For those of us longing to peer into a colourful kaleidoscope of history and to experience a pulsating explosion of culture, Hong Kong excites all the senses, and far exceeded my expectations.
Located on the south coast of China and enclosed by the South China Sea and the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong is famous for its natural harbour and stunning skyline. With seven million people jostling for position on 426 square miles, Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated areas and therefore the constant hustle and bustle of local life will enthral the most ardent traveller.
In 1839, following the first opium war, Hong Kong Island became a colony of the British Empire and, as a result of widened boundaries in 1860, Kowloon Peninsula was included, followed by the New Territories in 1898. Hong Kong was occupied by the Japanese during the Pacific War and Britain regained control until 1997 when China resumed sovereignty.
Hong Kong is an overwhelming experience and offers visitors an extensive range of attractions, first-class hotels, excellent restaurants, lively bars and it is truly a shopper’s paradise. In the words of His Majesty King Charles III, ‘Hong Kong has created one of the most successful societies on Earth’.
On arrival, I checked in at the Mandarin Oriental, located on Connaught Road Central. The private check-in procedure was swift and ultra efficient, my luggage was dealt with in a jiffy and I was escorted to a plush harbour view suite, measuring 72 square metres and with spectacular views over Victoria Harbour. Sumptuously furnished with soft carpeting, a plump comfortable couch and a king size bed swathed in cool white linens, I succumbed to a deep slumber with ease.
Up with the larks and I headed for the plush Mandarin Club, which is an all-day retreat offering privileges including breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and complimentary coffee, tea and soft drinks for guests residing in suites.
Following my morning feast I emerged onto the street, bathed in the warm glow of the sunshine, and headed for some retail therapy at Cat Street in Sheung Wan, the ideal spot to browse through antique coins and watches and beautiful stone carvings. I then jostled politely with the maelstrom of crowds at the frantic Ladies Market in Tung Choi Street and used my persuasive haggling skills for bags, costume jewellery, and casual clothing.
Temple Street Night Market is another delight for shoppers as it is crammed with rows of stalls offering electronic gadgets, CDs, more costume jewellery, trinkets galore and a never-ending stream of food stalls creating the most delicious array of aromas wafting through the air.
I spent quite some time wandering around Yau Ma Tei, which is known for its martial arts dens, busy tea rooms, mah-jong parlours and so much more and, of course, I had my fortune told by a bird! Stanley Market is the place to view Chinese artwork, silks and an abundance of treasures. I am not ashamed to say that I parted with a substantial sum of Hong Kong dollars in exchange for some real bargains.
For designer goods, there is a wide range of shopping malls with high end products to entice the most resistant. I recommend The One, which links shopping zones along Canton Road and Tsim Sha Tsui Central. The 29-storey mall is the tallest complex in Hong Kong and offers over 400,000 square feet of shops stocked with luxury items. Be sure to check your credit card limit is extra generous!
I needed a breather after such a splurge and made my way to Ginseng and Bird’s Nest Street where I sampled the ginseng, which, used in Chinese medicine for centuries, is believed to be essential for a fair complexion, longevity and energy. Once rejuvenated, I dropped off my bags in the safe hands of the receptionist at my hotel and then made my way to the harbour where I embarked on a mini voyage, sailing on the Star Ferry, which is one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions.
Each evening at 8pm, the Symphony of Lights, a mesmerising multimedia extravaganza, unfolds. The world’s largest sound and light show, as recorded in the Guinness World Records, features over 40 skyscrapers illuminated on both sides of Victoria Harbour. Whilst the laser beams dance across the inky black Hong Kong skyline, me and my fellow passengers sipped on chilled wine and admired the show. I joined in with the spontaneous applause with gusto and it was absolutely thrilling, in fact it was the highlight of my trip.
And, of course, for another day of fun and adventure I visited Disneyland Hong Kong, which is much smaller than the Florida or California parks, so you will not be pressed for time. I recommend The Mickey and Friends Street Celebration and the Festival of the Lion King stage show, which both had the audience enthralled, and the sight of Mickey, Minnie Mouse and Pluto surrounded by star struck children and grown-ups is just wonderful. I admit to being caught up in the moment and laughed with delight when I spotted Goofy walking down the road.
All too soon my trip came to an end and back at my hotel I headed for the Captain’s Bar, ordered a zingy cocktail and reflected on my explorations. I held my glass high in the air and made a toast to Hong Kong, a true explosion of culture and history and a simply unforgettable experience.
Factbox
Top Tip – Visit Disneyland Hong Kong during the forthcoming Chinese New Year in February when the Disney characters proudly display their Chinese costumes and there are celebrations galore.
Flights – Fly to Hong Kong in style direct from London Heathrow with Cathay Pacific. For more information visit cathaypacific.com
Accommodation – For more details of the featured accommodation visit mandarinoriental.com
To do – Visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board at discoverhongkong.com
