Sightseeing in Hong Kong City - what to see. Complete travel guide

Hong Kong is often called the New York of Asia, although, the number of skyscrapers in Hong Kong is even more than in American cities. Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories and a number of small islands. In 1997, the city was returned to China from the UK. After this, Hong Kong was awarded with a special status in China. Hong Kong skyscrapers simply amaze visitors with their magnificence and gorgeousness, especially in the evening, when they are lit beautifully. However, besides them the city has much to see and many interesting places to visit.

Victoria Peak.
Victoria Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong. From here tourists will be able to enjoy the panoramic view of the entire city. This landmark attracts millions of tourists every year. The best way to get to the very top of the peak is to take a special tram that leaves from the city center every 10-15 minutes. The trip lasts approximately 7 minutes. The last part of the journey is particularly exciting - the tram overcomes the steepest ascent. The top of the peak is the location of the recently completely renovated Peak Tower . The tower has the shape of a Chinese pan.

The observation deck of the tower features simply beautiful views of Hong Kong, but the tower itself deserves no less attention as here visitors will find numerous shops and restaurants. Moreover, the tower regularly becomes the location of various dance and music performances. The tower also houses the Museum of Madame Tussauds. Such a great number of various establishments leave the impression of a big fair. The peak has its own playground for children (Mount Austin), near which visitors will find a beautiful park named Victoria Peak Garden that is famous for a beautiful panorama of Hong Kong harbor. Travellers, who prefer active lifestyle, will be delighted to find a paved walking path around the peak. During a walk along the path tourists will be able to enjoy the ever-changing views of Hong Kong and its suburbs. By the way, there are specially designated places for picnics along the path too. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Man Mo Temple.
Man Mo Temple is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. It was built in 1848, immediately after the Hong Kong Island had been acquired by Britain. During its long history, the church was reconstructed several times. In China, there are many Man Mo temples as they are built in honor of two gods - Man, the god of literature, and Mo, the god of war. In Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong you will find both adherents of Buddhism, the religion of whom doesn’t have any gods, and followers of Taoism, who worship many gods. Many years ago Man Mo Temple was a place where all conflicts used to be solved - disputants wrote promises on yellow paper, and the person who didn’t keep the promise was punished. After that, a chicken was killed, and its blood was spilled on the paper with vows. The paper was burned then.

The heavy smell of essence – this is what you will feel when you enter the temple . Visitors are also welcome to light incense sticks. In this case they must use three sticks: one - for the past, one - for the present, and one more - for the future. The entrance to the building is decorated with a beautifully made wooden throne in the shape of a small house. During important holidays a solemn procession carrying the figures of Man and Mo gods walks through the streets of Hong Kong. People, who want to know their future, can ask one of numerous fortune tellers who work in the temple. In order to make their predictions, these fortune tellers use a piece of bamboo, inside which there are many sticks with numbers. The stick that comes out first metaphorically talks about situations that might happen in the future. This ritual can attract the interest of even a complete skeptic.

Wong Tai Sin Temple.
Taoist Temple Wong Tai Sin was named after a shepherd, who had a gift of healing other people. At the age of 15 he became a follower of Taoism. When he was 55 years, he reached enlightenment and, thus, immortality. Taoism followers believe that the spirit of Wong Tai Sin is able to cure serious illnesses, as well as bring happiness and prosperity. This is the reason why the temple is always full of visitors, especially on large holidays, such as, for example, the Chinese New Year. The temple becomes especially full on the 23th day of the Taoist 8th month, the birthday of Wong Tai Sin. Visitors lit incense sticks and, muttering quietly, think of their innermost dreams. If the dream comes true, one must certainly return to the temple to thank the spirit. The main altar of the temple is the location of the picture of Wong Tai Sin himself.

The modern building of the church is not very old. It was built in 1973 on the site of another temple. That temple was built in 1921. This building is an excellent example of Chinese temple construction with traditional red pillars and a golden roof. The temple complex also includes the Wall of Nine Dragons made as an imitation of famous Beijing wall. As in other temples, Wong Tai Sin Temple is the “working area” for numerous fortunetellers. Besides this, there is a store with traditional Chinese medicines near the temple. Tourists will find beautiful Chinese gardens around the complex. One of them, Good Wish Garden, is the place where you can wish all the best to each other.

Star Ferry.
Star Ferry is a nice way to enjoy panoramic views of Hong Kong from water. Ferries run between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. During a trip, you will see a completely new city. The view of the port area and the outlines of Hong Kong are truly beautiful. This is one of the reasons why ferry rides are very popular with tourists. First ferries in Victoria Harbour appeared in late XIX century. They were somewhat smaller than modern ferries and could accommodate approximately 750 passengers. The upper deck of modern ferries is the location of first class seats. There are air-conditioned and avoid passengers from the heat. The ferry makes four stops: Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai and Hung Hom.

Nowadays, there are other ways to get from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon Peninsula. For example, you can reach there by an auto tunnel or a subway, but ferry is still very popular. Every day, Star Ferry transports approximately 70 000 passengers. This means, 26 million people visit this ferry every year!