Some places are fun when you are there and they are with you still, long after you have come home. I think definitely Hong Kong belongs to the second category.
As soon as we got out of the airport and our taxi approached the city it was like the “city is already living in the future”.
We were truly stunned when we first saw Hong Kong. On the immaculate highways gleamed luxurious cars, skyscrapers seemed to vanish into the clouds, and multi-level flyovers were indistinguishable from their surroundings. Everything looked modern, efficient, carefully considered. But the city felt intimate and alive, despite its futuristic appearance.
The skyline of Hong Kong is famous, but I was more impressed with the way the old and new live together so easily. Glass-covered towers overlook lively street markets in one of the biggest financial capitals in the world. Temples that are centuries old are silent.
The city infrastructure should be given special attention. Everything seemed to work with amazing perfection, from the immaculate metro stations, the highly effective public transportation to the well-kept roads. You couldn’t help but be impressed with the planning of it all.
Driving through the city was often like watching scenes from a movie, with its opulent automobiles, glittering structures and a skyline that demanded your attention all the time.
Just when we thought we knew Hong Kong, our trip to the famous Monster Building gave us a whole new perspective. In this enormous residential complex, consisting of five connected apartment blocks, thousands of people live in surprisingly little flats. It was a moment to remember, standing in the middle courtyard and looking up. The building has become a well-known location for photographers and filmmakers because of the amazing geometric pattern created by the endless rows of balconies, windows and air conditioners that extended skywards.
Its arresting architecture also tells the story of Hong Kong’s tiny land area, dense population and creative adaptation to maximise every square metre. It was a reminder of different reality behind Hong Kong’s gleaming cityscape, where space is a luxury but life goes on with incredible tenacity and vitality.
Next day we began our adventure on the old Peak Tram, which has been carrying sightseers up the hillside for over a century. The tram ride itself was awesome as the angle got so dramatic as we climbed the steep slope that the buildings nearby seemed to be falling sideways. – Then we made it to the top and had a very good panoramic view.
We stood on the highest point of Hong Kong Island and gazed out over the breathtaking skyline of the city, the glistening seas of Victoria Harbour, far-off green hills and boats silently navigating the harbour. We just stood there and absorbed it all for a few minutes. Sometimes the best experiences in travel come from standing and photographing what is in front of you.
As the sun was setting we headed down to the famous Avenue of Stars that runs alongside the waterfront. The promenade is a tribute to Hong Kong’s legendary film industry, but for us the main attraction was the spectacular view across Victoria Harbour. And as darkness fell, the skyline slowly came alive, thousands of lights turning the city into a glittering masterpiece.
Then the Symphony of Lights started. Lights and lasers put on a synchronised display on both sides of the harbour, making for an unforgettable visual experience. Cheers went up, bouncing across the waterfront. Technology, creativity and entertainment merged to create an amazing show for a short moment.
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to the city’s famous street markets.First stop was Mong Kok. One of the busiest and liveliest shopping areas of the city. All the streets were busy. The area was illuminated by bright neon signs advertising shops selling everything from fashion and technology to cosmetics, accessories and unique souvenirs.
It is difficult to leave shopping empty-handed, even if it is not your favourite activity. Bargaining with the shopkeepers was fun and in no time, we had accumulated far more shopping bags than we had bargained for.
That night we wandered through the famous Temple Street Night Market. Temple Street has its own personality, different from the upscale shopping centres. Street performers entertained the crowds as the smell of freshly cooked regional fare filled the air. Little stalls were set up with antiques, clothing, artisan goods and other little treasures waiting to be discovered.
It was more than a place to shop; it was a place to experience Hong Kong culture and daily life.
Our final adventure was Disneyland in Hong Kong which proved to be the perfect end to the holiday. As we walked through the gates it was as if the cares of the world fell from our shoulders. Colourful parades, fairy-tale castles, much-loved Disney characters, thrilling rides and happy music created an atmosphere where age didn’t matter.
We had a full day of laughing, taking many photographs, having fun on the rides and being children again.
It was a reminder that happiness is often found in the simplest situations watching families and children enjoy every moment. The fireworks exploding in the sky over the castle at night was the perfect end to a wonderfully magical day.
As I walked back towards the exit I came to the realisation that travelling is more than simply seeing new places. Sometimes it’s about discovering pieces of yourself that normal life buries away in silence.
In hindsight, there was so much more to Hong Kong than the towering buildings and the tourist haunts.
It showed us the way that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand in perfect harmony It introduced us to beautiful scenery, world class infrastructure, vibrant street life, unique shopping experiences and moments that will stay carved in our memory for years to come.
Victoria Peak’s panoramic views, the dazzling evening lights of Victoria Harbour, the lively streets of Mong Kok, the beauty of Temple Street and the magical world of Disneyland, all added another memorable chapter to our voyage. As we took off and the glittering skyline slowly faded into the sky, I knew that we would be taking home a small piece of the city, even when we were leaving Hong Kong behind.
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