You have always wanted to take an exotic adventure to experience a different culture in a foreign land. However, you have been hesitant to do so because you are afraid you will be confused in a place where you do not speak the language. A Hong Kong vacation may be the best one for you.
Hong Kong incorporates both Chinese and British culture, and you will find many of the people there are bilingual if not multilingual. A visit to Hong Kong is the perfect way for an American to experience Chinese culture without needing an interpreter, lessons in Mandarin, or a traveler’s dictionary. There are a few things you will not want to miss when you visit this diverse place.
Climb to the base of the Tian Tan Buddha
Address: Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
When you think of Chinese culture, you can’t help but think of Buddha and Confucius. The two philosophers were actually very different. Confucianists believe in self-determination. They do not believe that a higher power controls their day-to-day lives. Buddhists believe their salvation comes from within.
Although Confucianism originated in China and Buddhism originated in India, Buddhism has become at least as popular in China as Confucianism is and as much more popular worldwide. This monument shows just how big he’s gotten.
You can take a cable car to reach this remarkable tribute to Sidhartha himself. The statue is 111 feet tall. You can take a brief hike up to the base of the statue for a great photo opportunity.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Hong Kong has a thriving nightlife. You will find several bar districts on the islands. Soho isn’t only a trendy neighborhood in New York, Hong Kong also has a Soho, and it is one of the best places to go out drinking.
The pop-up bars the latest trend in SoHo, but there are a few clubs that have been around for quite a while.
The Old Man bar is a popular place that has such imaginative drinks as a tequila-based cocktail that contains banana ghee and celery or a carrot juice and gin concoction. Many of the drinks here are named after Hemingway books and characters. Papa visited Hong Kong during the famous Sino-Japanese conflict with his wife Martha Gellhorn for 100 days. He drank heavily to ease the effects of the horrible living conditions in Hong Kong at that time.
Central–Mid-Levels Escalator
Although it may seem strange, a series of escalators are one of the biggest attractions in Hong Kong. The landscape of Hong Kong is quite steep, and the weak of knee may find the hilly streets difficult to navigate. Fortunately, the central mid-level escalators exist.
You can window shop as you travel on the 20-minute journey that the escalator will take you on. You will pass antique and clothing shops, massage parlors, and fitness centers along the way. You will also see a few dai pai dongs, which are open-air food stands.
Before you begin planning your trip, you should contact a company that specializes in Business Travel to Hong Kong. They can advise you of the most practical way to get to Asia’s World City and the best things to do when you are there.