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Top Things To Do In Hong Kong

hong_kong_skylineThe vibrant city of Hong Kong is a city that is a true blend of both Western and Chinese values and designs, and while it is nominally a part of China it still retains much of the independence and British flavor that it demonstrated as part of the British Empire.  This is also clear to see in the architecture and design of buildings in the city, and while many of its tower blocks echo the financial districts of Europe, the feng shui interiors of these opulent buildings have a very Chinese flavor.

View The City From Victoria Peak

One of the most obvious features of Hong Kong when it is compared with any other city is that every bit of space is being used to its maximum, and this premium of floor space has led to the city having the highest density of tall skyscrapers anywhere in the world.  VictoriaPeak lies a short distance to the west of downtown Hong Kong, and can be reached by bus, taxi, or the most interesting route which is by tram.  The view over the rest of the city from this point is second to none.

Although the area is often busy during the day, one of the most popular times to visit VictoriaPeak is during the evening, when the true scale of the city centre can really be appreciated.  The series of huge skyscrapers are all lit up in the evening, and on a clear night it is certainly one of the most impressive sights in the country.

Enjoy The European Architecture In The City

Along with the vast number of skyscrapers to be seen in Hong Kong, the city also has many buildings from its colonial past, and many of these buildings are now protected by listed building status.  One of the most spectacular of these is St John’s Cathedral, which is an Anglican cathedral at the heart of the city, but its location means that it is dwarfed on all sides by the tall buildings.  Other examples worth seeing in the city are the Old Police Station and Stanley Fort, which lies to the south side of the city.

Walk Down The Avenue Of Stars

In the same way that Hollywood immortalizes some of its most famous exponents on Hollywood Boulevard, the Hong Kong movie industry immortalizes some of its most famous stars on the Avenue of Stars.  Lying on the waterfront, one of the most interesting pieces along the route is the statue of Bruce Lee, and although he was born in the United States is one of the heroes of the industry in Hong Kong.  For modern stars many have been immortalized with their handprints set in cement, but for the majority of older names they will just have a plaque with their name there.

Shopping In Hong Kong

As the financial centre of the region during colonial times, Hong Kong has long been a city where wealth and financial success are highly treasured, and the shopping opportunities here are truly sensational.  Along with its reputation as one of the nightlife areas in the city, Tsim Sha Tsui is also one of the main shopping districts where many of the designer brand outlets are to be found.  Another of the experience that many visitors to the city enjoy is a visit to the Temple Street Night Market, which has over a hundred stalls with a variety of items for sale.  As with any market trader in Hong Kong, it is always worth haggling on the price where possible.

Take A Trip On The Star Ferry

One of the great icons of Hong Kong life is the Star Ferry, and its role carrying commuters from the shores of Kowloon to Hong KongIsland has developed to being a tourist cruise service too.  The waters off Hong KongIsland offer a great view of the city in the daytime, and the tourist service has been extended into the evening for those wanting a view of the city at night.  The ferry has also appeared in a number of television and film productions, most notably in the 1960 film ‘The World Of Suzie Wong’.

Top Night Life Hot Spots In Hong Kong

hong_kong_skylineOne of the most interesting aspects of life in Hong Kong is that it truly is a blend of eastern and western cultures, and this is certainly to be found when exploring the night spots in the area.  The large size of the city also means that there are a wide variety of different establishments ready to cater for visitors to the city, whether they are traveling on a budget or looking to splash out in the evening.  Although some of the big clubs for the extremely wealthy have suffered from the opening of the borders to China, there is still a wealth of clubs and entertainment venues around the city for people to enjoy.

Tsim Sha Tsui And Wan Chai

The two areas of Hong Kong that are most popular among those looking for an evening’s entertainment are Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai, with both areas being popular and hosting a number of venues.  Cinemas, restaurants, bars and nightclubs are side by side in these neon lit districts, and many locals and visitors alike flock to these areas for a relaxing evening or a great night’s clubbing.

Kee Club

One of the most interesting of the up market clubs in Hong Kong is the Kee Club, which is a private members club that tends to deliver some of the best DJs and acts to perform in the city.  While it may not be accessible for those who are simply visiting the city out of interest, those with well-to-do friends in the city who are with the club can enjoy some very exclusive music in the plush settings of the club throughout the week.

As well as offering a nightclub venue, the Kee Club also has a selection of bars and restaurants throughout the complex that are great for an evening meal or a place to have a few drinks before heading to the club.

Billion Club

As you would expect from a club with this name, ostentation is certainly the name of the game here, with the large nightclub often been hired out for plush private parties.  However, it is usually open to the public and lying in the trendy area of Lan Kwai Fong, it is one of the most popular venues for the young crowd looking for electro dance music.  For those who aren’t completely convinced that this is a club for those who want to be noticed, the prevalence of gold in the décor certainly confirms it.

JJ’s

Another of the most popular nightclubs with visitors is to be found within the Grand Hyatt Hotel building, and spread over two floors JJs certainly doesn’t disappoint in terms of pleasant surroundings.  Although the first floor restaurant is pleasant enough, it is the live bands and dance music on the second floor that is the real attraction here, and as you would expect for a bar like this the excellent drinks menu at the bar is a real highlight.

Karaoke Bars

Another of the most popular evening entertainments to be enjoyed in Hong Kong is the karaoke bar, and there are many of these to be found in the nightlife areas of the city.  However, karaoke in Hong Kong is more likely to be a routine that has been practiced and polished at home by the singers, rather than the distinctly amateur efforts to be seen in the west.

Night Cruises

As well as the more traditional venues that are to be found in Hong Kong, there are also a number of different offerings for those who want to enjoy a night time cruise on the waters around Hong Kong.  Because of the brightly lit business district these cruises are really magical at night, and are usually combined with a sumptuous meal on the boat.