Hong Kong has a very different vibe compared to much of Asia. It is stressful, chaotic and resembles more west big economic centers. Nevertheless, there are some spots that worth a visit if you spend a couple of days in this Special Administrative Region of China.
Victoria Harbor/Clock Tower
I loved this place! Even if you don’t have time to see anything else, this part totally worths your time! You may go by metro depending on the place that you stay but the most enjoyable way is to take the boat from Central (Pier 7) to Victoria Harbor and admire the whole skyline view or do the opposite. Especially during night, the view is even better...
Avenue of Stars/Mc Dull Statue/Bruce Lee Statue
If you continue your walk (and please do!) from the Clock Tower towards the K11 Mall you will reach a unique part, the Avenue of Stars. If you think that you will walk onto the handprints of important actors, directors etc of Hong Kong cinema industry. The statue of the comic character Mc Dull and the one of Bruce Lee steal the impressions of the waterfront.
Nan Lian Garden/ Chi Lin Nunnery
If you have time to visit a nice tranquil garden and to escape from the city’s chaos, this place is ideal for you. It is not that close to the city center but it worths a visit as it is a mix of Chinese garden designed during tang dynasty along with an impressive Budhist Temple.
Central Mid Level Escalators
The world's longest outdoor covered escalator (it took me 20 minutes to reach the upper levels and never reached the top) deserves a visit when being at the Central part of Hong Kong. Central is full of up and down slopes, making it tiresome to move around especially if you are getting tired easily. These escalators are a lifesaver. Among their different levels you may find nice bakeries, restaurants, stores for shopping and famous streets such as Stone Slab Street and Lan Kwai Fong for even more brand shopping.
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is the tallest hill of Hong Kong Island and the view from its top is breathtaking! Make sure to ask if the visibility from the top is good as I reached it and I couldn’t even see my nose from the fog, which was quite disappointing! Anyway, there are two ways to reach the hill, by using the Central Mid Level Escalators and then walking or taking the Peak Tram where you may need to face huge queues, but the view will compensate you.
Ladies Market/Temple Street Night Market
If you are in the mood for shopping and I mean not luxurious brand shopping, these two markets are for you. You may find any kind of Chinese souvenirs, traditional clothes, shoes, cats moving their hands for luck etc.
HSBC Building/Statue Square
Undoubtedly Hong Kong is the financial center of Asia (I will never forget that when I landed before the immigration control the first image of the city was a huge display screen with the current Stock Exchange prices!!). The HSBC Building next to Statue Square is a nice contrast between old and new and you may make a stop if being at this region.
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