One Day, One Place: Hong Kong
More than 70 percent of this enigmatic city of skyscrapers consists of green space — from mountains to sprawling parks — and the balance between ultramodern and serene allows you to find exactly what you need at the moment.
Hong Kong’s Chinese roots and colonial connections are only the starting point to its broad culinary repertoire and love of food.
From your hotel, head down to the waterfront and take a five-minute trip across Victoria Harbour aboard one of the famous Star Ferries, which have been plying the waters between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since 1898.
Walk down to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, which winds along the waterfront and allows for uninterrupted views of the Hong Kong skyline and the boat traffic.
The museum has made great efforts in studying, collecting and exhibiting countless objects that are related to the archaeology, history, ethnography and natural histories of Hong Kong and South China.
If you’re more of a shopper than a history buff, stroll along Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui past Bollywood-themed memorabilia, Shanghainese tailors, gems and jewelry, international brand-name stores and Asian boutiques.
The island is the third largest of the city’s outlying islands, a little more than 5 square miles, and is rich in green hills and beautiful bays, including Picnic Bay, brimming with floating fish and shrimp farms.
Wander around the fishing village, and the 150-year-old Tin Hau Temple, and then grab a seat on the waterfront patio at Rainbow for lunch.
Zip back to Central Ferry Piers on Rainbow’s free, half-hour boat ride and make your way over to the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road.
Take a break for afternoon tea on the outdoor terrace of the Envoy in the Pottinger Hong Kong.
The spot is known for its signature cocktails, and one of the most Instagrammable is the True Blood No. 2 — a fresh combination of Bols Genever and ginseng liqueur, with beet, orange, lemon and cranberry juices — served in a “blood bag” on a bed of ice.
Dedicate the evening to an incredible upscale dinner at Amber, a Michelin-two-star restaurant in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental.
Hong Kong’s most famous night market has a festive atmosphere, with its outdoor stalls selling everything from Chinese souvenirs to clothing and accessories, and entertainment offerings from its fortune-tellers and open-air Cantonese opera performances.