This time I decided to stay in Kowloon Peninsula, the tip of mainland Hong Kong connected to the New Territories, which are, in turn, connected to mainland China. Two stops by Airport Express Train from the aiport, I was finally off the train at Kowloon station.
Along the famous Nathan Road, a big strip running along the Kowloon Peninsula, relentless crowds of people, both tourists and locals, crushed themselves into trains and buses.
In a small district in Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, entering Tin Hau Temple smoke immediately got in my eyes. Enormous coils of burning incense made the air inside the temple blue. Before the altars people were seen preoccupied with respects to the God.
Jade market is just a block away from the temple, made up of two open-sided buildings that are packed full of small stalls and card tables covered in jewelry, antiques and pearls. The sellers don’t speak English, but don’t worry, everything is negotiable thanks to calculators.
Just behind the temple there’s a famous street market, Temple Street Market. This mile-long strip of clothing and bric-a-brac stalls begins in the early afternoon and goes into the evening. Bargain for prices. Great for people watching, fake branded goods, cheap watches, t-shirts and endless things you never really need but buy anyway.
When dusk falls another side of Kowloon appears. As far as the eyes could see bright lights abound, with neon lights on everywhere. The city is more buzzing during nighttime.
The panorama of Hong Kong skyline is perhaps the most beautiful sight in the world. Star Ferry Pier at Tsim Sha Tsui is the best spot to enjoy the skyline in Hong Kong Island – a Manhattan-like skyline towering over congested Victoria Harbour.
Hong Kong Island is the heart of the city where all the big skyscrapers are found; Kowloon is where you get the best view of all those big skyscrapers and is full of shop with bright lights, and the New Territories are where people live.
In the middle of Hong Kong Island lies Hong Kong Park – a public park, a unique combination of nature and modern architecture. Framed by surrounding skyscrapers, the park features a huge aviary with a suspended bridge that allows visitors close contact with the colorful birds residing in the park. Bed of flowers in every corner of the park. The park also accommodates Tai Chi practicers.
Hong Kong has one of the world’s most efficient public transportation networks – from a comfy subway known as MTR (Mass Transit Rail) to charming Star Ferry, but the city is best seen on foot. Another way to enjoy Hong Kong is by taking tram. Locally known as ‘Ding Ding’, it has over 100 years of history. It runs on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. From Shaukeiwan in the east to Kennedy Town in the west, it costs only HK$2!
Victoria Peak is a must-visit place in Hong Kong, and the highest point in the island (396m height). Peak Tram is the most exciting way to get there. Going up such a steep slope, the skyscrapers of the city start to turn on odd angles – almost perpendicular at some.
On the peak, the blasting sturdy wind welcomes the visitors. The panoramic view is stunning. It seemed that the high-rise buildings were carved out of the valley.
There are 234 outlying islands in Hong Kong. Many of them are little more than uninhabited rocks. One of them is Lantau Island, a protected green-belt, reachable from Hong Kong Island by bus or cable car Tai O, an old fisherman village on Lantau Island, is a rural form of Hong Kong. Although it’s just around the corner of Hong Kong Island, the two seems to be a world apart. The houses are built elevated above the water on bamboo stilts; they are passed down from family to family and are in a constant state of repair and renovation. Tai O was founded hundred years ago by boat people from mainland China or known as Tanka.
Po Lin Monastery, literally means Precious Lotus Zen Temple, is a Buddhist monastery located on Ngong Ping plateau on Lantau Island. It is where lays the Giant Buddha or Tian Tan Buddha. Standing a lofty 26m (85 ft) high, this mighty bronze statue is among the largest seated Buddha images in the world. The statue, which was cast in more than 220 pieces, sits on a throne of lotus – the Buddhist symbol of purity.
Fifteen minutes walking from the statue, we can reach Wisdom Path, where an ancient prayer is inscribed on a series of wooden columns set in a figure of eight to signify infinity and marked by 38 wooden pillars, each bearing a portion of the centuries-old Heart Sutra in Chinese characters. Heart of Sutra is defined as The Perfection of the Wisdom of the Buddha.
Across the Wisdom Path is Lantau Peak – the second highest peak in Hong Kong with 934m in height. It is so near it made me feel I could reach out to its summit. The top of the hill of Wisdom Path is a great place to see the scenic view of the Giant Buddha.
Ever since the first time I came to Hong Kong, I had fell in love with the city despite the whirlwind of noise, pollution, line-ups, and sweltering summer humidity.
After exploring a small portion of what Hong Kong has to offer, I recognized the beauty behind those skyscrapers which rise up like a jungle of concrete – a true jungle with trees, wild nature, genuine culture and last but not least, fresh air. Its islands also offer peace and tranquility from the frantic beat of the city.