Explore Hong Kong
Your perfect trip to China (SAR)
Hong Kong is a city built on a dare. It defies gravity, stacking steel and glass up the steep slopes of Victoria Peak until the skyscrapers disappear into the sub-tropical mist. The sensory hit is immediate: the smell of dried scallops and diesel fumes from the harbor, the relentless “beep-beep-beep” of the pedestrian crossings, and the aggressive blast of air conditioning hitting you as you walk past luxury malls. It is a place of extreme density, where humanity is packed so tight that personal space is a theoretical concept, yet the efficiency is absolute.
The lighting in Hong Kong is iconic—the neon signs of Nathan Road (though dwindling) battling the LED light shows on the harbor. But look closer, and you see the bamboo scaffolding holding up billion-dollar buildings, a testament to the city’s blend of ancient technique and futuristic ambition. The noise is a cacophony of Cantonese shouting—which sounds angry but is usually just passionate conversation—and the rattle of the double-decker trams on Hong Kong Island.
This is a city of dualities. In Central, bankers in bespoke suits rush past elderly women burning joss paper on the sidewalk. You can eat the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal (dim sum) for $5, or spend $500 on a skyline dinner. It is frantic, humid, and driven by money, but escape is surprisingly easy; 40% of the territory is country park. You can go from a crushing crowd in Causeway Bay to a silent, jungle-covered hiking trail in 20 minutes.
To survive Hong Kong, you need an Octopus card and an appetite. Don’t be intimidated by the service—waiters will throw the menu at you and clear your plate before you finish. It’s not rude; it’s efficiency. Eat quickly, pay cash, and keep moving.
The perfect plan for Hong Kong:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Peak & The Harbor
- Morning: Victoria Peak. Hack: Skip the tram line (it’s hours long). Take a taxi up or the Bus #15 (scenic ride). Walk the Lugard Road circle trail for the view without the tourists.
- Afternoon: Star Ferry across to Tsim Sha Tsui. Walk the promenade. Afternoon tea at The Peninsula lobby if you want colonial vibes, or just grab an egg tart from Tai Cheong Bakery.
- Evening: Temple Street Night Market. It’s touristy but essential. Eat Claypot Rice at the roadside stalls. The vibe is gritty and loud.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Dim Sum & Neon
- Morning: Dim Sum at Lin Heung Kui. The old trolley style. It is a war zone. You have to run to the trolley to get food. It’s an experience. Order Har Gow (shrimp dumplings).
- Afternoon: Central – Mid-Levels Escalator. The longest outdoor escalator system. Hop off at Tai Kwun (old police station turned art hub). It’s beautiful architecture.
- Evening: Lan Kwai Fong (LKF). The party district. Grab a beer from 7-Eleven (club 7) and stand on the street, or go to Iron Fairies for jazz and decor. For a view, Wooloomooloo rooftop in Wan Chai is better and cheaper than the Ritz.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Buddha & Fishing Villages
- Morning: Lantau Island. Take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (Crystal cabin). See the Big Buddha. It’s serene if you arrive at 10 AM.
- Afternoon: Bus to Tai O Fishing Village. The “Venice of Hong Kong” with stilt houses. Take a small boat to see pink dolphins (maybe). Eat grilled seafood on the street.
- Evening: Return to the city. Dinner at Tim Ho Wan (Sham Shui Po branch). The cheapest Michelin star. The Baked BBQ Pork Buns are life-changing.
Weather
Autumn (Oct-Dec): Perfection. Low humidity, sunny skies, 20-25°C.
Spring (Mar-May): Foggy and humid. The skyline often disappears in mist.
Summer (Jun-Sep): Oppressive heat (33°C) and 95% humidity. Typhoons are common.
Winter (Jan-Feb): Surprisingly chilly (10-15°C) due to dampness. Bring a jacket.
Local Customs
1. Table Sharing: In local tea houses (Cha Chaan Tengs), you will be seated with strangers. Do not protest.
2. Escalators: Stand right, walk left. Hong Kongers walk fast; do not block the fast lane.
3. Tea Washing: In traditional dim sum places, use the first pot of hot tea/water to rinse your bowl and chopsticks in the provided plastic basin. It’s a hygiene ritual.
History & Culture
Hong Kong was a barren rock when the British seized it in 1841 during the Opium Wars. It grew into a global financial hub as a gateway between East and West. The 1997 handover back to China created the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. This unique political history is etched into the streets: Queen’s Road intersects with Des Voeux Road, and double-decker British buses drive past traditional Chinese temples. It is a city defined by its resilience and its constant reinvention.
Getting Around & Safety
MTR (Subway): The gold standard. Fast, clean, cool. You need it.
Star Ferry: The cheapest cruise in the world ($0.40 USD). Take the upper deck from TST to Central.
Ding Ding (Tram): Slow, but costs pennies. Sit upstairs at the front for the best view of HK Island.
Red Taxis: Cheap for short distances, but drivers often don’t speak English. Have your destination written in Chinese.
Info for Nomads
Hong Kong is fast-paced. Expats work long hours (“work hard, play hard”). Meeting people is easy in LKF or Soho, but friendships can be transient as people move often.
Workation Vibe
Internet is lightning fast. Cafes are tight on space.
- The Coffee Academics (Causeway Bay): Good coffee, usually has space.
- NOC Coffee Co (Sai Ying Pun): Minimalist, spacious, very laptop friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hong Kong expensive? +
Rent is the most expensive in the world, but travel is cheap. Food is a bargain ($5 meals are common). Transport is cheap. Alcohol is pricey in bars ($12+), but cheap in stores (no tax on wine/beer).
Is it part of China? +
Politically, yes. It is a Special Administrative Region (SAR). You cross a border to enter mainland China. Laws are different, internet is uncensored (mostly), and they use their own currency (HKD).
Do I need a Visa? +
Most Western nations get 90 days visa-free. However, you cannot go to Shenzhen (Mainland China) without a separate Chinese visa (unless getting a specific 5-day port visa).