Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and thriving economy, has been thrust into the international spotlight in recent years due to its tense political climate. In 2019, mass protests erupted over a controversial extradition bill that would have allowed people to be extradited to mainland China. The protests, which were largely peaceful, were met with police brutality and resulted in violent clashes between police and protesters.
The situation in Hong Kong has only intensified since then, with the Chinese government imposing a national security law that critics say infringes on Hong Kong’s autonomy and civil liberties. Pro-democracy activists and politicians have been arrested and jailed, and the city’s political system has been reshaped to favor pro-Beijing officials.
The power struggle in Hong Kong has far-reaching implications, not just for the people of Hong Kong but for the international community as well. The United States and other Western nations have criticized China’s handling of the situation and have imposed sanctions on Chinese officials. China, for its part, has accused foreign powers of interfering in its internal affairs.
As Hong Kong continues to grapple with its political turmoil, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this once-thriving city. Will it continue to be a beacon of economic and cultural vibrancy, or will it be subsumed by China’s authoritarian regime? The answer to that question will likely depend on the outcome of the ongoing power struggle in Hong Kong.
3 Days in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a unique blend of eastern and western culture. If you only have 3 days to explore this bustling metropolis, here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time.
Day 1: Exploring Central and Victoria Peak
Start your day by visiting the iconic Victoria Peak. Take the Peak Tram, which offers stunning views of the city, to the top of the peak. Once you arrive, take a stroll around the Peak Circle Walk and enjoy the panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline.
After descending from the peak, head to Central, Hong Kong’s financial district. Visit the historic Western Market, a beautiful Edwardian-style building that now houses a shopping arcade. From there, head to the nearby Man Mo Temple, a Taoist temple that dates back to the mid-1800s. It’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
In the evening, head to the SoHo neighborhood for dinner and drinks. It’s a trendy area filled with restaurants and bars, offering a variety of cuisines.
Day 2: Island Hopping and Dim Sum
On your second day, explore Hong Kong’s outlying islands. Take a ferry from Central to Lamma Island, which is known for its seafood and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy a leisurely walk and stop at one of the island’s seafood restaurants for lunch.
After lunch, take the ferry to Cheung Chau Island, a small island with a laid-back atmosphere. Visit the Pak Tai Temple, which is dedicated to the Taoist god of the sea, and the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, which was once used as a hideout by a notorious pirate.
In the evening, head back to Hong Kong Island for some delicious dim sum at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Kowloon and Tsim Sha Tsui
On your final day, take the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. The ferry offers stunning views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour. Once you arrive in Tsim Sha Tsui, take a walk along the Avenue of Stars, which pays tribute to Hong Kong’s film industry.
Visit the historic Clock Tower, which dates back to the early 20th century and is a popular spot for taking photos. From there, head to the nearby Kowloon Park, which offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
In the evening, head to the Temple Street Night Market for some shopping and street food. It’s a lively market that’s open until late at night, and offers a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and local delicacies.
If you have time, you can also visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car for stunning views of the island and the Buddha statue, which stands at over 100 feet tall.
Hong Kong is a city that’s full of energy and excitement, and these 3 days will give you a taste of everything it has to offer. Whether you’re interested in exploring its history, experiencing its cuisine, or enjoying its natural beauty, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city.
How to get to and around Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an international hub and is well-connected by air, land, and sea. Here are some ways to get to and around the city:
By Air: Hong Kong has an international airport, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok. It’s one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a hub for many airlines. There are direct flights to Hong Kong from major cities around the world.
By Land: If you’re coming from mainland China, you can take a train or bus to Hong Kong. There are also several border crossings between Hong Kong and mainland China, including the Shenzhen Bay Port, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
By Sea: Hong Kong is a major port city, and there are ferries and cruise ships that connect it to other destinations in Asia. The main ferry terminals are located in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.
Getting around Hong Kong
MTR: The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the most convenient and efficient way to get around Hong Kong. It’s a modern subway system that covers most of the city, including the airport. You can purchase tickets at the stations or use an Octopus Card, which is a rechargeable card that can be used on public transportation and at some stores and restaurants.
Buses: Hong Kong has an extensive bus network that covers most areas of the city. There are both double-decker and single-decker buses, and fares are paid using an Octopus Card or exact change.
Trams: Hong Kong’s trams, also known as “ding-dings,” are a popular way to travel on Hong Kong Island. They run from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, and fares are paid using exact change.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Hong Kong, and fares are reasonable compared to other major cities. There are three types of taxis: red, green, and blue, and fares vary depending on the type of taxi and the time of day.
Walking: Hong Kong is a pedestrian-friendly city, and many areas are easily accessible on foot. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s streets and neighborhoods, and you can often stumble upon hidden gems that you might have missed otherwise.
Places to stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis that offers a range of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets. Here are some places to stay in Hong Kong:
- The Upper House: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Hong Kong’s business district, and offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour. The rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated, and the hotel has a range of amenities, including a fitness center and a restaurant.
- Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong: This iconic hotel has been a landmark in Hong Kong since 1963, and offers luxurious accommodations and impeccable service. The hotel has a range of restaurants and bars, as well as a spa and a fitness center.
- The Landmark Mandarin Oriental: This modern and stylish hotel is located in the heart of Central, and offers spacious and luxurious accommodations. The hotel has a range of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and a rooftop bar.
- Hotel ICON: This contemporary hotel is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, and offers stylish and comfortable accommodations. The hotel has a range of amenities, including a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
- The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong: This luxurious hotel is located in Kowloon, and offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour. The hotel has a range of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and a range of restaurants and bars.
- Ovolo Central: This trendy and stylish hotel is located in Central, and offers comfortable and stylish accommodations. The hotel has a range of amenities, including a restaurant and a fitness center.
These are just a few of the many places to stay in Hong Kong, and there are options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel or a trendy boutique hotel, Hong Kong has something for everyone.
What and where to eat in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of cuisine that reflects its unique blend of cultures. Here are some must-try dishes and places to eat in Hong Kong:
- Dim Sum: Dim sum is a popular Cantonese cuisine that consists of small bite-sized dishes, often served in bamboo steamer baskets. Some popular dim sum dishes include shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and egg tarts. Tim Ho Wan, a Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant, is a great place to try authentic dim sum.
- Roast Goose: Roast goose is a classic Hong Kong dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Yung Kee Restaurant is a popular spot for roast goose, and has been serving it for over 70 years.
- Wonton Noodle Soup: Wonton noodle soup is a comforting dish that consists of wontons filled with shrimp or pork, served in a clear broth with thin egg noodles. Mak’s Noodle is a popular spot for wonton noodle soup, and has been serving it for over 100 years.
- Milk Tea: Hong Kong-style milk tea is a strong black tea that’s mixed with evaporated milk and sugar. It’s a popular drink in Hong Kong, and can be found at cha chaan tengs (local tea cafes) like Lan Fong Yuen.
- Egg Waffles: Egg waffles, also known as bubble waffles, are a popular street food in Hong Kong. They’re made with a sweet, egg-based batter and are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Mammy Pancake is a popular spot for egg waffles.
- Seafood: Hong Kong is known for its fresh seafood, and there are many seafood restaurants in the city. Sai Kung is a popular spot for seafood, and there are many restaurants along the waterfront that offer a range of seafood dishes.
- Street Food: Hong Kong is a great place to try street food, and there are many street food markets around the city. Temple Street Night Market and the Ladies Market in Mong Kok are popular spots for street food.
These are just a few of the many dishes and places to eat in Hong Kong. Whether you’re looking for traditional Cantonese cuisine, international flavors, or street food, Hong Kong has something for everyone.
Coworking in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a bustling business hub and a popular destination for entrepreneurs, startups, and freelancers. Here are some of the best coworking spaces in Hong Kong:
- WeWork: WeWork has several locations in Hong Kong, including in Central, Causeway Bay, and Quarry Bay. They offer flexible workspace solutions, including private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms.
- The Hive: The Hive is a coworking space that has several locations in Hong Kong, including in Kennedy Town, Wan Chai, and Sai Kung. They offer a range of workspace options, including private offices, dedicated desks, and hot desks, as well as networking events and workshops.
- Garage Society: Garage Society has several locations in Hong Kong, including in Sheung Wan, Central, and Wan Chai. They offer flexible workspace solutions, including private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms, as well as a range of networking events and workshops.
- The Executive Centre: The Executive Centre has several locations in Hong Kong, including in Central, Admiralty, and Quarry Bay. They offer premium serviced offices and coworking spaces, as well as meeting rooms and virtual office solutions.
- Blueprint: Blueprint is a coworking space located in Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay. They offer flexible workspace solutions, including private offices, dedicated desks, and hot desks, as well as a range of networking events and workshops.
These are just a few of the many coworking spaces in Hong Kong. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or startup, there’s a coworking space in Hong Kong that can meet your needs.