Hong Kong is a former British colony with Cantonese Chinese residents. Due to its multiplicity in cultures, it has been greeting people from all over the world who have made this their homeland, or have come here to enjoy the life to its fullest.
The most well known part of Hong Kong is Hong Kong Island which was the original British settlement. There are a lot of skyscrapers in this area, so this is what makes up the well known skyline you might have seen in travel brochures. Kowloon is another well known area. The word Kowloon means nine dragons, and actually refers to the hills that used to be visible before the skyline changed the view. There is also the New Territories which is mostly rural, and the Outlying Islands which are actually 234 islands of various shapes and sizes.
When you visit Hong Kong, you can be a part of the many carnivals that reflects the culture depending on what time you are in. During the Chinese New Year a large number of shops are closed, but you would still be able to find necessity stores open. On the other hand, this is a best time to share in the festivities and listen to the New Year songs being played in all places. There will be lion dances and parades. You can also see fireworks at this time. The Spring Lantern Festival takes place in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay where you can see a very large number of lanterns lit. The Ching Ming Festival is celebrated in spring and it is when families go to the graves of their relatives and clean the place and remove weeds.
If you are interested in antiques when you are in Hong Kong, head to Hollywood Road in Central where you can come across an extensive selection of antiques being sold. Bargaining is obligatory, and be careful because most of the things being sold are very good replicas. If you want to purchase the Chinese Tea, move over to the Tea Museum which is in Hong Kong Park in Central. Here you can gain knowledge of the leaves before purchasing them.
If you are interested in street market shopping, then go over to Ladies Market for fake goods (located in Mong Kok), Flower Market for flowers, Jade market for stalls of jade jewels, and Temple Street if you don’t know what you want to buy as this market sells everything. Stanley Market is also a good stop for shopping as it sells everything from luxury items to cheap ones.
The famous places in Hong Kong include the famed Hong Kong Island skyline view from Kowloon. You can go for the prearranged guided tours which are organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. You should also go to Victoria Peak to take in the fantastic view of the island, and if you manage to be in Hong Kong between September and June then take the time to go and see the horse racing which happens twice a week.
While here, you should also visit some conventional legacy sites like the Kowloon Walled City Park, Tsang Tai Uk, Man Mo Temple, the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddha’s, and Po Lin Monastery. Hong Kong also possesses its very own Disneyland, together with a number of theme parks together with Ocean Park.
Whatever kind of amusement you are looking for, you are sure to find it in Hong Kong. It caters to the whims of children and adults alike, and is a wonderful place to spend some vacation time.
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