Vacation Deals in Hong Kong – Where to travel and What to see?
The meaning of “fragrant harbour’ in Cantonese, Hong Kong may not be literally fragrant, but it absolutely is a bustling cosmopolitan harbour city boasting one of the world’s main financial centres. Though officially a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong has a capitalist economy without numerous controls that are imposed in China under the “one country, two systems” policy. It has a special east-meets-west lifestyle, with an abundance of modern tourist spots set amidst its unmistakeable Chinese culture. With a thriving tourist industry, you can get Hong Kong travel deals if you know where to look.
Hong Kong spans four areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories, and Outlying Islands. Both the waterfronts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon have spectacular skylines. Flanking either side of the harbour, you’ll find towering skyscrapers gracing the horizon, creating a bar chart-like effect. The view is especially stunning at night when the structures are brightly lit, giving them an unmistakable aura of authority. Plenty of attractions feature the famous skyline, such as the Peak Tower observation deck on Hong Kong Island and the Symphony of Lights, a colourful light show staged atop prominent buildings on both sides of the harbour every night at 8pm.
Shopping is exceptional in Hong Kong. With venues ranging from swanky shopping centres to street markets, Hong Kong is filled at every corner with shopping hotspots. Expect jaw-dropping bargains during the mid-year and year-end grand sales. Meanwhile, the street markets centred in Kowloon are a novel experience, and you’ll find an assortment of goods from fake leather bags to electronic toys. Haggling is accepted!
Take a visit to Disneyland in Lantau Island, clearly one of Hong Kong’s most beloved tourist sites recently. Opened in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland has captured countless hearts and imaginations with its exciting offerings. While you’re still in Lantau Island, remember to try the Ngong Ping 360, a 5.7km cable car system that offers panoramic views of the island’s undulating hills and a 360 degree view of the Ngong Ping plateau.
Hong Kong certainly lives up to its moniker as the Pearl of the Orient. Due to its bustling, high-speed pace and a current feel, Hong Kong does feel quite congested. But therein lies its beauty – a town overflowing with life continuously improving with the times, yet blissfully embracing its rich Chinese culture of old.