There are two very interesting cities that you have an opportunity to visit in Asia. Both are part of the People’s Republic of China, although at present they maintain a particular regime, since they are Special Administrative Regions, which due to their colonial past enjoy a certain autonomy. I suppose you have already realized that these are Hong Kong and Macao, both areas were former colonies of Great Britain and Portugal respectively. Today, in these fascinating cities Chinese traditions and the colonial past merge with current trends. Also, both being located only about 70 km from each other, and being very well connected through modern infrastructures, they are perfect to be visited together. I am sure you will love them!
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
Although human settlements date back to the Neolithic period that is, at least 6000 years ago, this Chinese region has become better known in recent centuries, mainly due to the fact that it became a colony of the British Empire between 1842 and 1997, after a British victory in the first Opium War. I don’t know if you are aware of the fact that the British exported manufactured products to China during the Industrial Revolution and also this toxic substance that triggered a strong consumer crisis, which was the main cause of the war.
The colonial period has served among others to modernize the area with efficient infrastructures and although during World War II Hong Kong was occupied by the Japanese from 1941, shortly after they attacked Pearl Harbor, at the end of the war the British again became with control of the city. The city continued to grow, as its population increased due to the arrival of refugees from the Chinese civil war and because the Communist Party’s control of the government. Currently more than 2 million people inhabit the city. Also, since the 1950s it has been one of the Four Asian Tigers together, with South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan due to its great industrial growth.
WELCOME TO HONG KONG: WHAT TO VISIT
One of the best known attractions in the city is Victoria Peak. During the colonial times, a tram was created that is more than 120 years old and offers spectacular views. Although the best sight is from up of the mountain itself. Do not hesitate to take it, as it is an excellent opportunity to travel in such an ancient means of transport in which the smallest details of past have been preserved. It is also possible to climb Victoria Peak on a foot through a beautiful garden area, although you must bear in mind that it is a hard way up and not everyone is suitable to do it. If in the end you decide to go walking, maybe it is better to descend this way and go up by the tram. I personally loved the experience, walking with wonderful views. Upstairs you can find different places to eat and other tourist attractions. By the way, once traveling in the north of Spain, in Santander, I also got on an old tram to the main mountain area in the city, it reminded me a lot of the one in Hong Kong.
At night it is highly recommended to take a walk through the Night Markets, where there are numerous stalls with the typical dishes of Cantonese food. Some with a rather strange look, however, I always recommend you try everything, you will be surprised by the magnificent flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine. Temple Street is the most popular area that you should not miss. Not far away from there is the Jade Market, where you have the opportunity to buy a piece of jewelry made of this precise ornamental mineral, whose hue is green. Although jade can also appear in yellow or white color. What has surprised me the most in the vicinity of Temple Street was an area with fortune telling stalls, I did not know that this type of practice was so popular in this part of the world. On the other hand, the night also offers the light show, called Symphony of Lights on the Avenue of the Stars. As you walk along this avenue you will find yourself on the ground with the sign of the hands of the famous actors, including Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. It is a little Chinese Hollywood.
With the Star Ferry it is possible to pass between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Precisely, in Kowloon my accommodation was located in the famous Chingkung Mansions. You should not miss it, it is spectacular to contemplate this place that has become one more tourist attraction in the city. It looks like an independent town, bursting with life through numerous food stalls, souvenir shops, hotels, and street vendors. So many people concentrated in this group of buildings … as if the whole world could fit in there. Of course, my hotel room was the space occupied by the bed (so small!) and the bathroom was at the same time the shower (yes, it really was!). Even so, I consider that it was a unique place to spend my stay, and of course, much cheaper than the five-star hotels in the city.
Finally, if you like spending your time among nature, Hong Kong offers its visitors numerous possibilities to enjoy it. In the city there are magnificent parks, full of exotic fauna and flora. For example in Edward Youde Aviary you have the opportunity to see the tropical bird species. Thanks to its fabulous facilities, part of the aviary is located outdoors. Then there is nothing better than to relax sitting on the grass contemplating large areas of green and people from Hong Kong who enjoy the nature with their families or practicing some sport, such as meditation or Tai Chi. There are also other natural areas, such as the island of Lantau in which the bronze statue of Tian Tan Buddha predominates. It was completed in 1993. To get there, nothing easier than taking the same bus that takes you to the airport, since it is located on this island. Although if you are looking for a beach, I advise you to visit Stanley Beach.
Another attraction of Hong Kong is visiting Macao, the former Portuguese colony, However, I will tell you more about it in my next article…
TIPS:
- I always recommend trying traditional food, it is the best way to get into the culture of a foreign country. Hong Kong’s night markets offer many good and cheap possibilities.
- In Kowloon area it is cheaper to find accommodation, I would not miss the possibility of sleeping in the Chingkung Mansions.
- If you spend more days in Hong Kong, visit at least during one or two of them Macao. It is easy to get there by ferry.
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