As a Chinese city under British rule from 1841 to 1991, Hong Kong today is a unique cultural land where East and West meet. This uniqueness is evident in every street named in English, the enviable bilingualism of its people, colonial-style houses juxtaposed with ancient Chinese temples, bustling markets, and traditional arts found everywhere. If you think Hong Kong is just a shopping destination, think again – it's much more!

Along with Seoul and Tokyo, Hong Kong has long been known as a fashion capital of Asia, a shopping paradise with magnificent shopping malls and glittering jewelry stores.
In that paradise, Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon Peninsula) is likened to a gilded palace. Tsim Sha Tsui is a world-class shopping destination with famous shopping malls such as Harbour City, 1881 Heritage, K11... Among them, Harbour City is the most impressive, expensive, and diverse shopping mall. It houses up to 450 stores, including the world's most prestigious fashion brands such as Hermes, Alexander McQueen, Emporio Armani… Tourists from all over the world come to Hong Kong to seek out designer goods during the annual peak sales seasons.
Harbour City houses over 450 shops, including many from world-renowned brands (Photo taken before the Covid-19 pandemic). Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)
If luxury goods aren't your thing, Mong Kok might be a more ideal destination, just 2 km from the opulent Tsim Sha Tsui. Mong Kok – Hong Kong's busiest shopping district – is actually a complex of numerous flea markets, souvenir shops, and even a huge shopping mall. What sets Mong Kok apart from Tsim Sha Tsui are its distinctly Vietnamese markets: the Women's Market and the Goldfish Market. Vietnamese influences permeate the entire area. The vendors are quite easygoing, and you can bargain for items you want to buy. Be patient when faced with rows of vibrant cheongsam dresses, beautifully decorated chopsticks to buy as souvenirs, or canvas art that would look stunning displayed in your home…
The Women's Market is a bustling shopping destination in Hong Kong known for its quality goods and affordable prices (Photo taken before the Covid-19 pandemic). Photo: HKTB

Hong Kong is not only a shopping paradise but also a promised land for adventurous hearts. The first destination is the Sai Kung volcanic rock area, ideal for hiking. This is an archipelago recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The archipelago consists of four main islands, each with its own unique characteristics.
The first island is High Island, where volcanic rock formations stand tall like pillars. This island covers a large area of the Sai Kung Peninsula in eastern Hong Kong. From here, looking southeast, one can see the Ung Kung Islands with their steep coastline and magnificent cave system. Further east from High Island lies the Kwai Fung Islands, a region of islands with numerous volcanic cliffs and spectacular seascapes.
The Sai Kung volcanic rock area is an ideal hiking spot. Photo: Tugo Cheng
The final site in the Sai Kung volcanic rock region is Chau Kieu Thu Island. This is a range of sedimentary rock formations created from past lava eruptions.
If you're overwhelmed by sea views and prefer hiking to climbing, try visiting Chengmen Lake (also known as Julibee). Located between Shatian Township and Shuenwan Bay, this lake was developed during the Ming Dynasty. You can get there by MRT train and bus. It will be an energetic exploration trip, so be sure to eat well before you begin.
When visiting Hong Kong, you can explore other famous tourist attractions such as Hong Kong Wetland Park, Dragon's Back, etc. With its diverse terrain, visitors can go hiking, cycling, and admire the crystal-clear seabed. It's jokingly said that you could even practice triathlons amidst the clouds and sky of Hong Kong.

Not only does Hong Kong quench the adrenaline rush of adventure seekers, it also satisfies the artist within you. Here, you can enjoy art everywhere, from street masterpieces on city walls and unique 20th-century architectural structures to art in the heart of the old town.
Artworks in the Old Quarter. Photo: HKTB
You can also find affordable creative supplies such as accessories, leather goods, fabrics, paints, etc., at Sham Shui Po Street. If you're passionate about genuine art, you can check out the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
If you're traveling with children, Hong Kong has plenty of workshops perfect for little ones. Let your kids explore the arts as they draw, craft, and develop their creativity.

When traveling, the most enchanting thing is to stand outside the scene, observing the bustling life of the host country from a completely different perspective than the locals—a neutral perspective. Like the Vietnamese, Hong Kong people, regardless of their social class, work very hard. Stand in the city center and gaze up at the world-famous skyscrapers.
The central district, where the office buildings are located, partly reflects a dynamic and hardworking city. Photo: HKTB
This is where companies set up offices, operate businesses at a breakneck pace, and contribute to Hong Kong's booming economy. There is much to learn from Hong Kong, as it is the world's third-largest financial center and a gateway for foreign investment into China.
On this island, people work hard to achieve their social standing. This spirit can be seen everywhere, from the dedicated restaurant owners serving the finest dim sum, the enthusiastic clothing vendors at the markets, to the skillful and diligent hands of the last birdcage maker in Mong Kok…
Nevertheless, Hong Kong people always know how to relieve stress after work and maintain balance in life. At rush hour, the crowds flocking to Lan Kwai Fong grow larger. People from all walks of life come here to relax, have a few drinks, and socialize. More introverted people choose Star Street Prescient, right next to Wan Chai district, to have a latte and recharge their energy.
At rush hour, crowds flock to Lan Kwai Fong to have a few drinks and socialize with friends. (Photo taken before the Covid-19 pandemic). Photo: HKTB

Hong Kong is also a sacred place to express faith and seek inner peace. There are over 600 temples in Hong Kong, the most famous of which is the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple (built in 1945). This temple is very famous for its Kau Cim divination art.
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin – the most famous temple in Hong Kong (Photo taken before the Covid-19 pandemic). Photo: HKTB
Less well-known is Hong Kong's oldest temple, the Wen Wu Temple, recognized as a historical monument. Built in 1847, this temple is dedicated to the gods of literature and martial arts. Here, you can learn about Hong Kong's history and meditate in a tranquil setting.
Hong Kong is a unique destination where East meets West, and modernity coexists with traditional cultural values. Visiting Hong Kong, you'll experience an open, friendly, dynamic, honest, and progressive atmosphere, where you're free to explore traditional values present everywhere.

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