Travel Guide to Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hong Kong is called New-York of Asia, though there are even more skyscrapers than in the American megapolis. Hong Kong consists of a lot of islands, the largest of which are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Island and the New Territories. In 1997 Hong Kong was given back to China by Great Britain, after what Hong Kong officially got a special status in China. The city landscape of the city really shocks, especially in evenings, but it's not the only thing that deserves your attention.

Victoria Peak. Victoria Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong with a wonderful panoramic view on the city. This place of interest attracts millions of tourists every year. The best way to get to the very top of the peak is to take a special tram, which goes every 10-15 minutes. The trip lasts about 7 minutes; the most breath-catching period is the last route section, when the tram overpasses the steepest ascent. On the top of Victoria Peak you'll find the fully restored Peak Tower, which has the form of a Chinese pan.

From the tower one can enjoy the most magnificent view on Hong Kong, but the tower itself a very interesting object: inside there are a lot of shops and restaurants, sometimes dancing or musical concerts are organized there. In the tower you can also visit Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. All together it leaves an impression of a big fair. On the Peak there is also a playground (Mount Austin), not far from which there is a beautiful park – Victoria Peak Garden with the fascinating panorama of Hong Kong port. Those, who are conscious about being athletic, can find there a special pedestrian zone for running or just walking: so this way you can do 2 things at the same moment - become healthier and enjoy the view. If you get tired you may have rest at the special places for picnics.

Man-Mo Temple. Man-Mo Temple is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong, built in 1848, soon after Hong Kong Island went to Great Britain. During its not very long life the temple was rebuilt for many times. In China there are quite a lot of Man-Mo temples, built in favor of 2 gods: Man – the god of literature and Mo – the god of war. In the Hong Kong temple you may see the Buddhists, who have no gods as well as the taoisists, who have plenty of gods. Long ago the temple was the place, where all the conflicts were to be solved: the adversarial sides wrote on yellow paper their promises and that who didn't keep a word was punished. Then a hen was killed and its blood was sprinkled on the paper, after that the paper was burnt.

In the temple heavy smell of incenses can always be felt. The visitors can light their incense sticks, there must be three of them: one for the past, one for the present and one for the future. At the entrance the marvelous wooden thrones in the form of small houses are situated. During the important holidays in them the figures of Man and Mo are carried along the streets of Hong Kong. Those, who want to learn about their future, can ask the numerous soothsayers, working at the temple. They make their prediction with the help of a piece of bamboo, in which the sticks with the numbers are put. The stick that falls first tells about what expects you in future. This ritual can interest even the staunchest skeptic.

Wong Tai Sin Temple. The Taoisistic Wong Tai Sin Temple was called after the herder, who had the healing gift and at the age of 15 followed Taoism. Aged 55 he achieved the blooming, and as the result the immortality. The taoisists believe that Wong Tai Sin spirit can heal painful illnesses and bring happiness and prosperity, that's why there are always a lot of visitors in the temple, especially on such holidays, as New Year. The temple is also very crowded on the birthday of Wong Tai Sin. The visitors light incense sticks and with quiet mumble make their wishes. If the wish comes true, it's necessary to come back to the temple and thank the spirit. At the main altar the image of Wong Tai Sin is located.

The modern building of the temple isn't very old: it was built in 1973 on the place, where in 1921 another temple was situated. It is a wonderful example of Chinese architectural style with red columns and golden roof. The temple complex also includes the Wall of Nine Dragons, which was created as an imitation of the world-famous Peking Wall. Like in the other temples, in Wong Tai Sin Temple work a lot of soothsayers, more than that, there one can find a shop with Chinese herbals. Around the complex you'll see the magnificent garden, in Good Wish Garden people wish each other the best.

The Star Ferry. The Star Ferry is a pleasant way to enjoy the sights of Hong Kong. Ferries sail between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Island. During this short voyage you'll get to know the city from the other side. The view on the port and the outlook of Hong Kong are really beautiful, so such trips are very popular with tourists. The first ferries of the Victoria Harbor started sailing in the end of the 19th century. They were a little bit smaller than modern, which can place 750 people. The upper deck has the status of 1st class: there are conditioners that help to get over the heat. The ferry makes 4 stops: Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai and Hung Hom.

There are also some other ways to get from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon Island, for example, by underground or auto-tunnels, but ferries are still of great popularity. The Star Ferry convey at about 70 000 passengers a day, which is 26 million a year.

Read more about Hong Kong:
Restaurants and cuisine in Hong Kong
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Hong Kong
Nightlife and attractions in Hong Kong
Preparing for Hong Kong: Advices
Hong Kong photogallery