Yahoo News 10 reasons why you should visit Hong Kong in 2017
If there ever was a city to visit in Asia, Hong Kong is the place to be. “Asia’s World City” is known for its vibrant atmosphere – it is the city that never sleeps in the East.
July 1 marks Hong Kong National Day - one of the most festive times to visit.
Merging together Eastern and Western cultures across 263 islands – the blend of seaside adventures, rural settings, mountains and endless skyscrapers make this one of the most sought after cities in the world.
It offers everything from the buzzing nightlife to rich cultural experiences proving to be a more than just a financial destination to stop off for a business trip.
Here are ten reasons why Hong Kong should be next on your travel bucket list.
1. World’s highest bar
Hong Kong may be famous for having one of the most energetic nightlife scenes in the world – the party never stops. But when it isn’t raining, there’s nothing better than taking in a breath-taking view of Hong Kong Island’s skyline. Up on 118th floor 1,608 ft above sea level is Ritz Carlton’s Ozone bar. You are guaranteed to get loads of Instagram likes, whether it is taking a photo of the view or of the futuristic décor.
2. Endless hiking trails
Some of the most picturesque trails await, hiking is the best way to see the whole city for all its worth – the diverse landscape is just one of many highlights. A combination of mountains and vast green spaces are all the more reason to go out there – hiking is the best way to see forests, isolated beaches and let’s not forget the panoramic city views. The Morning Trail is the best way to see skyline, but to truly be in touch with nature Dragon’s Back or Tai Long Wan offer a different experience.
3. Dim Sum
This is the city that does dim sum best. Brunch may be everyone’s new favourite obsession, but dim sum elevates the brunch experience to the next level. Pan-fried rice rolls, juicy dumplings and fluffy steamed buns stuffed with vegetables, chicken or char siu severed with an array of condiments is just the way to start off any day. Restaurants like Yung Kee and Maxim’s City Hall keep it casual, but for a more up-market experience try One Harbour Road at Grand Hyatt Hotel or Dragon-i.
4. Horse Racing
Carrying on a British tradition from 1846, horse racing on Wednesday and Sunday at both Happy Valley and Sha Tin’s racecourses are one of the most popular events in the city. Take in the roaring atmosphere with live music, food and drink. For a more exclusive viewing Jockey Club’s Moon Koon restaurant is the place to be.
5. Cruising on a junk
Everything is centred around the flashing city lights and there’s no better place to see them than on a boat. Taking a trip down Victoria Harbour on an iconic red-sailed Chinese junk, Aqua Luna is a luxurious way of bar hopping from one rooftop bar to the next. The best part is now there’s Aqua Luna II, which offers daytime cruises to add into the mix.
6. Tranquil getaways
Escape from the crowds and enter the cultural spots throughout the city. Although Hong Kong is known for its diverse population, the Buddhist hubs are the most peaceful in the city. Chi Lin Nunnery is one of the most beautiful places with lotus ponds, bonsai tea plants and traditional architecture from the Tang Dynasty. Take a cable car ride to see the Tian Tan Buddha in the Po Lin Monetary and walk across the Wisdom Path for the ultimate getaway.
7. Street art
One of the newer features in the thriving art scene is street art in Sheung Wan. Creative and whimsical street art takes you from Shoreditch to side streets in Hong Kong. All over the city there are walls, shutters and entire buildings, where portraiture and abstract shapes come to life.
8. Shopping, shopping and more shopping
Known for being a shopping mecca – it is impossible to leave Hong Kong without going to Temple Street Night Market or the Ladies Market with some trinkets. But a trip to Shanghai Tang’s flagship store is where luxury meets modern Chinese fashion. In order to truly gage where local brands sit PMQ is the place to go – selling anything from stationery to activewear.
9. Outlying islands to explore
There are so many cheap day trips less than an hour away – take a bike ride in Cheung Chau, eat the most delicious seafood along the shore and experience Cheung Chau’s Bun Festival in the springtime. Check out Ma Dai Stream for its crystal blue waters and if you’re feeling adventurous try rock-climbing in Tung Lung Chau or wakeboarding in Sai Kung.
10. The escalators
Passing through 800 metres of cafes, restaurants, antique shops, boutiques and historical landmarks is the world’s longest covered escalator. As one of the easiest ways to explore one of Hong Kong’s trendiest areas, SoHo. The escalators run until midnight every day – it is time to get those walking shoes on.
