Hong Kong is a fascinating metropolis where history, modernity and culture meet in an exciting way. Let’s enter the world of this vibrant city and discover the most interesting stories and attractions that make it truly special.
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, located in southern China, with a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign relations and military defense. The city consists of the Kowloon peninsula as well as several islands. of these, Hong Kong Island is the most important. It is one of the busiest port cities in the world and the most important commercial center in Asia. Hong Kong is the 3rd largest international financial center after London and New York, due to its low taxes and free trade.
More than 7 million people live in Hong Kong in a fairly small area, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Due to the lack of space, Hong Kong is the most vertical city in the world, full of skyscrapers.
Under British rule, Hong Kong became not only a commercial center, but also a playground for international spies and secret agents. In 1997, Hong Kong returned to China and has been a special administrative region ever since, where „one country, two systems” is enforced.
Useful information:
Visa: No visa is required for stays of less than 90 days
Vaccines: no vaccination is required
e-sim: no problem with phone cards /google/ instragam like in the rest of China.
Tip: don’t forget to buy your Octopus card, which is a contactless payment device, mainly used on public transport, but you can pay with it in many shops, cafes and fast food restaurants. The card can be purchased at the ticket office of MTR stations. The basic cardcosts HK$150 which includes a deposit of HK$50 and a usable balance of HK$100.
Sights not to be missed
The Big Buddha, commonly known as the Tian Tan Buddha, is one of the world’s largest seated bronze Buddha statues and one of Hong Kong’s most important religious and tourist attractions.
Tian Tan Buddha is located on Lantau Island and is part of Po Lin Monastery. The statue is 34 meters high and weighs more than 250 tons. The statue was completed in 1993 and took 6 years to build.
The most spectacular way to reach the statue is the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which offers stunning views of Lantau Island and the surrounding countryside.
Climbing the 268 steps leading to the Buddha statue is a special experience in itself.
Tip: Buddha statue and Lantau island tour:
Tai O Fishing Village is a charming fishing village in the western part of Lantau. The village has preserved the culture of its old fishing community in a unique way, thus offering visitors a trip back in time. TaiO’s iconic stilt houses are one of the main attractions of the village. These traditional houses are built of wood and bamboo and rise above the water to protect against flooding. The village is famous for its dried seafood, which the locals prepare using traditional methods.
Victoria Peak is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic and most visited locations. The city’s highest mountain peak, 552 meters, offers a breathtaking view of the city’s skyscrapers, Victoria Harbor and surrounding islands.
There are several ways to reach the top
- walking: but this is only recommended for the fittest
- Peak Tram: the most iconic way to reach the peak. the more than 130-year-old funicular railway.
You can buy tickets here: Hong Kong: 428 Pas
Tip: The Lions Pavilion is one of the best vantage points of the summit.
the ‘Symphony Of Lights’ is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic attractions, known as the world’s largest sound show of lights. The show starts at 20:00 every evening and lasts about 10 minutes.
Extra Tip for Victoria Residential ship passengers: the most memorable way to see the Symphony of Lights is to board the ship. Exchange your ticket in advance:
Victoria Harbor Night or Symphony of Lights cruise
The Mid Levels Escalator is the longest outdoor indoor escalator in the world, an 800-meter-long series of escalators and moving walkways that spans a level difference of more than 135 meters. the system consists of 20 escalators and 3 moving walkways. This escalator connects the Central Business District with the Mid-Levels residential area.
Tip: half-day sightseeing in Hong Kong
If you arrive in Hong Kong with the Victoria Residential Ship, you will have time to visit Hong Kong Disneyland in 7 days, which is located on Lantau Island and is one of the most magical places in the world, which offers a special experience for everyone.
Tip: buy your ticket in advance so you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience: Hong Kong Disneyland Park Tickets
Hong Kong is a city that has something special in store for every visitor. Modern city life, rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and unique shopping and entertainment options all contribute to an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits here.