Hong Kong is an excellent stop over for flights from the UK to Australia and New Zealand. The iconic image is one of modern, futuristic skyscrapers where space in an absolute premium but there is so much more to the city than that. It has a rich and diverse heritage where the old blends seamlessly with the new rather than battles with it. There are numerous parks and green spaces in which to spend a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle because make no mistake about it Hong Kong is an incredibly busy place at times and is home to nearly seven and a half million people. Forty eight hours is just about enough time to see the major sites and get a feel for the place but there is of course much more to explore if you have the time. Here is what we managed to do on two day stopover en route to Australia.
Museum of History
Located in the Tsim Sha Tsui district of Kowloon this was a good place to start for us as our hotel was close by. The museum tells the story of Hong Kong from its formation way back over 400 million years ago the mega city it is today. As you walk the galleries you will learn about its geology, geography, fauna and flora. There are some stunning displays telling the story of the people that colonised and worked the land and sea. Entry to the museum is free and it should be possible to get round the main exhibition in 90 minutes to two hours.
Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade
Just a short walk from the Museum the promenade will take you all the way to Kowloon Pier and the Star Ferry terminal. On the way you will pass the Avenue of Stars, a tribute to Hong Kong film industry. Most striking and very popular is the state of Bruce Lee where many tourists pause and poise for a phone with the film legend. The railings along the waters edge have hand prints of other film notables.
You pass the Art Museum which is well worth a visit if you have the time. The promenade is a good place to view the impressive skyline of Hong Kong island and no better time is after sunset when the lights of the buildings make a stunning display. The Symphony of Lights takes place at eight each evening. At the end of the promenade by the Kowloon Pier is the Clock Tower, once part of the Kowloon – Canton Railway, and is nearing its hundredth birthday.
The Star Ferry
The Star Ferry is an important transport link for all those locals that need to make the daily trip between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and it is a must do for visitors. The ferries have been crossing Victoria Harbour for over one hundred years and they are a Hong Kong institution. The service is very frequent so even if you just miss one you want have to wait long for the next one. To board you must purchase a green token from the machines in the terminal which you use to operate the turnstiles close to the gangway. The price for a single crossing on the top deck is currently 2.70 HKD. The crossing time is around ten minutes.
Victoria Harbour Cruise
The best time to join a harbour cruise is after sunset when the lights of the city make a magnificent display. Watching the Symphony of Lights, which takes place at 8pm every evening, from on board is a great experience and well worth it, some even include a free drink! You can join harbour cruises either from either Kowloon Pier or Hong Kong Central.
Man Mo Temple
The temple is dedicated to two gods, Man is the god of literature who is depicted holding an ancient writing brush and Mo the god of war who holds a sword. Man Mos is a Taoist temple and was built in the middle of the nineteenth century. You can tell your fortune here if you so desire by purchasing a stick which reveals your fortune. Translations into English are available.
Sample Dim Sum
There are Dim Sum restaurants all over Hong Kong and you should aim to try some at least once while you are here. The more traditional the restaurant the better. We went to Lin Heung Teahouse (160-164 Wellington Street) as it was only a short walk from the Man Mo Temple and it proved to be an excellent choice. It was full of local people and we looked to be the only overseas visitors but we were warmly welcomed and well looked after. Dim Sum is served from trolleys that travel from table to table and the servers tried their best to tell such what each was. Not much English was spoken but it didn’t matter as all the Dim Sum were excellent. Dim Sum are traditionally served with Chinese tea and there is no exception here. The tea was refreshing, fragrant and the pot refreshed regularly.
The HSBC Building
It may seem strange to recommend a visit to a bank but this is no normal bank. The headquarters of HSBC the building is a magnificent structure and when it was built in 1985 it was the worlds most expensive building. Escalators take you to the third floor where the main everyday banking business is conducted. At night the building is a wonderful display of changing coloured lights.
The Peak
Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and is the place to go for the best views of the city providing it is a clear day. The best way to get there is by the Peak Tram which has a lower terminus on Garden Road close to Hong Kong Park. A return trip is around 100 HKD and this includes entry to the sky deck viewing platform. The tram goes up some incredibly steep accents such that the surrounding skyscrapers appear to have been built at a very curious angle.There are plenty of shopping and eating opportunities once at the top but it is the view most people go for. It was a little cloudy on our visit but the sky did clear all be it temporarily to give us the expansive view go Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour below.
Hong Kong Park
We have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of green space to be found in such a densely packed city. The Hong Kong Park is a delightful oasis in which to wander. There is a wedding venue here and the most amazing lake full of Carp and basking Terrapins.
Watch the Sun Set Over Hong Kong Island
For the best view you need to get high up and the 29th floor of the 1 Peking Road building in central Kowloon is a great location. Combine this with some expertly made cocktails and you’re all set up. Aqua is a super cocktail bar and restaurant that is relatively quiet early evening as the sun sets and its huge glass windows give some fantastic views. You’ll be highly tempted to have just one more drink before heading back down to street level.
