Hong Kong is no longer just a stopover destination for Aussies. We’ve listed your go-to-guide to help you sell the unique harbour city.
Hong Kong has long been popular as a stopover destination for Australian travellers but there are now more reasons than ever to visit the city for more than a couple of days. This is your complete guide to selling Hong Kong – the unique harbour city where East meets West.
1. Experience Hong Kong like a local
Escape the big smoke and discover Tai O, a village famous for its generations of fisher folk who build their houses on stilts.
There’s more to Hong Kong than just HK island and the hustle and bustle of Kowloon, so it’s worth thinking about extending your stay beyond the usual stopover period. Hong Kong comprises 235 islands, some offering the rare chance to see communities that still enjoy a very traditional and rustic lifestyle, such as the traditional fishing village of Tai O, dotted with houses on stilts. Almost 70% of Hong Kong’s territory is made up of country parks, beaches and lush green mountains so it’s perfect for nature lovers, hikers and water-sport junkies. If you’re keen to meet a few of the neighbours, it’s only a hop, skip and a jump to other holiday hotspots in the APAC region such as Macau (one-hour ferry ride), Taiwan (1.5 hour flight) and Chengdu in China (2.5 hour flight).
2. The harbour
Situated between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria Bay is the largest harbour in China and the third largest in the world.
The appeal of Hong Kong is largely focused around the spectacular Harbour and the urban sprawl on each side. The Harbour offers a number of attractions including cruises, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and ‘A Symphony of Lights’ evening multimedia show, with a spectacular light show illuminating the HK island city skyline every evening.
No visit to HK would be complete without spending time on Victoria Harbour. If the ever-shrinking journey time on the Star Ferry is not enough of an aquatic treat for you (as land is reclaimed in HK it makes the passage across the harbour shorter each year), consider signing up for a junk boat tour out on the water.
Top tip – book it for dusk, so you can see the sun go down and the magical lights bring the skyscrapers to life at night!
3. The food and shopping
In Hong Kong’s Central district you’ll find most of the city’s swankiest, malls, shops and boutiques nestled in amongst the skyscrapers.
With roughly one restaurant for every 600 people, Hong Kong’s culinary delights are a must-experience for visitors – the locals love to eat and you will never go hungry in this town.
Hong Kong is also a retail therapy dream with night markets, megamalls and a myriad of designer stores to explore, as well as endless alleyways with vendors scattered throughout the Central District of HK island. There is now a range of culinary and shopping day tours available that explore the city’s best eateries and shopping districts.
4. Something for every budget
Staying on a budget in a city with one of the highest rental rates in the world? The Urban area Kowloon offers affordable hotel options for every budget.
No matter your budget, you can have a great value holiday in HK – there’s been a raft of cool, new urban boutique hotels opening in recent years, especially on HK island and the perennial popularity of Kowloon makes it an economical choice for those on a budget or who want to splash the cash on the fine dining and designer threads that are on offer in abundance
5. Oh the theme parks
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Adventureland is the largest Adventureland of all the Magic Kingdom parks around the world.
Hong Kong is home to two of the biggest and best theme parks in the world – Hong Kong Disneyland (now extended with new rides) on Lantau and Ocean Park on HK island – making it a great family-friendly destination.
6. The transportation
MTR operates the Airport Express as well as nine rapid transit lines and a light rail network in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is one of the easiest places to navigate and explore – the MTR (underground rail network) is extremely efficient and provides access to all major sites and areas of interest.
7. A multitude of events
the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, an ancient Chinese festival has become one of the world’s greatest parties.
Hong Kong’s major events throughout the year are unique and allow visitors to experience the nation’s cultural fabric including a spotlight on racing, dragon boat racing, food and wine festivals and much more. I’ve attached a list of upcoming events that may be worth mentioning in more detail including the HK Dragon Boat Carnival in June and the Mid-Autumn Lantern Celebration in September, and wine and dine festivals from October through to November, all of which offer a great deal of local colour and flavour.
Creative Concierge your insider tips to selling Hong Kong
- For more information visit Creative Holidays agent website
- Find out more about Hong Kong as stopover destination in Creative Holidays’ Stopover Brochure
