Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city of experiences. From Dim Sum dining to taking a spin around the harbor on a junk, the things to do in Hong Kong are endless. In a city as vibrant as Hong Kong, all the best experiences are here — from cultures ancient and modern, to vistas natural and urban, and flavours local and international. With such diverse choices, we know that you might need some help. So, here’s a list of the top experiences not to miss when you’re in Hong Kong.

Perhaps the best thing about Hong Kong is the food. Imitated from London to Lima, the Cantonese food here is the best in the world. From the feast that is a lunchtime Dim Sum to the pick and point snacks on offer at Dai Pai Dong, Cantonese fans will be spoilt for choice. As if that wasn’t enough, the Michelin Guide has thrown more than a few stars around the city. 

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 118^th floor 1,608 ft above sea level is Ritz Carlton’s Ozone bar. 

The Peak is Hong Kong Island’s highest point, with stunning panoramic views of the city below, best seen at night. Ride the century-old Peak Tram to reach it, or go for a green approach following the stunning Morning Trail.

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.

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.

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.

Whether you plan to lug home a full luggage of travel spoils or just a nifty souvenir to remember the trip, Hong Kong is a vast emporium that makes sure nobody goes home empty-handed. Live up the uptown life over at luxury outlets on Causeway Bay, grab your pair of pumped-up kicks at Sneakers Street, put your bargaining skills to the test at Sham Shui Po or get exclusive dibs with local fashion creatives at K11 and PMQ. So whether you plan to take on Lantau Peak in the morning, go bargain hunting at Sham Shui Po in the afternoon or grab a couple of drinks with friends late into the night, Hong Kong will always be convenient, safe — and full of awesome fun and surprise.

If you are tired of the fast-paced center of Hong Kong and can’t be bothered to take the effort to reach the rural New Territories, heading to one of the outlying islands south of Hong Kong Island (the irony) is a grand idea. Cheung Chau is famed for its laid-back vibe and tempting street food, while Lantau Island has the famous Big Buddha and Tai O fishing village. There are a great number of other islands to choose from too, just make sure you don’t miss the last ferry.

Temples are by all means an important part of Chinese culture, consequently, they are abundant in Hong Kong. Whether you are religious or not, there is plenty to admire and learn from temples. For example, the Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, dedicated to the god of Literature and god of Martial Arts, was not only the first temple in the area but a law court for the Chinese during the early colonial period.

If you are still choosing where to stay in Hong Kong, check out the amenities of its Mandarin Oriental. Providing ten dining options, a fitness center with indoor heated swimming pool, and a spa equipped with steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and Chinese and Ayurveda treatments, this is the best place to relax after a day of working or sightseeing. Located in the heart of Hong Kong, here you can enjoy spacious rooms with panoramic views, flat-screen TV, minibar and iPod dock.