Hong Kong
A city and a set of islands
Three quarters of Hong Kong is countryside. That is the fact that reorganises the whole trip, because you arrive braced for nothing but towers and crowds. With its limited land area and a notably high population density, the city’s skyline is defined by soaring skyscrapers, showcasing its status as a global financial and commercial hub. Tightly packed residential buildings and crowded streets are characteristic of its urban development, a direct consequence of both geographic constraints and its pivotal role in the global economy. Three quarters of Hong Kong is countryside. That is the fact nobody expects: for all the towers, most of the territory is hills, beaches and country parks. The vertical expansion of buildings is a prominent feature, exemplifying modern urban living. Surrounding the city, there are also numerous striking natural areas that serve as peaceful retreats for residents and visitors alike.
Lantau Island: A Verdant Oasis
Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest, offers a break from the crowds. Home to the serene Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha, it invites contemplation amidst lush landscapes.
Temples in the middle of it
Man Mo temple is so thick with hanging incense coils that you leave smelling of it. Wong Tai Sin is where people go to have their fortune told with bamboo sticks. The incense coils above your head burn for two weeks each.
Nature at Victoria Peak
A trip up Victoria Peak rewards with remarkable panoramas of the city and its harbor. The lush trails surrounding the peak offer a respite for nature enthusiasts.
Harmony in Chaos: Street Markets and Skyline
Kowloon is a district in Hong Kong, located on the mainland part of the city. It’s known for its dense urban development markets street life, and a mix of residential and commercial areas. Kowloon is separated from Hong Kong Island by Victoria Harbour. The district encompasses a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, and is a major hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Hong Kong. Popular areas within Kowloon include Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Kowloon City, and Kwun Tong.
Mong Kok is among the most densely populated places on earth. Causeway Bay is where the shopping is. Neither is restful and neither pretends to be. Ten minutes from a trading floor there is a hiking trail with nobody on it.
What it adds up to
You can go from the top of a bank tower to an empty beach in under an hour, on public transport, for the price of a coffee. That gap is the whole appeal.