A British colony until 1997, Hong Kong is as accessible as it is eccentric. Bright lights, bustling traffic, modern glass and steel skyscrapers juxtaposed against traditional Chinese and colonial architecture; a harbour where tiny wooden dhows sleek past huge international cargo ships, Hong Kong is a dynamic and fascinating place, ideal for family holidays and honeymoons alike.
Actually consisting of several islands, peninsulas and mainland territories, for tourists Hong Kong can generally be differentiated into two areas, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Hong Kong Island is considered by many as the heart of the region, home to popular sites such as Kwai Fong, Admiralty and Causeway Bay as well as the heart of the financial centre, for that big city feel Hong Kong Island is definitely the place to be.
Kowloon’s south coast is considered, perhaps rather narrow-mindedly, as the best view point from which to observe the Hong Kong Island cityscape. This district has an awful to offer in its own right. The beautiful Victoria Harbour, which separates Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, enjoys an incredible light show which has been accredited by Guinness World Records as being the largest permanent light and sound show on the planet, illuminating the Kowloon seaboard with a myriad of shining beams. Shek Mei Mip State offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s opulent past with the beautiful architecture that was such a feature of the region in the 50s and 60s. The Southern Peninsula of Kowloon is its most famous point with countless jade shops, fortune-teller stalls, bird markets and other busy concessions. The area is not without its boutiques or fashionable restaurants though; Tsim Sha Tsui is the tourist ghetto where numerous shops, cafes, bars and other chic destinations can be found. Literally translated as ‘Nine Dragons’ referring to the eight rocky peaks which dominate the skyline and the emperor who oversees all of it, Kowloon is an excellent and underrated part of Hong Kong.
From cultural history to modern industry, fine dining to sizzling street stalls Hong Kong really has something to offer everyone. A charming world waits to be discovered and promises the ideal romantic escape for honeymooning couples. With an undulating volcanic geography the surrounding landscape is both dramatic and beautiful, a favourite with hikers; but if you tire of long treks and spectacular mountain views then why not head to one of a handful of pristine beaches. Particularly found around the smaller islands just off the shore of Kowloon and Hong Kong, such as Lantau and Cheung Chau, Hong Kong beaches offer soft white sand and crystal clear ocean. These isolated oases of calm seem like a million miles from the fast paced metropolitan life of Hong Kong’s industrial heart. Especially for honeymooners a trip out to one of these secluded communities would offer the perfect complement to a busy city break; Hong Kong gifts you the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds, city and beach, but within a short boat trip of one another, such is the eclectic nature of this Far Eastern jewel.