Apartments and short-stay accommodation – where to stay in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong rivals London and New York in terms of opportunities, 24-hour lifestyle and cutting edge attractions, but locals feel Hong Kong’s soul has more in common with
Sicily. There’s so much to see and do in Hong Kong and plenty of hotels and hostels are located in the heart of the city. Short-term apartments and guesthouses are another option when visiting the city and you might see new districts and areas of the city that you wouldn’t normally see. What is there to do in Hong Kong? Well, we’d recommend you go to
Victoria Peak, a famous vantage point that will make you understand why people compare Hong Kong’s skyline to that of New York’s.
Nan Lian garden is another one of Hong Kong’s top attractions and is regarded as one of the city’s most beautiful spots. It is an ornamental garden with rocks, water features timbre structures and is a serene haven from the bustle of Hong Kong.
Fun Facts
The name Hong Kong means ‘fragrant harbour’.
There are more Rolls Royce’s per person in Hong Kong than anywhere else in the world.
¾ of Hong Kong is rural – there are 24 parks, hills, woodland and reservoirs – no wonder the other quarter is so densely populated!
The population of Hong Kong consumes triple the world average of tea – that’s 1.4kg per person!
People from Hong Kong are clever – the city has an average IQ of 107.
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known as the
‘crossroads of the world’ where Eastern culture meets Western culture. It has a unique history and a remarkable future - modern day Hong Kong is a combination of 5,000 years of Chinese tradition and more than a 150 years of colonial influence. Hong Kong is made up of 4 different areas – Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. The common perception is that Hong Kong is a city but it’s actually a sprawling archipelago of 260 islands. The majority of people live in the
Kowloon area and there is much to see and do there. Hong Kong Island was claimed by the British in 1842 when the island comprised of just a few fishing villages. It was given back in 1997 but the years of colonial rule have changed Hong Kong into a thriving international city. Evidence of colonial rule is everywhere, not least in the architecture of downtown Hong Kong where there are many buildings built in the British style. Hong Kong today has a population of over 7 million people and is one of the most densely populated areas on the planet. Hong Kong’s 4 areas are refreshingly different – you could find yourself strolling along a boulevard in Kowloon or on a deserted beach on one of the Outlying Islands.
Off the beaten track
We’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about a few places in Hong Kong that aren’t likely to get a mention in a guide book. Hong Kong has many faces and it would be a shame not to stray off the familiar beaten track to look at another side of Hong Kong. Most tourists go to the
Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade but there others available with more impressive views of Hong Kong’s skyline. We recommend
West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade or the impressively designed
Kwun Tong promenade.
Shopping
Hong Kong is famous for shopping and there are many shopping malls, upmarket designer shops and street markets. Fashion is very important in Hong Kong, one good place to visit to get an idea of current Asian trends is
GOD. This ‘lifestyle store’ is located in
Causeway Bay shopping district. GOD stands for ‘goods of desire’ and the store is famous for its cutting edge styles. A different side to the Hong Kong shopping experience can be found in the
Mongkok area of Kowloon. Mongkok looks like what you imagine Hong Kong to look like – streets rammed with signs, street food and market traders. The Mongkok Bird Market is a fascinating place to observe what is a very old Chinese tradition. Older Hong Kongers like collecting birds not just for their appearance but also for their voices. The market is a serious place where birds are bought and exchanged. Those at the market chat and exchange stories whilst holding their birds, in the much the same way people in the West might socialise when taking their dogs for a walk. Like most of Hong Kong’s markets, it’s best to arrive early to get the full experience.
Getting around
Hong Kong International Airport is located to the west of Kowloon. The best way to reach Kowloon is to take the Airport Express train which leaves every 10 minutes and takes 24 minutes to Kowloon station. There are many ways to travel around Hong Kong and the city boasts one of the safest and efficient public transport systems in the world. The
Octopus Card is the city’s version of London’s Oyster Card and makes payment for transport quick and easy. The MTR is Hong Kong’s metro system and is the best way to travel around the city. There are lots of ferries connecting Kowloon with Hong Kong Island and the Outlying Islands. There are double decker trams on Hong Kong Island too and have been operating through Hong Kong’s busiest districts since 1904. Take a seat on the top deck and enjoy the views as you ride through bustling streets!
£11per nightFully Furnished big room with balkony in shareda partment - To the Beach in 15 min (S-Bahn)Rostock, Germany