Hong Kong, China
A Cultural Hub
Most visitors to Hong Kong are impressed by the constant growth of high rise towers that seem to clutch at the sky like talons: the amazing sheltered harbour with its hustle and bustle of diverse craft of all shapes and sizes; or even its reputation for being one of the business capitals of the world.
But behind all the glamour, ritz and razzle dazzle of modern Honk Kong there is a traditional lifestyle that has grown through generations of a country's people adapting to changes forced on it by the world.
If you are traveling to Hong Kong you may enjoy seeing both sides of the Hong Kong coin.
Much of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon live up to its world reputation, but if you take a trip into the "suburbs" you will see how most of the tiny island's 12 million population live.
At night thousands of steel doors present a cold, dull and lifeless streetscape. During the day the doors are lifted to reveal rows of tiny, cluttered lives - shops and where people live, eat and engage in day-to-day life.
Sitting on plastic chairs on the footpath encouraging passers-by to buy their wares: grabbing a quick meal: chatting with their neighbours in an excited and sometimes sharp voice.
Nearby fascinating local markets provide all their daily needs, from dozens of varieties of fish and meats to vegetables, fruit, clothes etc these local markets are not geared for the tourists, where every stall provides the same products and catch cry "Missy, Missy, come inside, I give you best price"
These markets provide a unique and enjoyable snapshot of daily life of the local residents and the world they live in - while
you will hear few words of english, it is still relatively easy to discover what you want.
Most visitors to Hong Kong are impressed by the constant growth of high rise towers that seem to clutch at the sky like talons: the amazing sheltered harbour with its hustle and bustle of diverse craft of all shapes and sizes; or even its reputation for being one of the business capitals of the world.
But behind all the glamour, ritz and razzle dazzle of modern Honk Kong there is a traditional lifestyle that has grown through generations of a country's people adapting to changes forced on it by the world.
If you are traveling to Hong Kong you may enjoy seeing both sides of the Hong Kong coin.
Much of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon live up to its world reputation, but if you take a trip into the "suburbs" you will see how most of the tiny island's 12 million population live.
At night thousands of steel doors present a cold, dull and lifeless streetscape. During the day the doors are lifted to reveal rows of tiny, cluttered lives - shops and where people live, eat and engage in day-to-day life.
Sitting on plastic chairs on the footpath encouraging passers-by to buy their wares: grabbing a quick meal: chatting with their neighbours in an excited and sometimes sharp voice.
Nearby fascinating local markets provide all their daily needs, from dozens of varieties of fish and meats to vegetables, fruit, clothes etc these local markets are not geared for the tourists, where every stall provides the same products and catch cry "Missy, Missy, come inside, I give you best price"
These markets provide a unique and enjoyable snapshot of daily life of the local residents and the world they live in - while
you will hear few words of english, it is still relatively easy to discover what you want.
Shopping in Shenzhen
Shenzhen is located just a short train ride from Hong Kong over the border into China. Here you will find prices MUCH cheaper, lots of tailors, fake everything and a shoppers dream. The Shopping Mall is just as you walk over the border from the train station with five floors and 700 shops to explore. This is just one of the super shopping complexes in Shenzhen. BEWARE you will need a visa & your passport. Visas are USUALLY available from the station before you go through customs in Shenzhen but to be on the safe side its always advisable to get your visa before you travel. Read more about Shenzhen
Crystal's Tips
Predestrian's beware: Hong Kong drivers look at traffic lights as a guide to options available - always look right and left constantly, especially while you are crossing.
There are few if any taxes on the essentials of life, therefore food, drink and transport are very cheap.
Crystal's Tips
Predestrian's beware: Hong Kong drivers look at traffic lights as a guide to options available - always look right and left constantly, especially while you are crossing.
There are few if any taxes on the essentials of life, therefore food, drink and transport are very cheap.
The View from the Peak at night
Hong Kong a living culture experience, with incense-filled temples wedged between towering glass skyscrapers and historic colonial buildings.
For sheer variety of products and brands in all price ranges, Hong Kong is a unique shopping experience - you can find everything from the latest designer fashions and electronic gadgets to best-value antiques and collectibles.
Hong Kong's street markets are always jam-packed with color and the excited babble of bartering for the plentiful bargains. There are also countless modern shopping malls and department stores that will bring you the latest range of products from around the world.
For sheer variety of products and brands in all price ranges, Hong Kong is a unique shopping experience - you can find everything from the latest designer fashions and electronic gadgets to best-value antiques and collectibles.
Hong Kong's street markets are always jam-packed with color and the excited babble of bartering for the plentiful bargains. There are also countless modern shopping malls and department stores that will bring you the latest range of products from around the world.
Jumbo Floating Restaurant
Situated in Aberdeen Harbour the Jumbo Floating Restaurant is an internationally renowned tourist attraction. The Restaurant is one of Hong Kong's most famous in fine dining experience. Recently undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment the restaurant is a MUST for any tourist when visiting Hong Kong. The food is amazing and suits every palette, whether you are looking for the traditional chinese flavours or for more of a western versiion of the Chinese taste....You won't be disappointed
Delayed flights and lengthy stopovers
Almost every traveller has experienced the frustration and energy-sapping effects of long stop-overs at airports, waiting for connecting or delayed flights.
Do you try to sleep while worrying about your luggage? Do you walk to stretch your legs, drink copious amounts of expensive coffee or alcohol, or line-up for the free internet terminals where they are available?
There are two places in the world we’ve experienced where an extensive delay should be an adventure rather than a headache:
On a clear day it can be seen from Macau, more than 20 miles (30 kms) away. On the day we visited, the whole mountain was shrouded in cloud and at times we were lucky to see more than 30 metres! But that was an awesome experience in itself, and leads us to another story.
If you are going to Hong Kong it’s worthwhile taking at least a half-day to visit Ngong Ping because, apart from the choice of bus, taxi or a 5.7 km cable car gondola ride to the top of the mountains, the village is filled with attractions in their own right.
Ngong Ping Village is set on a 1.5 hectare site adjacent to the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.
The whole cultural themed village has been architecturally designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Ngong Ping area. It boasts multiple major attractions such as Walking with Buddha, the Monkey Tale Theatre and Po Lin Monastery as well as multiple retail, dining and entertainment experiences.
The village features ever-changing street performances and other aspects of the region’s culture, and there are a range of tours and walks to suit every desire.
Besides attracting Buddhists from all over Asia, when it was completed the magnificent figure with its compelling presence almost instantly transformed the remote Po Lin Monastery with its devout monks into a must-visit on tourist schedules.
The Po Lin Monastery is set amid spectacular mountain scenery so there is also much to see and do at the monastery itself with its various figures of gods and other colourful manifestations of aspects of the Buddhist religion. You can even enjoy a vegetarian lunch.
From Po Lin Monastery it's a short walk to the Wisdom Path, an outdoor replica of the centuries old Heart Sutra, one of the world’s best-known prayers that is revered by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists alike. The sutra is displayed on wooden pillars placed in the form of a figure "∞" to symbolise the idea of immeasurable splendour and infinity.
In the short time we had available, the stand-out features were the Big Buddha and the cable car ride, but on the next trip we’ll take a more in-depth visit.
Do you try to sleep while worrying about your luggage? Do you walk to stretch your legs, drink copious amounts of expensive coffee or alcohol, or line-up for the free internet terminals where they are available?
There are two places in the world we’ve experienced where an extensive delay should be an adventure rather than a headache:
- Singapore, where the airport itself has so many features (including economical hotels rooms you can hire for six hours to sleep and shower) and outstanding attractions that even local families go there to spend the day; and
- Hong Kong, where one of the region’s top tourist attractions is only a short bus ride from the airport.
On a clear day it can be seen from Macau, more than 20 miles (30 kms) away. On the day we visited, the whole mountain was shrouded in cloud and at times we were lucky to see more than 30 metres! But that was an awesome experience in itself, and leads us to another story.
If you are going to Hong Kong it’s worthwhile taking at least a half-day to visit Ngong Ping because, apart from the choice of bus, taxi or a 5.7 km cable car gondola ride to the top of the mountains, the village is filled with attractions in their own right.
Ngong Ping Village is set on a 1.5 hectare site adjacent to the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.
The whole cultural themed village has been architecturally designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Ngong Ping area. It boasts multiple major attractions such as Walking with Buddha, the Monkey Tale Theatre and Po Lin Monastery as well as multiple retail, dining and entertainment experiences.
The village features ever-changing street performances and other aspects of the region’s culture, and there are a range of tours and walks to suit every desire.
Besides attracting Buddhists from all over Asia, when it was completed the magnificent figure with its compelling presence almost instantly transformed the remote Po Lin Monastery with its devout monks into a must-visit on tourist schedules.
The Po Lin Monastery is set amid spectacular mountain scenery so there is also much to see and do at the monastery itself with its various figures of gods and other colourful manifestations of aspects of the Buddhist religion. You can even enjoy a vegetarian lunch.
From Po Lin Monastery it's a short walk to the Wisdom Path, an outdoor replica of the centuries old Heart Sutra, one of the world’s best-known prayers that is revered by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists alike. The sutra is displayed on wooden pillars placed in the form of a figure "∞" to symbolise the idea of immeasurable splendour and infinity.
In the short time we had available, the stand-out features were the Big Buddha and the cable car ride, but on the next trip we’ll take a more in-depth visit.
Ngong Ping Cable Car
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car is a spectacular 5.7km bi-cable ropeway that begins from Tung Chung, crosses Tung Chung Bay to reach the angle station on Airport Island and turns about 60 degrees in the air towards North Lantau. There is a regular inexpensive bus from Hong Kong airport to Tung Chung.
In good weather visitors enjoy some outstanding ever-changing views during the 25-minute ride, and the change of direction puts a new perspective on the whole panorama.
Click here for further information
One can see the vast South China Sea, the rolling grassland slopes of North Lantau Country Park, Hong Kong International Airport, the mountainous terrain of Lantau Island, the Buddha Statue and the 360-degree view of the Ngong Ping Plateau. You can even see the locals wading in the bay collecting shellfish.
The standard cable car is spacious and comfortable with good viewing all around. If so desired you can obtain a crystal cabin (with see-through flooring), a sky lounge which is decked out somewhat like a disco, queue-free ticketing, and private cars.
Don’t be put off if the weather is cloudy or slightly overcast – floating through the clouds with zero visibility is an experience in itself!
In good weather visitors enjoy some outstanding ever-changing views during the 25-minute ride, and the change of direction puts a new perspective on the whole panorama.
Click here for further information
One can see the vast South China Sea, the rolling grassland slopes of North Lantau Country Park, Hong Kong International Airport, the mountainous terrain of Lantau Island, the Buddha Statue and the 360-degree view of the Ngong Ping Plateau. You can even see the locals wading in the bay collecting shellfish.
The standard cable car is spacious and comfortable with good viewing all around. If so desired you can obtain a crystal cabin (with see-through flooring), a sky lounge which is decked out somewhat like a disco, queue-free ticketing, and private cars.
Don’t be put off if the weather is cloudy or slightly overcast – floating through the clouds with zero visibility is an experience in itself!
The Big Buddha
We’d heard many stories about the Big Buddha, as some of the Holiday Destinations team have been there before. They spoke about the feelings of serenity and peace surrounding the whole experience, but nothing could prepare us for one of the most awesome experiences you could imagine.
About the Big Buddha
Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a large bronze statue of a Buddha erected on top of the mountains (460 metres above sea level) at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
Made from 202 bronze pieces and weighing over 250 metric tonnes (280 tons), the statue was completed in 1993 and is regarded are a major engineering feat.
It symbolises the harmonious relationship between man, nature, people and religion, and is a major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong.
Most visitors climb 268 steps in order to reach the Buddha, although the site also features a small winding road to the top for vehicles to accommodate the disabled.
The statue base is a model of the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. It is one of the five large Buddha statues in China.
The Buddha statue sits on a lotus throne on top of a three-platform altar. It is surrounded by six smaller bronze statues known as "The Offering of the Six Devas" and are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha. These offerings symbolize charity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, all of which are necessary to enter into Nirvana.
There are three floors beneath the Buddha statue: The Hall of Universe, The Hall of Benevolent Merit, and The Hall of Remembrance.
One of the most renowned features inside is a relic of Gautama Buddha, consisting of some of his alleged cremated remains. Only visitors who purchase an offering for the Buddha are allowed to see the relic, in order to leave the offering there.
There is a huge carved bell inscribed with images of Buddhas in the show room. It was designed to ring every seven minutes, 108 times a day, symbolising the release of 108 kinds of human vexations.
About the Big Buddha
Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a large bronze statue of a Buddha erected on top of the mountains (460 metres above sea level) at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
Made from 202 bronze pieces and weighing over 250 metric tonnes (280 tons), the statue was completed in 1993 and is regarded are a major engineering feat.
It symbolises the harmonious relationship between man, nature, people and religion, and is a major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong.
Most visitors climb 268 steps in order to reach the Buddha, although the site also features a small winding road to the top for vehicles to accommodate the disabled.
The statue base is a model of the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. It is one of the five large Buddha statues in China.
The Buddha statue sits on a lotus throne on top of a three-platform altar. It is surrounded by six smaller bronze statues known as "The Offering of the Six Devas" and are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha. These offerings symbolize charity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, all of which are necessary to enter into Nirvana.
There are three floors beneath the Buddha statue: The Hall of Universe, The Hall of Benevolent Merit, and The Hall of Remembrance.
One of the most renowned features inside is a relic of Gautama Buddha, consisting of some of his alleged cremated remains. Only visitors who purchase an offering for the Buddha are allowed to see the relic, in order to leave the offering there.
There is a huge carved bell inscribed with images of Buddhas in the show room. It was designed to ring every seven minutes, 108 times a day, symbolising the release of 108 kinds of human vexations.
Our Amazing Experience
Caught with about six hours between flights, we decided to take the bus and cable car to see the Big Buddha, despite the day being cloudy and overcast.
In some ways it would have been better to save some money and take the bus, because by 10 minutes into the 25-minute trip we were in the wispy clouds and visibility was so bad you could barely see the cable above the car.
It was eerie to know you were hundreds of metres above the ground and suddenly you were confronted by another cable car appearing from the mist going in the opposite direction.
However, this only set the atmosphere for later in the day.
By the time we reached the village visibility was around 100 metres, so we strolled through the village and avenue of statues to the base of the steps to the Big Buddha.
As we looked up the steps they disappeared into the clouds about a third of the way up. By the time we reached half-way, visibility was down to 20 metres again and looking behind us we could not even see the village.
We decided we had to go to the top as we were already half way there and I said “Come on Buddha, we’ve come all this way to see you” I was taking pictures as I was walking up the steps and at half way I could see a very faint outline of Buddha. By the time we got about three quarters of the way up the steps the clouds were beginning to clear slightly and by the time we reached the top it was completely clear with 100% visibility. This was VERY strange as it was about 4pm in the afternoon, not a time when the clouds would clear. We took photos, walked around the Buddha and as we just turned around the clouds eerily returned. As we started to make our way back down the steps we turned around and the Buddha was completely covered with clouds again. This was a VERY STRANGE EXPERIENCE. (travel writer Paul Hughes)
In some ways it would have been better to save some money and take the bus, because by 10 minutes into the 25-minute trip we were in the wispy clouds and visibility was so bad you could barely see the cable above the car.
It was eerie to know you were hundreds of metres above the ground and suddenly you were confronted by another cable car appearing from the mist going in the opposite direction.
However, this only set the atmosphere for later in the day.
By the time we reached the village visibility was around 100 metres, so we strolled through the village and avenue of statues to the base of the steps to the Big Buddha.
As we looked up the steps they disappeared into the clouds about a third of the way up. By the time we reached half-way, visibility was down to 20 metres again and looking behind us we could not even see the village.
We decided we had to go to the top as we were already half way there and I said “Come on Buddha, we’ve come all this way to see you” I was taking pictures as I was walking up the steps and at half way I could see a very faint outline of Buddha. By the time we got about three quarters of the way up the steps the clouds were beginning to clear slightly and by the time we reached the top it was completely clear with 100% visibility. This was VERY strange as it was about 4pm in the afternoon, not a time when the clouds would clear. We took photos, walked around the Buddha and as we just turned around the clouds eerily returned. As we started to make our way back down the steps we turned around and the Buddha was completely covered with clouds again. This was a VERY STRANGE EXPERIENCE. (travel writer Paul Hughes)
How to get there
Giant Buddha / Po Lin Monastery
1. Catch ferry from Central Pier 6 (MTR Hong Kong Station Exit E1). Walk through the IFC mall to Mui Wo, then take bus 2.
2. MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre.
3. MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take Ngong Ping Cable Car.
4. Catch Bus S1 from Hong Kong Airport to Tung Chung Station. Take Ngong Ping Cable Car
For your Accommodation in Hong Kong we would suggest The Kowloon Hotel situated in the heart of Hong Kongs shopping precinct and close to the Harbour.
1. Catch ferry from Central Pier 6 (MTR Hong Kong Station Exit E1). Walk through the IFC mall to Mui Wo, then take bus 2.
2. MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre.
3. MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take Ngong Ping Cable Car.
4. Catch Bus S1 from Hong Kong Airport to Tung Chung Station. Take Ngong Ping Cable Car
For your Accommodation in Hong Kong we would suggest The Kowloon Hotel situated in the heart of Hong Kongs shopping precinct and close to the Harbour.
Some of Hong Kong's BEST KEPT SECRETS
Around Hong Kong in Seven Drinks:
Have a drink at the highest bar in the world
Have a drink at the highest bar in the world
Feedback
Thanks for all the great tips Holiday Destinations. I loved Hong Kong it was such an exciting city, so much to do and the shopping was great. We took your advice and went to see the big Buddah. It was well worth it....a magical moment. Grace & John (Ireland)
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