It’s not just its glittering skyline, picturesque harbour, or bustling markets and shopping quarters that make Hong Kong one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world.
Beyond the bright lights and dizzying heights, visitors discover the history of Hong Kong is equally captivating.
Like a perfectly prepared wonton, the city mixes and folds an enchanting array of history, art and culture, into its vibrant big-city package. The cultural mix is varied, as one would expect from a city as cosmopolitan as Hong Kong.
Worshipping Hong Kong
From ancient Chinese temples to a Victorian era cathedral, Hong Kong’s religious sites offer a unique link to the past.
These historic sites can be found amongst the high-rise buildings of the city or within the lush greenery of the surrounding hills, meaning that a little piece of history can be found virtually anywhere.
Top sites include the mid-nineteenth century Man Ho Temple on Hong Kong Island (124-126 Hollywood Rd, Tai Ping Shan), the 170-year-old St. John’s Cathedral (4-8 Garden Rd, Central), also located on Hong Kong Island, and the 18th century Hau Wong Temple (130 Junction Rd, Pak Hok Shan) on Kowloon.
Chinese Festivals
No matter what time of year, visitors will find concerts, fun-filled festivals, and exhibitions catering to almost every taste and interest. Some of the most popular events are the Chinese heritage related festivals, like Chinese New Year (beginning 16 Feb 2018); the Spring Lantern Festival (2 March 2018); Dragon Boat Festival (18 June 2018); Mid-Autumn Festival (24 September 2018); and Winter Solstice Festival (22 December 2018).
Monumental appeal
Reminders of Hong Kong’s past can be found everywhere. Weather it’s a centuries old Chinese structure, or colonial era landmark, the history of Hong Kong is preserved for all to enjoy.
To protect these cherished structures, Hong Kong’s Declared Monuments decree helps protect historic structures like the colonial era Flagstaff House (10 Cotton Tree Dr, Central) and Old Stanley Police Station (88 Stanley Village Rd, Stanley) on Hong Kong Island, along with the Hong Kong Observatory (134A Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui) and Signal Tower (Minden Row, Tsim Sha Tsui) on Kowloon.
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Hong Kong history
With its ultra-modern skyline, Hong Kong’s rich history may seem obscured at first glance. But you don’t have to look long or far before the city’s rich history comes into view.
Whether it’s ancient Han Dynasty Tombs (41 Tonkin Street), preserved city walls, or an ornate Victorian style building, the past is reflected in every part of the city and surrounding islands.
For a taste of Chinese history, be sure to visit the 19th century pirate hideout, Cheung Po Tsai Cave (Cheung Chau Family Walk, Cheung Chau). Explore the 500 year old walled village, Kat Hing Wai (Kam Tin, Yuen Long, New Territories); or the 400 year old village Lai Chi Wo (Plover Cove, near Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, Sha Tau Kok, New Territories). For more historic sites, visit Discover Hong Kong.
Enriching rituals
Few cities offer such a fascinating blend of past and present. As modern as Hong Kong is, residents are experts at infusing life with the most interesting aspects of their history and culture.
For a taste of Hong Kong’s cultural side, visit Cheung Chau Bun Festival in May, attend a Chinese opera or tea ceremony, or make a wish at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees.
Inspiring architecture
It’s not just the historic structures that have a story to tell. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most vibrant cities, and its newest buildings are in many ways, the face of modern Hong Kong.
With more than 7,000 skycrapers, few places match the modern architecture appeal as this 21st century world city.
Architectural highlights include the Bank of China Tower; the building known for its steel and neon fascade, The Tower; the home of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, at Exchange Square; and the International Commerce Centre.
Multitudes of museums
No boring and staid museums here! In Hong Kong, fun and interesting exhibitions are the name of the game. Topics ranging from robotics, trains and maritime history, to the movies, medical science, urban planning and tea-ware will leave even the most cavalier traveller, filled with excitement and anticipation.
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