Hong Kong is a city always in motion: bustling markets, seamless transit and millions of citizens hustling for work, play and something tasty to eat. It’s also a financial powerhouse, a natural wonder surrounded by green mountains and one of the continent’s main hubs. And you can fly direct from Toronto Pearson with Cathay Pacific.
Here’s how to have a memorable time when visiting Hong Kong.
Feel victorious at Victoria Peak
It’s fair to say that Hong Kong has one of the greatest skylines in the world. So, any first-timer would be wise to take in the city from high up. Victoria Peak (or just “the Peak” among locals) is the sound option. Take the tram at the foot of the mountain up 552 metres. Then, after you’ve hit a lookout and had your selfie fix, hike the leafy Lugard Road. Travellers looking for more of a thrill might want to try biking the city’s many mountainous trails. Each varies in degree of difficulty, though all come with a healthy dose of wonder.
See the harbour like the stars
The StarFerry has been running between Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island for more than 120 years. Known for its green-and-white paintjob and crew of old-school sailors, the ship makes several stops, including the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and West Kowloon, site of many five-star rooftop bars. Don’t forget to appreciate Hong Kong’s fishing boats as well, which capture the city’s famously fresh seafood.
Dive into delightful delicacies
Speaking of food, no trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a trip to Temple Street Night Market. This neon wonderland is beloved by both tourists and the initiated, and is overflowing with seafood, meat, produce and some of the best street food anywhere. Find dim sum, Chinese BBQ and Cantonese classics, of course; but also delicious fare from the Philippines, Nepal, Tibet and so much more. Arrive hungry.
Achieve nirvana on Lantau Island
Lantau Island can be found off the southwest coast of West Kowloon and is home to what is affectionately known as the Big Buddha, or the Tian Tan Buddha statue. Built in 1990, the religious figure stands 34 metres tall and sits atop 200 steps. If you plan to get there by cable car (you should), make sure to ride the Crystal Cabin edition, complete with a wildly entertaining glass floor. Once you land, settle any lingering nerves at the serene Po Lin Monastery, founded by Buddhist monks in 1906.
Move through the city like never before
How about an attraction that mixes kookiness with utmost practicality? Maybe you’ve seen it in the movies: Hong Kong has the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, running for more than 800 metres. It begins in the business district at Queen’s Road Central and meanders south to the residential Conduit Road.