The 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’.