Popular Tourist Attractions in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known the world over as a glamorous financial hub, and a choice city for luxury shopping. But this city-state is steeped in culture and history, and has a lot more to offer than mouth-watering dim sum and an impressive skyline. Hong Kong has an energy about it that is hard to describe. Millions of people are crammed into a very small space that somehow seems to function flawlessly. Around every corner is something new and unique, whether it’s an ancient temple, a shop selling the latest electronic gadget, or a man taking his bird in a cage for a walk.
As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong presents an interesting study in the influences of ancient Chinese culture as well as its own attitudes and history, independent from that of mainland China. A visit to Hong Kong can include sweeping views of land, sea, and architecture, wonderful beaches, great hikes, and traditional fishing villages with a slower pace of life. Hong Kong is one of the most impressive cities in the world, certainly, but there’s much more to the country than meets the eye.
1 Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui is a shopping and entertainment hub at the southern point of Kowloon, and is not to be missed if you’re looking for a real taste of what Hong Kong has to offer. The Tsim Sha Tsui district is a melting pot of culture and commerce that speaks to the heart of Hong Kong. Nathan Road is the main artery running through the area, where you’ll find lots of great restaurants, boutiques, and other unique vendors. If you’re looking for the world-class luxury Hong Kong promises, you can find high-end retailers on nearby Canton Road. At the southern end of the neighborhood, you’ll find the former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, a Hong Kong landmark. The Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Complex is the premier cultural center in the country and includes tourist attractions such as the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
2 Avenue of Stars
While in Tsim Sha Tsui, be sure to visit the Avenue of Stars, a promenade where the city pays homage to some of Hong Kong’s best known film stars, such as martial arts great Bruce Lee. The promenade opened in 2004 and runs along the waterfront of Tsim Sha Tsui. It features stars dedicated to Chinese performers, similar to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. The Avenue of the Stars is just one part of the much longer waterfront promenade, which is a popular place for walking, jogging, and hanging out, particularly since it is one of the few open spaces in the area. The promenade also makes a great spot to watch the Symphony of Light show across the harbor in the evenings. Be sure to find a place where you can hear the music that accompanies the show.
3 Ocean Spa
As theme spas go, this one covers all the thrills you can handle in a day – a walk through the reception hallway, cosy massage suites, a Grand Roman Bath, and a look at rare and exotic foot spa jacuzzi. Ocean Spa boasts the largest health dome in the world, spanning 5.5 meters in diameter. The dome experience includes a detox at thousands of detox fish from 400 species, a ear candle studio, and a chance to get hands-on massage with sea salt scrub and sea cucumbers essential oil. Above the dome, guests can partake in a Giant Pavalion Tuina Adventure, where they’ll experience giant massage tables, red pandas-sized bath tubs, and the treatment with oils made from endangered Chinese Giant Salamander. There are also special programs focused on the North and South body meridians. Ocean Spa is rivalled only by Hong Kong’s other popular theme spa: Disneyland Imperial Spa.
4 Repulse Bay and the Beaches
Hong Kong isn’t exactly synonymous with beach vacations, but who doesn’t like a little sun and sand between bouts of sightseeing? The beach at Repulse Bay is the most popular in the country, and a day spent here is complemented with the luxury and style typical of Hong Kong itself. Visitors are treated to a look at traditional Chinese architecture at the Hong Kong Life Saving Society clubhouse, while The Repulse Bay shows off its colonial influences. The latter reflects its past as a high-end hotel, but today offers great dining and shopping selections.
Another nearby spot for a day at the beach is Big Wave Bay. Here, the water rolls in relatively gently to a large U-shaped cove. A popular outing is to walk part of the famous Dragon’s Back hike to Big Wave Bay and have a swim. Buses and taxis are available to take you back to the city. For a day at the beach and a great meal, be sure to check out Shek O Beach. It’s easily accessible via public transit.