Exploring the Best of Hong Kong in a weekend

Looking to have one last trip before moving out of Dubai and coming back to America, I decided to visit Hong Kong / Macau, these are the 2 Special Administrative regions of China. These territories were transferred from British and Portuguese control in 1997 and 1999 respectively. This designation provides high level of autonomy to both places, and it was designed as a path to integration to China in 50 years. They have their own currency, government, and immigration policies; something that will create good debate as we come closer to the 50-year mark.

Now, sharing some of my highlights about Hong Kong. You will find 7.4 million people living in an area of about 1,100 square KM (Puerto Rico has 9,000 square KM) making it the 4^th most densely populated area in the world and the city with the most Skyscrapers. Their public transportation system is massive including Subway, Tram, Ferries, Buses, and even a system of escalators that has been given the tittle of the biggest in the world. 90% of the daily trips are done in some type of public transportation.

You can easily move from the airport to the city by train and be in the heart of the city in 30 minutes, once you are there the blend of old and new is incredible, in my case I went first to Macau by bus from Hong Kong international and took the ferry from Macau to Hong Kong after exploring the other Chinese SAR (wait for a post on Macau later). The Ferry from Macau is also a very convenient mode of transportation and drop you in the middle of the city, from there you can either walk or get transportation to your hotel. I stayed at the Mira Moon Hotel, great location to get from the airport and to go exploring the city. You will also enjoy the views from the room.

Want to share 5 things you must do if you are in Hong Kong for a couple of days, there are many other things, but I will say this can give you a good sense of the city. You need to remember that Hong Kong never sleeps so you will find activities around the clock, you will feel very secure around the city and would recommend the typical safety recommendations. 

1. ENJOY THE HK SKYLINE FROM VICTORIA HARBOR

HK has an iconic and beautiful skyline, easily at the top of the list as one of the best in the world. It is magnificent to see during the day or the night, there are many points around Hong Kong to see and enjoy the views, one of the best ways is to take a ferry across Victoria Harbor and walk along the Avenue of Stars where you will have a great view of the Skyline, plus get to learn more about the huge number of celebrities HK has including the famous Martial Arts, Actor Bruce Lee. During the night you can go to a rooftop bar to enjoy the view at night and the daily show they have with music and lights. 

2. SEE HK SKYSCRAPERS / SKYLINE FROM THE TOP

If you want to get a different perspective of the city and feel that you are on top of the world, then you can take the tram to The Peak in Victoria where you would enjoy an awe-inspiring view from Hong Kong. Once you get to the top, you can walk to the Peak Tower and spent some time above the Skyscrapers, here you will understand why Hong Kong is so dense with the huge number of buildings side by side. The views will vary depending on the weather you encounter that day, for me it was a so-so day, but you need to always enjoy the opportunities you have.

3. VISIT A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN OR A TEMPLE

Hong Kong is more than buildings and the stock exchange, once you start walking and talking with local people you will understand a more real side, where tradition and history take center stage. I stopped at one of the most stunning places in HK, the Nan Lian Garden a Chinese classical garden in the middle of all the concrete jungle that will make you forget that you are in the Skyscraper capital of the world. Is here where you can re-connect with your inner self or spend time meditating, is a newer place but still provides great insights on the Chinese culture and the Yin yang philosophy.

Another place to visit is the Wong Tai Sin Temple, a 100-year-old place where locals go to get their prayers answered. It is a Taoism temple with focus on self-cultivation. If you go in the first 15 days January, you will see numerous visitors that got their prayers answered. Most of the visitors come to the temple in search for a spiritual answer; they light incense sticks, kneel before the main altar, make a wish, and shake a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks until a stick falls out. This stick is exchanged for a piece of paper bearing the same number, and then the soothsayer will interpret the fortune on the paper for the worshiper.  

4. WALK AROUND THE CITY EXPLORE THE OLD AND NEW

HK is a very walkable city, ready for you to get lost; from walking across the markets and see locals buying their produce to visiting Lan Kwai Fong and have a drink in one of the many bars there is some much to see and enjoy. It was in Lan Kwai Fong that I met Joe another Boricua that was currently working there and is one of thousands of #boricuaslivingabroad making “patria” and showing the world what we are made of. One curious thing that I saw while walking around the city was that many buildings under construction use bamboo for their scaffolding, asking to one of the locals he said that the availability, weight and ease of use makes bamboo the perfect material for workers to work around the buildings while on construction.

5. DINE AT A MICHELIN RESTAURANT OR TRY HK NATIONAL DISH

One of the best things of travel is trying their food, getting something to eat on the street or sitting at a fine dining place is a great opportunity to now more about their culture, ingredients and the people that live there. While searching what to eat in HK I found that Sweet and Sour pork is the national dish of this great city, with a quick search found Sang Kee, a restaurant with almost 50 years opened and winner of Bib Gourmand recognition. They have moved now to a fancier place, but the national dish is so simple that is the main reason it works; the sauce is tangy and full of flavor it has the right stickiness that helps get the right amount of rice in each bite. You must try this dish at any of the many places that serves it.

How you decide a place to eat when there are 79 Michelin restaurants, offering all kind of different foods. You search your soul, and I found Mono a restaurant owned by a Venezuelan Chef. In his restaurant he pays homage to his Latin American roots and serve top quality food. What a great choice for last dinner in HK, the food they prepare is superb, the way the team explain each dish and how they connect with you made it a night to remember. Please have that sourdough bread it is truly signature. They images talk by themselves…

Hong Kong might look and feel crazy based on the people density and walking through so many high rises, but after being there you can find space to breath and be on your own or connect with locals and learn about their life. Thanks for reading the post, please share it with your friends and sign in to receive our updates; also follow us on Instagram, and Facebook search for #BORICUASLIVINGABROAD. Until next time….