Hong Kong
Harbor City
MILLIONS OF VISITORS flock to the tiny island of Hong Kong every year. Famous for its expansive skyline and alluring harbor, the name ‘Hong Kong’ is coined from the phonetic rendering of the pronunciation of its spoken Cantonese or Hakka name which means ‘fragrant harbor.’
Prehistoric findings suggest that the island had been inhabited by warlike groups during the Stone age. The remnants of Bronze Age habitations (circa 1500–220 B.C.) unearthed on Lamma and Lantau Islands and at around 20 other sites – as well as the eight geometric rock carvings that can still be viewed at various locations along Hong Kong’s coastline – also indicate that these early people practised some form of ancient religion based on cosmology.
In 1842, the Treaty of Nanking was signed, and the name Hong Kong was first recorded
on official documents to encompass the entirety of the island. The name referred to a small inlet – now Aberdeen Harbour or Little Hong Kong – between the Aberdeen Island and the south side of Hong Kong Island, which was one of the first points of contact between British sailors and local fishermen.
In 1839, the refusal of the Qing dynasty to import opium from Britain resulted to a feud between the two countries. Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War. Originally confined to Hong Kong Island, the colony’s boundaries were extended in stages to the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 and then the New Territories in 1898. It was occupied by Japan during the Pacific War in 1941 after which the British resumed control over it.
In 1984, the Sino-British Declaration was signed, signifying that China would resume sovereignty over Hong Kong. And in 1997, after 156 years of British government, Hong Kong was handed over to the People’s Republic of China. It is one of two Special Administrative regions, the other being Macau.
Hong Kong over the years has become known as a fashion destination with luxury brands opening up in many parts of the island. Tourism has been a factor with places drawing in crowds from all over the Asian region. This modern city which honors ancient-old traditions also offers must-see attractions
for young and old.
And when in Hong Kong, set a day or three to visit its neighbor, Macau. This once trading port and Portuguese enclave is less than an hour away by high-speed ferry. It is now a hotbed for gambling which may soon outshine sin city Las Vegas. To get to the island, hop onto one of the scheduled ferries such as Turbojet and Cotai Strip CotaiJet, and New World Ferry, or fly to the island if you want to get there fast. A trip
to the island includes seeing St. Paul’s Cathedral, the A-ma temple, Senado Square, Macau Tower, and a visit to The Venetian Macao Hotel where you can watch the magnificent Cirque du Soleil.
The best time to visit Hong Kong is when it celebrates the Chinese New Year is celebrated. Enjoy it’s sights, sounds, and sales! - Alexa Villano
A Symphony of Lights. The Symphony of Lights, without a doubt, is the most spectacular show
to watch in Hong Kong. The show may be watched in three areas: Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront between the Avenue of Stars and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, and onboard a harbour cruise. The show has five themes: Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership, and the finale, Celebration. The show starts at 8 p.m. every night and is open to the public.
Flower Market. A botanical treat for green thumbs, Flower Market in Mong Kok has more than 50 shops of exotic blossoms, luck-bringing houseplants, and sweet scents. Before Chinese New Year, families flock to the market to buy auspicious plants to celebrate the most important festival on the Lunar calendar. It is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and Wisdom Path. Located in Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha or Giant Buddha, a seated representation of Lord Gautama, sits atop the Ngong Ping plateau above the Po Lin Monastery. The statue, which was made in China, took 12 years to complete
and was opened to the public in 1993. Visitors wanting a close look must climb 260 steps to see the giant figure.
Here, monks living in the monastery welcome guests with a traditional vegetarian lunch. Just a short walk from the monastery is the Wisdom Path, an outdoor replica of the centuries-old Heart Sutra, one of the world’s best-known prayers revered by the Confucians, Buddhists, and Taoists alike.
It is displayed on wooden pillars.
Mong Kok’s Night Markets. This place is a shopper’s paradise. Shopping havens and night markets
are everywhere. One of the most popular night markets is located in Temple Street in Kowloon which is a few minutes away from many establishments and hotels. Clothes, accessories, shoes, jewelry, bags, CDs, and denim pants almost litter the streets one would be lost what to pick. There’s even a path called ‘men’s street’ where one can find all things for men. There’s also a ladies’ market located at Tung Choi Street on the east of Nathan road. The market is open daily from noon to midnight with stalls selling women’s clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and all-women wants and needs. Food stalls also abound, selling traditional snacks — excellent for shoppers on-the-go — such as noodles, seafood, and congee for mid-afternoon or late-night snacks.
Shopping Malls. If you want to give your credit card a workout, then head out to retail store Lane Crawford’s flagship branch at the IFC malls which houses luxury brands from Louis Vuitton to Prada. Founded in 1850, the store is located in Central, Causeway Bay, and Canton Road. You may also head out to other shopping malls such as Sogo and Pacific Palace.
Next to shopping, eating is a must in Hong Kong. With so many choices to choose from, the best food to try are those peddled by hawkers which may be found anywhere in the city. Hong Kong is where one may eat steaming congee curb-side or dine on the best Peking duck in a fancy restaurant. Prizes may range from $HK10 (street food) to $HK300 (fine dining). There’s Yuen Kee Restaurant located on Kimberly Road, and part of Lang Kwai Fong area is known for its roasted goose. A good meal at Yuen Kee costs around $HK50. The Aberdeen Fishball and Noodle Restaurant is like our version of the turo-turo. A good meal costs $HK48. The Hutong Restaurant at Tsim Sha Tsui is said to be one of the most expensive restaurants that offer good northern Chinese cuisine and cozy ambience.
Stanley Market, Murray House, and Museum of Coastal Defence. Stanley Market is a popular market in the south of Hong Kong. Open seven days a week, the market is located along the new road and market road and attracts bargain hunters. Stanley Market sells various items that may be had at a steal if one knows how to haggle well. The market is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Also located in Stanley is the Murray House, a replica of a 160 year-old house that was dismantled in 1982 from its original place in the Central area and rebuilt in Stanleyin 1998. The house is home to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and many restaurants. Blake Pier, which was originally located in the central side, is now built next to the Murray House.
While along Stanley, you may take a trip to Fort Lei Yue Mun, home to the Museum of Coastal Defence. Once a stronghold of the British forces in the South China Sea, it is now famous for its seafood restaurants. The museum also features a reception area, a redoubt exhibit, relics from the Ming Period, military memorabilia, and a historical trail complete with the British Comet tank, an armored personnel carrier, and a 10-inch breech-loading gun.
Victoria Harbour. It is one of the world’s busiest harbors. Cruises such as the famous Star Ferry ply the harbor to and from Hong Kong and Kowloon amid Hong Kong Island’s stunning skyline. Although there are connecting tunnels and subways in the island, ferrying along the harbor provides one of the best scenic and cheapest routes in the city.
The Peak. A trip to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without riding the Peak Tram, one of the world’s oldest and famous ascending cable railways which rise to a steep incline of 396 meters above sea level going to The Peak Tower. An architectural wonder known for its wok-like top, The Peak Tower gives tourists a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Victoria Harbour and a 360-degree panoramic view across Hong Kong at its Sky Terrace 428.
Ocean Park. Before there was Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park was the main theme park. Aqua City features more than 400 marine life species. A fountain show by the lagoon and at the end
of the tour guests may see Symbio, a water and light show at night. There’s also Panda Park and a cable car ride to the other side of the park.
Avenue of the Stars. If Hollywood has its Walk of Fame, Hong Kong has its Avenue of the Stars. Located near Tsim Shan Tsui, the Avenue boasts of celebrity names which include Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Tourists have the opportunity to watch the Symphony of Lights at night and see
the breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour.
Madame Tussauds. It houses more than 100 wax figures of well-known personalities dead or alive such as Hong Kong action stars Jackie Chan and Andy Lau (right), Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, and more. The Hong Kong version also has the ‘scream’ section where visitors get scared out of their wits through special effects, wax monsters, and live performers doing creepy things.
Disneyland. Expect to see your fave Disney characters come alive. This small-scale Disney franchise recreates great Disney moments from films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story, among others. One of its main attractions is the MTR link at the new futuristic Sunny Bay station
on the Tung Chung line where passengers just cross the platform to board the ‘Mickey’ train destined for Disneyland Resort station and the theme park.
