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    Insight Guides City Guide Hong Kong (Travel Guide eBook)
    Insight Guides City Guide Hong Kong (Travel Guide eBook)
    Insight Guides City Guide Hong Kong (Travel Guide eBook)
    Ebook537 pages3 hours

    Insight Guides City Guide Hong Kong (Travel Guide eBook)

    By Insight Guides

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    About this ebook

    Insight City Guides: all you need to inspire every step of your trip.

    From deciding when to go, to choosing what to see when you arrive, this is all you need to plan your trip and experience the best of Hong Kong, with in-depth insider information on must-see, top attractions like Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Happy Valley, and hidden cultural gems.

    - Insight City Guide Hong Kong is ideal for travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences, from exploring Po Lin Monastery, to hiking in the hills
    - In-depth on history and culture: enjoy special features on cuisine, performing arts and Chinese medicine, all written by local experts
    - Includes innovative extras that are unique in the market
    - Invaluable maps, travel tips and practical information ensure effortless planning
    - Outstanding orientation information will save you time while you explore
    - Excellent Editor's Choice recommendations will make your trip more memorable
    - Inspirational colour photography throughout
    - Inventive design makes for an engaging reading experience

    About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrase books, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherInsight Guides
    Release dateJan 1, 2019
    ISBN9781789193107
    Insight Guides City Guide Hong Kong (Travel Guide eBook)
    Author

    Insight Guides

    Pictorial travel guide to Arizona & the Grand Canyon with a free eBook provides all you need for every step of your journey. With in-depth features on culture and history, stunning colour photography and handy maps, it’s perfect for inspiration and finding out when to go to Arizona & the Grand Canyon and what to see in Arizona & the Grand Canyon. 

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      Insight Guides City Guide Hong Kong (Travel Guide eBook) - Insight Guides

      Atlas

      Hong Kong’s Top 10 Attractions

      With its vibrant Chinese culture, superb food, exciting nightlife, shopping and one of the world’s most dramatic settings, there is an awful lot to see and do in Hong Kong. This brief introduction sketches out some of the highlights.

      Top Attraction 1

      The Star Ferry. Take in the superb harbour views aboard one of these appealingly old-fashioned vessels. At HK$2.50 for the upper deck, this is one of the world’s great travel bargains, and a must for all visitors to Hong Kong. For more information, click here.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Top Attraction 2

      Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei. Quintessential Hong Kong: shops, restaurants, crowds and neon everywhere. Temple Street Night Market is a great place to get acquainted with the local vibe, but watch out for fake merchandise! For more information, click here.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Top Attraction 3

      The Outlying Islands. In complete contrast to the crowded urban areas, Hong Kong’s 230 Outlying Islands – such as Lamma – are largely rural, and lack buildings over three storeys tall. Most also lack roads. There are some beautiful beaches and great hiking. For more information, click here.

      HKTB

      Top Attraction 4

      Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Two of Hong Kong’s most dynamic and colourful neighbourhoods, crammed full of bars, restaurants and shops. For more information, click here.

      Dreamstime

      Top Attraction 5

      Po Lin Monastery. A spiritual retreat high in the mountains of Lantau. The Big Buddha statue draws the crowds, and the area can be accessed by cable car from Tung Chung. For more information, click here.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Top Attraction 6

      The Peak. Gaze down from these wooded heights and take in one of the world’s greatest vistas, accessed from Central by the Peak Tram – an attraction in itself. There are some wonderful walks from the tram terminus. For more information, click here.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Top Attraction 7

      Hiking in the hills. A surprisingly high proportion of Hong Kong is covered by country parks, largely uninhabited tracts of land consisting of big grassy hills and patches of woodland. The Sai Kung area in the eastern New Territories is one of the most attractive, and is well-endowed with fabulous hiking trails. For more information, click here or click here.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Top Attraction 8

      Man Mo Temple. Hong Kong’s most atmospheric temple – all clouds of pungent incense and mysterious statues looming out of the darkness. For more information, click here.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Top Attraction 9

      Hong Kong Island views. Like nowhere else on earth, the urban strip along the north coast of the island is a mass of skyscrapers wedged against tall green mountains. For more information, click here or click here.

      iStock

      Top Attraction 10

      Happy Valley. Encircled by twinkling apartment blocks, the Happy Valley horse racing track is a fantastic amphitheatre of sporting and cultural drama. The astonishing gambling passions of locals are on display most Wednesday nights, September to July. For more information, click here.

      SuperStock

      Editor’s Choice

      An overview of the best family attractions, festivals, walks and other free highlights, plus the Hong Kong essentials – eating, shopping and nightlife – as selected by our editor.

      Only in Hong Kong

      Light fantastic. The nightime view from the Peak, so breathtaking that it borders on the spiritual. For more information, click here.

      Red sails in the sunset. Catch a ride on the Aqua Luna junk, which crosses the harbour every afternoon (https://aqualuna.com.hk). For a budget option, grab a drink-to-go from a convenience store and take a ride on the Star Ferry. For more information, click here.

      Cultural insights. The Hong Kong Tourist Board (HKTB) runs free talks and tours where local experts share their knowledge on subjects ranging from Chinese medicine and feng shui to t’ai chi. Most require advance booking. For more information, click here.

      Escape the city. Few cities in the world have such easy access to beautiful, empty countryside with lofty hills and good beaches. For more information, click here.

      The Aqua Luna.

      Alex Havret/Apa Publications

      Best Dining

      Seafood feast. Take a ferry over to Lamma or Cheung Chau and gorge yourself on delectable seafood at one of the islands’ open-air restaurants.

      Dim Sum. Don’t miss out on this Hong Kong speciality.

      Be adventurous. Try some of the more unusual local delicacies, such as snake soup or the unappetising-sounding thousand-year eggs.

      Cosmopolitan choice. Hong Kong is hard to beat for sheer quantity and choice of restaurants from all corners of the globe. Quality is generally high.

      For more on Hong Kong’s culinary scene, for more information, click here.

      Dim Sum is served in wicker baskets.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Best for Families

      Ocean Park. Always a hit with families. Attractions include rides for all ages – there is a thrilling rollercoaster – plus aquariums and performing dolphins. For more information, click here.

      Disneyland. This has naturally become a must-visit for kids. For more information, click here or click here.

      The Peak. Appealing to visitors of all ages, with the exciting Peak Tram, amazing views (best after dark for kids) and Madame Tussauds to boot. For more information, click here.

      Outlying Islands. The ferry ride, the seafood and the beaches make for an enjoyable day out. For more information, click here.

      Science Museum. This has the usual hands-on interactive exhibits to entertain and educate. Nearby, find the Space Museum with its IMAX cinema. For more information, click here.

      Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant. A trip to Aberdeen’s finest always seems to go down well with children. For more information, click here.

      Ngong Ping 360. The cable car is great for children, and, once at the top, the Big Buddha won’t disappoint either. For more information, click here.

      Exotic sea life at the Ocean Park.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Best Shopping

      Smart shopping malls. For seeking out Armani, Dior and co. For more information, click here.

      Grimy markets. At the other end of the scale, Hong Kong’s street markets are worth a visit for local colour and, of course, that fake Rolex you have always promised yourself. For more information, click here or click here.

      Antiques. Don’t expect bargains, but the shops along Hollywood Road are full of interesting chinoiserie. For more information, click here.

      Electronics. People tend to think of Nathan Road’s Golden Mile, but while there is no denying the abundance, prices can be keener elsewhere. Citywide chains Broadway (www.broadway.com.hk) and Fortress (www.fortress.com.hk) are reliable options.

      Clothing bargains. Hong Kong has everything from 5-star luxury to factory outlet stores – and obliging tailors. for more information, click here or click here.

      Cat Street merchandise.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Best Festivals

      Chinese New Year. This is the time to see dragon dances, firecrackers and a truly breathtaking firework display over the harbour. For more information, click here.

      Bun Festival. Stilt-walkers and colourful costumes descend on Cheung Chau. For more information, click here.

      Dragon Boat Festival. This takes place in early summer, with dragon boat races at locations around Hong Kong. For more information, click here.

      Mid-Autumn Festival. With its lantern parades and moon cakes, this festival is best experienced at Victoria Park. For more information, click here.

      Bun Festival on Cheung Chau Island.

      HKTB

      Bargain Hong Kong

      Junk trip. For just HK$160, take a trip around the harbour on an old Chinese junk. https://aqualuna.com.hk.

      Free museums on Wednesdays. All day Wednesday, every Wednesday. Applies to most major museums in Hong Kong.

      WiFi. Numerous cafés (and some restaurants and bars) have free WiFi access for customers. Free government WiFi spots are also located at hundreds of premises across the city, including public libraries, food markets, government buildings and major parks. For more information, click here.

      Local phone calls. These are free in Hong Kong (also, mobile calls are very cheap). If you need to make a local call you can ask in a shop and they will probably let you use their phone.

      Horse racing at Happy Valley. Admission fee is a nominal HK$10, great value for what can be an exhilarating night out – although of course it can work out very expensive… For more information, click here.

      Hong Kong Racing Museum in Happy Valley.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Best Walks – Urban and Non-Urban

      Kowloon waterfront to Kowloon Park. Admire the famous skyline, then head north via subways to the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui – Nathan, Peking, Hankow roads and Kowloon Park. For more information, click here.

      Star Ferry Pier (Central) to Lan Kwai Fong. Iconic skyscrapers show the way on this short trip through Central’s financial heartland to Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong’s glitziest drinking den. The trip can be made at bustling street level or via the sci-fi elevated walkway. For more information, click here.

      Central/Western back streets. Explore the area around Staunton Street, hub of the lively SoHo nightlife area, then return downhill to the authentic Chinese atmosphere around Gage, Graham and Peel streets. For more information, click here.

      The Peak Trail. The circular route along Lugard and Harlech roads is an easy but spectacular stroll. Some more strenuous hikes can also be enjoyed from here. For more information, click here.

      MacLehose Trail. Take your pick of walks along this 100km (62-mile) trail running across the New Territories. Highlights are Tai Long Wan, a beautiful beach at the eastern extremity, and Tai Mo Shan, the SAR’s highest peak. For more information, click here or click here.

      Tai Po Kau. One of the largest remaining forests in the New Territories. Watch out for monkeys. For more information, click here.

      Lantau. To escape the Big Buddha crowds, follow any of several trails leading into the peaceful grassy hills around. For more information, click here.

      The MacLehose trail covers much of the New Territories.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Best Nightlife

      SoHo (SOuth of HOllywood Road). This area adjoining Lan Kwai Fong has really taken off over the past few years, with lots of trendy bars, clubs and restaurants. For more information, click here.

      Wan Chai. More down-to-earth than the Central nightspots. The main hub is focused on Lockhart and Jaffe roads. For more information, click here.

      Lan Kwai Fong. Long-established nightlife hub in the heart of Central, with a wide range of restaurants and bars – packed at weekends. For more information, click here.

      Tsim Sha Tsui. A mix of touristy and local bars and restaurants, with clusters in the streets between Peking and Haiphong roads, and on Knutsford Terrace. A new nightlife zone is developing around Minden Avenue east of Nathan Road. For more information, click here.

      Lan Kwai Fong nightlife.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Best Free Views

      ifc2. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority building’s 55th-floor Information Centre has stellar views back towards the forest of high-rises in Central. For more information, click here.

      Central Plaza. Hong Kong’s third-tallest building offers the island’s most expansive skyscraper view from its wonderfully untouristy 45th floor. For more information, click here.

      Bank of China Tower. A public viewing deck occupies a corner of the 43rd floor of this landmark building with views over the skyscrapers of Central and beyond to Kowloon. For more information, click here.

      Lugard Road. The views from this pedestrianised street are hard to beat, especially the majestic night-time vista with its soundtrack of chirruping cicadas. For more information, click here.

      The iconic view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak.

      HKTB

      Incense coils are featured at many temples.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Trams in Central.

      AWL Images

      Introduction: The Hong Kong Way

      Few cities ignite the senses as does Hong Kong, offering an intoxicating blend of tradition and modernity, and colonial history alongside a vibrant Chinese culture.

      Hong Kong pulsates with the visual energy of a fireworks display. It resonates to the din of a dim sum restaurant’s peak hour. Mesmeric in a multitude of ways, at times chaotic, intriguing, puzzling, endlessly exciting and in parts possessed of an astounding alternative beauty, Hong Kong is a place that precipitates the strongest emotions. More than one visitor has noted that this must be one of the Earth’s acupuncture points.

      Dim sum is a Hong Kong speciality.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Hong Kong is fuelled and inspired by constant immigration, from mainland China, from elsewhere in Asia and from the four corners of the world, with more than 7.3 million souls simultaneously focused on top dollar and bottom line in an area rather smaller than the English county of Berkshire and less than half the size of the American state of Rhode Island. Cosmopolitan yet integrally Chinese, Hong Kong’s inhabitants are defined by what’s written on their business cards. Off duty, they may go shopping, play tennis and basketball on courts perched atop skyscrapers, or pinball their way between the bars and clubs crammed hugger-mugger in the numerous nightlife zones; everyone here is all too aware that Time’s winged chariot doesn’t so much hurry near as overtake on the inside lane.

      Lockhart Road by night.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Hong Kong’s seafood is very fresh.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Hong Kong took an extended bath in the limelight at the end of the 20th century, with a dignified return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 which marked the end of a colony, an era and an empire. It’s all history now. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, with a key role to play in the spectacular growth of the Chinese economy, although it remains markedly different from the mainland: the one country two systems pledge is clearly working, despite concerns and protests over certain issues. Within this framework, Hong Kong’s peculiar, cosmopolitan blend of Chinese and Western, and its prosperity, continue to thrive.

      For the first time, though, it is facing real competition from its neighbours. The economic revolution in the Pearl River Delta has catapulted entire new cities like Shenzhen onto the world map. And Macau’s former lackadaisical ambience has been transformed by the arrival of a dozens of glitzy casinos which pull in more patacas than those in Las Vegas. Does the former Crown colony have the stamina to keep up? The smart money is saying: you bet.

      Hong Kong’s People

      Outsiders may see Hong Kong’s people as materialistic and sometimes brusque. But there are reasons for this, including an obsession with success.

      The people of Hong Kong are variously described as being the most business-minded, materialistic, competitive and restless population on the planet. Few other cities have such a complex, unsettled history. It is a place that moves at lightning speed because time is money, and every minute costs. Though it can sometimes infuriate, life in Hong Kong is addictive, and even those who have escaped to more peaceful places – vowing never to return – have been drawn back like iron filings to a magnet. Even the most jaded visitor usually finds something seductive about it.

      Chinese chess is only vaguely similar to its Western counterpart.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Hong Kong’s 7.3 million people are packed into just 1,103 sq km (426 sq miles), and certain areas have some of the world’s highest population densities. During rush hour, overwhelming crowds of commuters squeeze themselves into trains and buses. Lunch hour is a feeding frenzy, as thousands of office workers dash for restaurants, jostling and barging their way into tiny noodle shops and delicatessens. Elbowing strangers, jumping queues and honking horns in traffic jams (often complemented by deafening construction sites and roadworks) are unavoidable features of daily life here.

      Family shopping at Graham Street Market.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      As a major trading port situated on the fertile Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong has long been a magnet for immigrants in search of a better life. New arrivals continue to flood in from China and overseas, all sharing one dream: to make money quickly and to enjoy spending it. This continual injection of new blood is part of what gives Hong Kong its excitement and intensity.

      For those seeking a settled, peaceful existence, Hong Kong will be a hard slap in the face. This place resounds with rags-to-riches tales of entrepreneurs who built up their business empires from scratch, and this promise of success is in the minds of almost every immigrant who heads here.

      Local identity

      Hong Kong is, and always has been, Chinese. In spite of more than 150 years of colonial rule, the Chinese, who make up about 92 percent of the population, never had a sense of allegiance to the British Crown. Those of the older generation, who originated from elsewhere, often identified with their home provinces or towns in China rather than Hong Kong.

      On the whole, however, local Chinese are more inclined to view themselves as Hong Kong citizens rather than Han Chinese. This sense of identity has increased in the post-handover years, along with what could be termed an embryonic civic pride – Hong Kongers no longer regard their city simply as somewhere to live and make money, with an eye to moving on somewhere else as needs dictate. Greater political and even environmental awareness – examples include the campaign to halt further reclamation of the harbour – are symptoms of a maturing city growing in confidence and sophistication. It is in part due to the fact that the local population is ever more likely to have been born and raised here, and that they are part of what is likely to become the world’s largest economy within a generation.

      Western sports such as basketball are popular in Hong Kong.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Ethnic groups

      Hong Kong’s original inhabitants (for more information, click here) settled in what is now the New Territories and outlying islands. Sometimes referred to as the Punti people of the earth, they were mainly farmers. In the 13th century, Kublai Khan’s Mongol hordes swept south into China, destroying the Song dynasty and pushing Han Chinese farmers southwards from the mainland into Hong Kong. The Tang clan settled in the fertile Shek Kong Valley, where they established a cluster of walled villages including Kat Hing Wai in Kam Tin (for more information, click here). They were followed over the centuries by various other families, forming the so-called Five Great Clans: the Tang, Hau, Pang, Liu and Man. These people developed trade in salt, pearls, ceramics and fishing, and farmed the fertile river valleys.

      Friends talk over noodles.

      Ming Tang-Evans/Apa Publications

      Meanwhile, the Hakka (guest people) migrated southwards in waves from central China. As later arrivals they made the best of the more hilly land in the eastern New

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