📍A complete guide to Hong Kong: From panoramic views of the Peak to the rotating stars, explore this city where East meets West
📍Itinerary Introduction
Hong Kong, a city that never sleeps, blossoms on both sides of Victoria Harbour. Its modern skyline is defined by skyscrapers, while its old streets and alleyways hold stories of the past. From the bird's-eye view of Victoria Peak, you'll take in the panoramic city scenery, while the gentle rotation of the Central Ferris Wheel lifts travelers to the clouds. Every step here holds a hidden gem, whether you're checking out iconic landmarks or exploring hidden gems, you'll be sure to create unique memories. Here's how to plan a layered trip to Hong Kong.
🚩 Itinerary
D1: Central (Visit the Central Ferris Wheel) → Lan Kwai Fong (Experience Nightlife) → Sheung Wan (Walk the Cobblestone Streets)
D2: Victoria Peak (Peak Tower Observation Deck, Hike Lugard Road) → Tsim Sha Tsui (Avenue of Stars) → Victoria Harbour Night Tour
D3: Disneyland (Full Day)
D4: Cheung Chau Island (Visit the Fishing Village, Eat Ping An Bao (Food Buns)) → Central (Shopping) → Return
🏖️ Highlights
- Victoria Peak: Hong Kong's "city observatory." The cable car ascends the mountain, with the track tilted almost parallel to the buildings, creating a cinematic experience. The Peak Tower Observation Deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view. During the day, you can see the towering skyscrapers on both sides of Victoria Harbour, with Hong Kong Island and Kowloon facing each other across the water. In the evening, watch the setting sun cast a golden veil over the buildings. As dusk falls, the lights of countless homes gradually illuminate, transforming the entire city into a dazzling galaxy. This is the best vantage point for viewing Hong Kong's nightscape.
- Central Ferris Wheel: This giant wheel, perched on the Central waterfront, soars 60 meters high and completes a full rotation in about 15 minutes. As you ascend in a gondola, you can see the sunlight reflecting off the glass facades of Central's skyscrapers. In the distance, you can see the ferries plying Victoria Harbour and Tsim Sha Tsui across the water. In the evening, you can even take in the gradually brightening streetlights and the sunset glow, creating a romantic and relaxing experience.
- Avenue of Stars: Stretching along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, the ground is inlaid with the handprints and signatures of Hong Kong filmmakers. A bronze statue of Bruce Lee stands in the center, embodying the spirit of Hong Kong martial arts. This is a perfect spot to admire Victoria Harbour. At night, during the "A Symphony of Lights" light show, the buildings on both sides of the harbour and the lights of the Avenue of Stars complement each other, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
- Cheung Chau Island: One of Hong Kong's outlying islands, Cheung Chau Island offers the most vibrant atmosphere. It lacks skyscrapers, with colorful fishing houses and winding alleys. The island's Tin Hau Temple is bustling with incense, and you can see elderly people drying fish on the beach. The sweet aroma of mango glutinous rice cakes wafts from the street corner dessert shops. Every stroll offers a sense of tranquility, a world away from the city.
🚇 Transportation
- External Transportation: After arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, take the Airport Express directly to the city in 30 minutes. By land, you can take the MTR from the Luohu and Futian ports, or take the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge shuttle bus from Zhuhai or Macau. Ferries connect Macau and Shenzhen, offering a unique experience. - City Transportation: The MTR, covering key tourist attractions, is fast and punctual, making it the preferred choice for transportation. Bus routes are extensive, and some double-decker buses offer street views from the front seats on the upper deck. Taxis are divided into red (urban), green (New Territories), and blue (Lantau Island), serving different areas. Ferries are available to travel to and from outlying islands, with Cheung Chau Island reaching the Central Pier in about an hour.
📷Photography
- Victoria Peak Tower: Choose a clear evening and capture the illuminated buildings against the fading backdrop of the Victoria Harbour skyline. Using a long exposure on your phone will also allow you to capture the traffic flow, creating a magnificent image.
- Central Ferris Wheel: Find a low angle at the Waterfront Park to capture the Ferris Wheel against the Central skyscrapers behind it. The midday sun creates a modern feel, while the dusk becomes gentle and romantic. Capturing the gondolas as they pass by creates a dynamic effect. - Avenue of Stars: Facing Victoria Harbour, with Bruce Lee's bronze statue in the foreground and the buildings of Hong Kong Island in the background, the silhouette of the statue against the lights creates a storytelling experience in the evening.
- Cheung Chau Pier: Standing at the pier, take photos of the colorful fishing boats and the island in the distance. As the wind rustles the sails, snap away! Every shot evokes a refreshing fishing village atmosphere.
🍜Specialty Food
- Hong Kong-Style Wonton Noodles: The bamboo noodles are chewy and refreshing, while the wontons are filled with whole shrimp and pork. The broth, made with mullet and pork bones, is refreshingly sweet and delicious. This traditional restaurant in the alleys of the old streets offers the most authentic flavors.
- Roasted Meat Combo Rice: The crispy roast duck has crispy skin and tender meat, while the honey-glazed barbecued pork has the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Paired with soy sauce-drizzled white rice and a bowl of soup, this is a favorite "quick and delicious" lunch for Hong Kongers. - Curry Fish Balls: A must-try at street stalls. The chewy fish balls are simmered in a rich curry gravy and topped with chili or satay sauce. A warm bite offers a savory, slightly spicy flavor, brimming with street flavor.
- Hong Kong-style Milk Tea: Made by blending black tea and evaporated milk, it has a rich, smooth taste with a slight bitterness and a sweet aftertaste. Order a cup of "Hot Milk Tea Without Sugar" at a tea restaurant to experience authentic culinary culture.
🏠 Accommodation Recommendations
The Stone Street Hotel, Central, Hong Kong: Located in the heart of Central, near the Ferris Wheel and Lan Kwai Fong, the hotel retains the old-fashioned brick walls and wooden staircases. The rooms are small but beautifully designed, and are within walking distance of many attractions.
The Peak Hotel: A historic hotel hidden in the mountains, it offers a tranquil setting. Some rooms offer views of Victoria Harbour at night, and in the morning, you can listen to birdsong in the garden. It's perfect for travelers seeking tranquility. Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui: Located near the Avenue of Stars, rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing Victoria Harbour, allowing you to enjoy the light show from your bed at night. Convenient transportation provides easy access to various districts in Kowloon.
💡 Things to Note:
- Hong Kong dollars are accepted. Some merchants accept RMB or mobile payments, but it's recommended to exchange a small amount of Hong Kong dollars for small purchases. Exchange points are available at the airport and ports.
- For transportation, it's recommended to buy an Octopus card. It's accepted on the MTR, buses, convenience stores, and restaurants, saving you the hassle of getting change, and you can return the card before leaving Hong Kong.
- The Peak Tram often has long lines, so it's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance or take the bus up the mountain (Route 15C) for a different perspective.
- The Central Observation Wheel is recommended in the evening for the best lighting and viewing experience. The last Cheung Chau Island ferry departs around 8 PM, so be aware of the return time.
- Smoking is prohibited in most indoor areas in Hong Kong. Please maintain order when queuing. Speaking Mandarin is generally acceptable, and friendly conversation will help you feel the warmth of the city.