1. Hong Kong Skyline/Victoria Harbor
Hong Kong’s expansive skyline, including so much world-class architecture (Bank of China Building being our favorite!), set in the backdrop of Victoria Harbor, makes this panorama perhaps the most wondrous in all the world. (The nightly “Symphony of Lights” is a must-see!)
2. Hong Kong’s unabashed sense of status consciousness/consumerism.
If you’re looking for a sense of spirituality or transcendental self-awareness, Hong Kong may not be the place for you. As Taiwanese essayist Lung Yingtai has noted: “In Hong Kong, economic benefit is the core value for all decision-making and development is the sole ideology.” This is a city of hyper-drive commerce where it seems material success is everyone’s ultimate goal.
3. The Star Ferry
Dating back to 1880, the plain green and white Star Ferry vessels cross Victoria Harbor throughout the day and night between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Perhaps the best transport value in the world – Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline/harbor views for a cost of approx. USD1 per person!
4. The very best luxury hotels in the world
The Mandarin, the Peninsula, the Four Seasons, the Intercontinental, the new Upper House, too many to name. Bev, Zen and I all feel no other city can match Hong Kong in terms of the number of high-touch 5 star deluxe luxury hotels. The service culture here is innate, almost genetic.
5. Lan Kwai Fong night-life
We always love returning to the trendy, chic Lan Kwai Fong area for great restaurants, night-clubs, and a high-energy group dynamic. Its two main streets, D’Aguilar and Lan Kwai Fong, are packed with office workers, expats, and local shakers enjoying the restaurants, bars and shops. Good for singles and families alike!
6. Hong Kong’s unique (walking) neighborhoods
Hollywood Road (antiques), Gough Street in Central (hip alternative to expat-dominated SOHO), Sheung Wan (one of Hong Kong’s oldest original settlements), Mong Kok (residential/industrial area including Bird Market and many shops catering to local Chinese), Midlevels (residential area with world’s largest series of escalators), Herbal Market (Chinese herbal drugstores and doctor consultations), Stanley Market (cheap, touristy shopping!). Many amazing neighborhoods for walking and people-watching!
7. Unique, wonderful private clubs
China Club, Halo, Azure, Volar, Club 71 – take your pick!
8. Wonderful variety of food!
Hong Kong is world capital for all foodies. World-class standards and variety of outstanding restaurants – Bo Innovation, Caprice, Halo, Goccia, Felix, Kin’s Kitchen, Indochine 1929, dim sum at traditional Luk Yu Teahouse or with a contemporary twist at Kee Club.
9. Asia-based high-end shopping
Shanghai Tang, Joyce, Douglas Young’s G.O.D. (Goods of Desire), all among Bev and Zen’s favorites!
10. Macau and Hong Kong Helicopter Getaway/Sightseeing
Quick trip to Asia’s new luxury Sin City with a spectacular view from above or stay in Hong Kong with helicopter sightseeing from the helipad atop the Peninsula.
11. A private Junk cruise along Victoria Harbor, along with a BBQ dinner. (So much fun and spectacular scenery!)
12. Hong Kong International Airport
Our favorite airport in all of Asia – meticulously clean and efficient, shopping, restaurants, transport – Hong Kong Airport has it all! It has been named world’s best airport seven out of the last eight years (from SKYTRAX).
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