Situated to the south of Hong Kong, few tourists spend time in China without taking a trip to explore the magnificent Hong Kong Island. The island’s impressive cityscape of glitzy skyscrapers is a modern oasis amid rolling jungle-clad hills.
With numerous tall, glistening buildings, colorful Chinese temples, chaotic markets and colonial architecture, Hong Kong Island is a rewarding place to explore. Weird and wonderful sights lurk around every corner and can mostly be explored on foot. However, there is also plenty of public transport to choose from such as trams, buses and a host of ferries waiting at the harbor to take passengers to nearby islands.
Most visitors like to spend time in the lively area of Soho as there are plenty of restaurants offering reasonably priced authentic meals, souvenir shops and colorful temples. Victoria Peak is the highest point on the island, providing spectacular views. Visitors can take the Peak Tram to the top and enjoy an invigorating walk in the fresh air before heading back into the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
An interesting way to see some of what Hong Kong Island has to offer is by taking the world’s longest outdoor escalator from Central through Soho and onward to the residential developments of the Mid-levels. The escalator is free and takes travelers through some of the island’s most ancient streets, which are full of interesting sights, sounds and smells.
Of course, Hong Kong Island is simply teeming with temples to explore and this is a good place to learn about Chinese Buddhism. Not to be missed is the Man Mo Temple, which is situated on Hollywood Road. Built in the 1840s, this is Hong Kong Island’s oldest temple, which is surrounded by interesting antiques shops.
Those who like to shop are sure to find whatever they are looking for on Hong Kong Island. There are an impressive amount of large shopping malls here, all jostling for a place in the crowded skyline. However, it is the island’s markets that make shopping here a truly special experience.
The market stalls on Cat Street near Man Mo Temple are perhaps the best places to buy souvenirs, while bags, watches and clothes can be found in the Lanes, which is an area in and around Li Yuen Street West and Li Yuen Street East.
Visitors who like to soak up the sun will find a number of beaches located on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island. The colorfully named Repulse Bay is the most popular, and those who want to avoid the crowds should try to arrive here mid-week.
Hong Kong Island can be a rather expensive place to explore as prices for hotels, restaurants and attractions tend to be significantly higher than in other parts of China. However, with a little research and forward planning, even those on a tight budget should be able to find plenty of things to see and do here on a shoestring.
Hong Kong Island is a good place to use as a base to explore nearby places such as Kowloon, Lamma and Lantau. There are regular ferries to these places and also connecting bridges from Hong Kong Island to many surrounding areas.
Getting There & Away
Hong Kong International Airport is the main gateway to this part of the world, with regular connections to a number of countries such as the USA, England, Australia, Thailand and France. The airport is on Chek Lap Kok Island, which is connected to Hong Kong Island by rail (24 minutes), bus and ferry. There are also bridges and ferries connecting Hong Kong Island to many of the surrounding areas such as Kowloon._ _