One of the most famous and popular temples in Hong Kong is Wong Tai Sin Temple located in Kowloon. Dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, it is the only temple in Hong Kong that accommodates Taoist weddings. In the 1940s, this beautiful structure survived the Japanese occupation and sustained little damage earning it the reputation of being a “miraculous structure”.

Although the temple appears to be ancient, it was constructed in 1921. Utilizing the characteristics of traditional Chinese temples, Wong Tai Sin Temple covers 18,000 square meters of space. With its large bright red pillars and incredible gold roof, the temple will make you catch your breath as you approach it. The adornment of rich blue friezes and yellow latticework help to provide a striking contrast to the carvings that decorate it.

Throughout the temple are stunning gardens that enhance the serenity of the site. The renowned Good Wish Garden offers you the chance to have your wishes answered provided that you make an honest request to the gods. The waterfalls splashing over rocks and the spectacular plantings make this a popular spot.

A series of three memorial arches can be found on the grounds. The first stands vigil outside of the temple and has the temple’s name etched into it. As you go farther and pass the fortunetellers, you will see the second. Proceeding further along will take you to the third. Arches such as these are typical in traditional Chinese temples.

One interesting feature of the temple is its Nine Dragon Wall. This wall was designed to reflect the Nine Dragon Wall in Beijing and is inscribed with a poem that adds to the feeling of tradition. Other areas of interest include Three Saints Hall where Guan Yin, Guan Di and Lu Zu are worshipped; Unicorn (Confucian) Hall where homage to Confucius is paid, and Yue Hing Shrine honoring the Buddha of the Lighted Lamp.

Wong Tai Sin Temple attracts throngs of visitors seeking their fortune and burning incense. Thousands of worshipers gather outside of the temple on Chinese New Year’s Eve in order to be the first to make an offering of incense as soon as the New Year comes. It is said that the earlier the offering is made, the better luck the worshipper will have throughout the year.

Whether or not your wishes are answered, the temple is an incredible place to experience.

Tags: Beijing, Confucian Hall, Good Wish Garden, Guan Di, Guan Yin, Hong Kong, Kowloon, Lu Zu, Nine Dragon Wall, Taoist weddings, Three Saints Hall, traditional Chinese temples, Unicorn Hall, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Yue Hing Shrine

One attraction in Hong Kong that draws over 7 million visitors a year is The Peak. Hong Kong Island’s highest mountain was an exclusive residential area for expatriate from 1904 to 1947. Offering breathtaking views of the city, it is not hard to understand why The Peak is so wildly popular.

To get to The Peak, a trip on The Peak Tram is highly recommended. The tram was originally opened to the public in 1888 and was cutting edge technology in its day. Von Roll Transport System, a Swiss company, rebuilt the tram in 1986 and installed new tracks. Carrying you up a steep incline, the tram has 1365 meters of track and carries up to 120 passengers per car.

The three remaking of The Peak Towers in Victoria Gap have transformed it into an entertainment and shopping mecca for millions. Housing Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, the standard for Madame Tussauds around the world has been raised. One of the best parts of Madame Tussauds is the Scream, an interactive scare attraction. Enter Scream if you dare. The theme is an asylum for the criminally insane. The twist is that the inmates have broken free to roam the asylum at will. Upon entering, you will have to deal with psychopaths, gore and darkness if you are to escape this place.

Offering a stunning, panoramic 360-degree view Hong Kong, Sky Terrace is Hong Kong’s highest viewing platform. No matter the time of day, you will not be disappointed by the vista that unfolds before you as you step onto the Sky Terrace.

Peak Market offers a staggering array of merchandise and food in a unique shopping experience. You should have no problem finding the perfect momento from either the market style stalls or the more traditional Chinese stores. When you are hungry, indulge yourself in your favorite cuisine from one of the many options, from fine dining to casual fare, available.

Take a break with a nature walk to unwind. Ranging from a 10 minute walk to the Mount Austin playground to the 1 hour Hong Kong Trail walk, there is a walk to fit most fitness levels. If you brought a picnic lunch, enjoing a casual picnic in a beautiful setting.

Exploring the pleasures of The Peak is a “must do” activity for every visitor to Hong Kong.

Tags: Hong Kong, Hong Kong Attractions, Hong kong dining, Hong Kong Trail, Madame Tussauds, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, Mount Austin playground, Peak Market, Peak Tram, Sky Terrace, The Peak, The Peak Towers, Victoria Gap, Von Roll Transport System

No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to small, tranquil Lamma Island. With a population of around 6000 on an island just under 14 square kilometers, Lamma Island is the third largest island in Hong Kong and is a favored place for expatriates to live.

On Lamma Island, buildings are restricted to three stories or less and cars are prohibited. With no automobiles on the island, residents get around on foot or bike. There are however small fire trucks, ambulances, and trucks that transport building materials. The lack of cars and high-rise buildings enhances this little island’s peaceful beauty.

Known for the fresh seafood restaurants that line the streets in the villages, Lamma Island is the perfect place for a day trip. You can explore the island by walking the picturesque trail that links Yung Shue Wan in the north to Sok Kwu Wan in the south. Walking the trail in between the two largests villages on the island will take about an hour. If you stop and explore the sights, it could take much longer.

On a warm summer day, pack your swimsuits. One of the sights that you might want to enjoy is Hung Shing Yeh Beach. The beach is quite crowded on weekends and holidays but it is a very pretty beach…if you ignore being in the shadow of the power plant. There are change rooms, toilets and showers available and, if you are hungry you can get something to eat from the cafe.

Just outside of Sok Kwu Wan, the Tin Hau Temple stands proudly. Originally built in the mid-1800s, a fire in 2004 led to its being refurbished. This is one of three Tin Hau Temples on Lamma and gives you a genuine look into the culture.

Once you have walked the trail, you should visit Lamma Fisherfolks Village in Sok Kwu Wan Bay. This floating exhibit pays homage to traditional fishermen. You can see an authentic junk, fishing rafts, themed folklore booths, dwellings, and an exhibition hall. This is the perfect place to see the fishing tradition up close. In addition there is some great shopping opportunities, as well as the chance to eat delicious seafood dishes.

There is a limited ferry schedule to the island so plan your visit accordingly. Don’t miss out on a day of enjoying this jewel of an island and leave the hectic pace of the city behind for a while.

Tags: Hong Kong, Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Lamma Fisherfolks Village, Lamma Island, Lamma Island dining, Lamma Island Ferry, Lamma Island ferry schedule, Sok Kwu Wan, Sok Kwu Wan Bay, Tin Hau Temple, Yung Shue Wan

Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of green spaces in Hong Kong in spite of the massive population. Hong Kong has many parks and beaches that the western world is often unaware of. Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, and Kowloon Walled City Park are just three of the many green spaces that create serene havens within Hong Kong and are easily accessed by public transportation.

Opened in 1991 on the site of Victoria Barracks garrison and costing a staggering $400 million, Hong Kong Park encompasses eight incredible hectares that visitors will find fascinating. Designed to complement the natural environment, the facility blends nicely with the surroundings and some of the garrison’s buildings have been preserved and utilized. This park offers an oasis of serenity in the bustling city with the ponds, streams, waterfalls, aviary, greenhouse and mature, valuable species of trees creating a world apart from the city. With the outdoor area of Hong Kong Park open from 6AM – 11PM, there are a multitude of activities available for the whole family.

Initially opened in 1864, the small Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens offer visitors to Hong Kong a big impact and it is free. This unique space is divided in two by a roadway and a subway that allows visitors to stroll from one part of the park to the other. With more than 1000 species of plants planted in a way that showcases their natural beauty, walkways let you wander through this green haven and absorb the stunning gardens that have been created. More than 400 birds, 50 reptiles and 70 mammals are housed within the park and there are both horticultural and zoological educational programs. With much of the park opening at 6AM, tourists have lots of time to get lost in the beauty of Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Because different areas close at different times, it is advisable to check the times before visiting the park so that you get the most enjoyment out of this gem.

Located on one of Hong Kong’s most historic sites, the Kowloon Walled City Park design drew inspiration from the Qing Dynasty’s Jiangnan garden style. Opened in 1995 and costing $78 million, the Kowloon Walled City Park has eight zones complementing each other and covering an amazing 31000 square meters. A number of features and relics from the former walled city have been incorporated in the design. The walkways throughout the different zones let you wander among the breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Open from 6:30AM to 11PM, this park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the quiet serenity and shed their stresses, even if only for a short time.

Tags: Hong Kong, Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong parks, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Jiangnan garden style, Kowloon Walled City Park, Victoria Barracks garrison

Scattered throughout Hong Kong are a number of parks that make the most of the waterfront settings. Like most of the parks in Hong Kong, the waterfront parks are stunning and beautifully designed. If you are looking for a quiet retreat, there are many parks to choose from.

The largest park on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Park makes the most of having Causeway Bay as a backdrop. Named after Queen Victoria, there are over 5500 trees spread over the 19-hectare park. Admission to the park is free although there are some facilities within the park that charge a user fee. That said, there are several sports facilities, such as the roller skating rink and basketball courts, which are free to use. The more sedentary visitors can enjoy the pebble walking path, 2-hectare central lawn, and model pool. There are seating areas throughout Victoria Park. Easily accessed by public transportation, Victoria Park is open 24 hours a day.

Located at West Kowloon’s southern tip, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade offers visitors a chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of this waterfront park. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, cycle on the cycling track, enjoy the landscape, watch the children enjoy the play area, or sit quietly in the pergola and take in the sights and sounds. Open from 6AM to 11PM, there is plenty of time to spend letting the stresses of the day wash away as you enjoy the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade.

As with so many of the parks in Hong Kong, Quarry Bay Park is open from 6AM and 11PM. This park offers an exquisitely designed waterfront promenade to relax on, a serene Tai Chi Garden, jogging path, lookout towers, sports facilities, cycling track and a children’s area. It is a great place to take the family to for a relaxing day out leaving the hustle and bustle behind. Meander through Quarry Bay Park and enjoy the day or take your tennis racket or basketball to have a game or to work of some energy.

Take some time to enjoy the waterfront jewels that are designed to allow visitors to unwind and relax. There is so much to do in Hong Kong that it is easy to overlook these wonderful areas.

Tags: basketball courts, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong parks, Quarry Bay Park, roller skating rinks, Tai Chi Garden, Victoria Park, West Kowloon, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade

For those of us that are conditioned to hopping into our car and driving to our destination, getting around Hong Kong can be a daunting task. Driving in Hong Kong is for those that want to spend their vacation sitting behind the wheel of a car, getting nowhere and paying through the nose for the privilege. Hong Kong has a vast and efficient public transit system once you know how it all works. For tourists, getting around Hong Kong can be overwhelming.

Car rentals, even for a small car, are extremely expensive in Hong Kong, costing upwards over $600 per day. The roads in this densely populated area are heavily congested and laid out in a complex, confusing maze, at least to the uninitiated. If by chance a driver gets to where they want to go, they are unlikely to find a parking space because of the rarity of parking spaces. In the event that renting a car is unavoidable, unlike mainland China, Hong Kong does recognize International Driving Permits and driving is on the left side of the road. Be warned that if you decide to drive to, or in, mainland china; you will need license plates from the Guangdong authorities and a Chinese issued driver’s license.

Taxis are likely the most tourist-friendly mode for travelers to get around in Hong Kong. You get the views and retain efficiency. One important thing to remember is that taxi drivers are required to change bills up to 100 Hong Kong dollars so if you need something bigger changed, make sure that you get change before getting in the taxi. There are three colors of taxis and the color indicates the areas that it serves. Red taxis are the ones to take when in doubt but red taxis cannot go to Lantau Island. Blue taxis serve Lantau Island and green taxis service the New Territories. The best news is although tips are appreciated, they are not expected however drivers will usually round up to the nearest dollar when they give change.

Buses, trams, bicycles, trains, ferries are other forms of transportation around Hong Kong. A common form of payment for a lot of the transportation is an Octopus card that is a prepaid smart card. Octopus cards can also be used at some fast food chains, most convenience stores, roadside parking, vending machines and some parking lots.

The transportation options for getting around Hong Kong are numerous and all have pros and cons. For the first few days of your visit, it is worthwhile to get to know the options that are in the vicinity of your hotel and get hotel staff to help you with instructions. It will make your visit to Hong Kong more enjoyable if your transportation needs are met efficiently.

Tags: bicycles, Buses, China, ferries, Guangdong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, International Driving Permits, Kowloon, Lantau, Lantau Island, New Territories, Octopus cards, Outlying Islands, taxis, trains, trams, transportation, Travel, travelers, visitors, visits