Top 5 Places in Hong Kong 2023 is one of the most crowded cities in the world. It is a unique blend of old-world charm with modern architecture. If you are planning a trip to Hong Kong, these places should be on your must-visit list. The International Commerce Centre Central to everything, the Central Business District (CBD) of Hong Kong is the financial hub of Asia. It has tall office buildings and skyscrapers that house the headquarters of many of the world’s largest companies. The Central Pier is the place to visit if you want.
As a Hong Kong ex-pat, it is vital to have a good understanding of the city and its surroundings. With the SAR’s developments over the years, there are now many different places that make living here more comfortable. Regardless of whether you live here permanently or on a business trip, you will not want to miss out on the following places when visiting Hong Kong.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Hong Kong 2023; Hong Kong is a historical yet modern city in Asia, it’s the economic and cultural hub of the region. Hong Kong is famously known for its skyline, harbour, Victoria Peak, and busy urban life. Each year more than 50 million visitors from around the world are attracted to this metropolis. To help you get acquainted with the city, here are five places to visit in Hong Kong in 2023. Since Hong Kong is an international city and a global hub, most young people have to face the problem of choosing the right time.
1. Victoria Harbour and the Star Ferry
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbor situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. It is a major tourist attraction known for its stunning views of the city skyline, particularly at night when the buildings are lit up. The Star Ferry is a passenger ferry service that operates within the harbor, providing commuters and tourists with a convenient way to travel between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The ferry service has been in operation since 1888 and is considered a cultural icon of Hong Kong.
Victoria Harbour is also a major transportation hub, with various forms of public transportation such as buses, minibusses, and trams connecting the two sides of the harbor. The harbor is also a popular spot for recreational activities, such as boat tours and cruises, which offer visitors the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the city from the water.
The Star Ferry is a relatively inexpensive way to cross the harbor, and it is also considered a popular tourist attraction in its own right. The ferry offers several different routes, including a trip across the harbor that provides passengers with a panoramic view of the city skyline. The ferries are also known for their distinctive green-and-white color scheme and are considered cultural icons of Hong Kong.
Aside from the ferry service, Victoria Harbour is also home to the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Terminal, which connects Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai through a bridge and tunnel. The Victoria Harbour Tunnel also connects the two sides of the harbor, providing a fast and convenient way for vehicles and bicycles to cross the harbor.
Overall, Victoria Harbour and the Star Ferry are two of the most iconic and recognizable features of Hong Kong, attracting millions of visitors each year for their beauty, history, and cultural significance.
2. Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
Ngong Ping 360 is a gondola lift system that travels between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. The cable car system, also known as the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, provides visitors with a scenic ride that offers panoramic views of Lantau Island, the South China Sea, and the surrounding mountains. The cable car ride is approximately 5.7 kilometres long and takes about 25 minutes to complete.
The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong, and it provides access to the Ngong Ping Village, a cultural village that features traditional Chinese architecture and a variety of shops and restaurants. The village is also home to the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, a bronze statue of Buddha that is one of the largest outdoor seated Buddha statues in the world. Visitors can also go to the Po Lin Monastery near the Big Buddha, which is a Buddhist monastery.
The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car also offers a glass-bottom cabin option, providing a unique perspective on the stunning scenery below. The cable car system is also wheelchair accessible and equipped with facilities for visitors with disabilities.
Overall, the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is a must-see attraction for visitors to Hong Kong, offering breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and access to some of the most popular tourist spots on Lantau Island.
3. Tian Tan (Big) Buddha
The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a bronze statue of the Buddha located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. It is one of the largest outdoor seated Buddha statues in the world and a major tourist attraction in Hong Kong. The statue is 34 meters tall and sits on a lotus throne at an elevation of around 220 meters above sea level. It was completed in 1993, and visitors can climb the 268 steps to reach the statue base and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The Tian Tan Buddha is a representation of the “Maitreya Buddha,” which is a bodhisattva who will become a Buddha in the future and is known as the Buddha of the Future. The statue is made of 202 bronze pieces and was constructed in China before being shipped to Hong Kong and assembled on-site. The statue is surrounded by the Po Lin Monastery, which is a Buddhist monastery and is considered one of the most important Buddhist sanctums in Hong Kong.
Visitors to the Tian Tan Buddha can also explore the exhibition hall located at the base of the statue, which features exhibits on the history and culture of Buddhism. The area around the Big Buddha also features several other Buddhist statues and shrines, as well as gardens and a vegetarian restaurant.
Overall, the Tian Tan Buddha is a must-see attraction for visitors to Hong Kong, offering a unique blend of spiritual and cultural experiences, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Cheung Chau Island
Cheung Chau Island is a small island located in the western waters of Hong Kong. It is known for its traditional fishing village atmosphere, its beaches, and its colorful festivals. Cheung Chau island is one of the most popular outlying islands in Hong Kong, and it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals looking for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The island is home to several temples and a number of small, traditional Chinese shophouses, many of which are now used as souvenir shops and restaurants. There are also several beautiful beaches on the island, such as Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Beach, which are popular with locals and tourists alike.
One of the main attractions of the island is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, which is held annually on the island during the fifth lunar month (usually April or May). The festival is a celebration of the island’s history and culture and features a colorful parade, lion dances, and the famous “bun scrambling” contest, where participants race to the top of a tower of buns to grab as many as they can.
The island is also a popular spot for hiking and cycling, with several scenic routes that take in the island’s natural beauty, including a trail that leads to the island’s highest point, a hill called “Prospect Hill.”
Overall, Cheung Chau Island is a charming destination that offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Hong Kong, as well as opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.
5. The Dragon’s Back
The Dragon’s Back is a popular hiking trail located on Hong Kong Island, in the Shek O Country Park. The trail is named for its undulating shape, which resembles the back of a dragon. It is considered one of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong and it offers spectacular views of the South China Sea and the surrounding landscape.
The trail starts at Shek O Road and ends at Big Wave Bay beach, it is around 8.5 km long and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The trail is relatively well-maintained, with a mix of concrete, dirt, and stone paths, and it is suitable for hikers of all abilities. Along the way, hikers will pass through lush greenery, rocky outcroppings, and small villages, and they will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and lizards.
The Dragon’s Back trail offers several scenic viewpoints, such as the Shek O Peak, which is the highest point of the trail, the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, and the Tai Tam Country Park. Hikers can also visit the Shek O village, a traditional Chinese fishing village, and the Shek O beach, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
After the hike, you can reward yourself by visiting the Big Wave Bay beach, which is known for its good surf and beautiful scenery.
Overall, the Dragon’s Back is an iconic hiking trail that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Hong Kong Island and enjoy some of the best views the city has to offer.