to learn about marine life without getting wet!
Ocean Park boasts more than just these attractions; there are several themed areas, as well. Waterfront Plaza is an exciting space with shows, magic shows, clown and juggler performances, restaurants and kiosks offering food, snacks and beverages as well.
Old Hong Kong area provides an immersive experience and features food and delicacies from Hong Kong’s earlier days – recreating Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier from 1950. Enjoy authentic Hong Kong food!
This area features a replica of Edinburgh Place tramcar, as well as a manually retrofitted heritage tram, rows of tong lau apartment buildings and over 70 types of local street food and beverages to try.
Other activities at the park include a roller coaster and funicular railway system that transports 5,000 people an hour while using multimedia effects to simulate traveling into the depths of the ocean.
Klook offers guests the convenience of purchasing tickets either at the main entrance or online, offering paperless booking and instant ticket confirmation.
Ocean Park boasts many thrilling rides, but many tourists don’t realize it also has educational and conservation facilities. Ocean Park hosts various conservation education programs as well as laboratories and observatories dedicated to animal conservation and environmental protection. Furthermore, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation operates within this park to undertake various conservation projects throughout Asia.
2. Kowloon Walled City
Kowloon Walled City is one of Hong Kong’s premier travel attractions and was once an important Chinese imperial garrison. Now an intriguing tourist destination, its rich history includes being used as a sanctuary by triad groups as well as being home to illicit activities; but now stands as an exquisite park featuring eight landscape components and the Jiangnan Garden.
Kowloon Walled City has become an integral part of Hong Kong culture, inspiring photo books, movies, documentaries, science fiction novels, manga, anime and video games as well as architects and designers drawn to its anarchic urbanism and makeshift community characterizing Kowloon Walled City.
Aaron Tan, an architect who studied in Kowloon during the 1990s, was mesmerised by its architecture and complexity. Though he had seen images of Kowloon’s Walled City before, this experience allowed him to step inside it for himself and see the reality beneath its facade.
He was overwhelmed with admiration for the people’s resilience; how they came up with creative and intelligent solutions to problems they were presented with. Digging extra wells to ensure water supply, building thousands of pipes twisted through buildings to pump it directly to roof tanks, and using electricity wisely so as to conserve power all stood out as remarkable achievements of human ingenuity and creativity.
Law Yu Yi, 90 years old and living with her son in a 70 square foot room she shared with seven families was particularly proud to call their neighborhood “a village”.
She recalls that rain often flooded their street, where they would walk barefoot through it without becoming sick due to microclimates created by buildings nearby.
The City was constructed of thin brick and tile walls, while its roofs were topped by bamboo that provided strength enough to support fire and protect its inhabitants from the weather.
Apart from its buildings, the city was also protected from sea by a granite wall which provided protection. Today, this historic site contains remnants of this wall intact as well as an administration office named Yamen which serves as both museum and artifact repository.
3. Tai O Fishing Village
If you want an escape from city life, Tai O Fishing Village on Lantau Island’s west coast could be just what’s needed – featuring restaurants, dried seafood stands, hiking trails and much more! This tranquil destination provides visitors with restaurants, dried seafood stores and hikes.
One of Hong Kong’s oldest fishing villages, it provides a tranquil respite from city life and fast-paced living. Here, the picturesque stilt houses that line the waters provide an impressive sight, earning this town its nickname as ‘Venice of the East.”
Since there are no cars in Tai O, visitors will need to rent bicycles or take public transit in order to access its main market – you’ll find everything from handcrafted dried seafood products and specialties from local producers at this marketplace.
Explore Tai O’s history through a guided tour. There are various options available, with boat tours being the most popular choice.
On your ride through Tai O, you’ll pass by its iconic stilt houses as well as Sun Ki Bridge and Tai Chung Bridge – with any luck, you might even catch sight of rare Chinese white dolphins.
Visit Tai O Village early morning when its charms are at their most stunning, as this will allow you to view its breathtaking sights such as “General’s Rock” and the UNESCO-listed Tai O Heritage Hotel (formerly Tai O marine police station).
Take an organized tour of Tai O, which will allow you to see most of its attractions at once and is both affordable and interesting, giving an in-depth glimpse into its traditional ways of living. These tours provide fascinating insight into life in Tai O.
Outshout stilt houses and canals, you’ll also get an up-close glimpse of the charming streets in town. Traveling with children? Make sure they explore the market to taste some of their local delicacies!
Tai O Fishing Village in Hong Kong is a must-visit attraction. Boasting rich cultural traditions and charming stilt houses, its attractions make an idyllic escape from urban living.
4. Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong is one of the city’s most beloved travel attractions, serving as one of the oldest Chinese Taoist temples and providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about Chinese culture. Built in 1847 as a shrine for literary and martial arts gods, today this historical landmark attracts over 100,000 visitors per year.
Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong is an absolute must-see for both tourists and locals alike. Renowned for its two deities – Man (the god of literature) and Mo (the war god) as well as other statues and idols, this landmark should not be missed!
As well as worshipping, people come here for fortune readings and to burn incense. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to gain an insight into Chinese culture and history – particularly during colonial periods.
Temple architecture and decor reflect traditional Chinese craftsmanship, featuring ceramic figurines, granite carvings and plaster mouldings along with murals that capture this aesthetic. Visitors will also encounter several murals.
An elegant place of worship with the sweet scent of incense wafting through the air, best visited during daytime when temperatures are not too extreme.
Man Mo Temple can be reached in many different ways, from walking or taking public transit, to joining one of several tours available – find something suitable to your needs and interests by choosing among all these options!
Furthermore, Man Mo Temple can also be visited as part of private tours. A customized private tour allows for maximum enjoyment from this fascinating temple!
If you want to make the most of your visit to Man Mo Temple, then it’s essential that you understand how to light incense correctly. If in doubt, seek help from locals; otherwise you could face embarrassment.
Remind yourself that you are entering a temple by being courteous and considerate of those around you. Don’t smoke inside, nor touch any objects or photos without permission from the priest or monk present.