Five low-cost things to do in modern Hong Kong, but also traditional things that you absolutely must do and see, taste and explore in China, read the post here.
Hong Kong is an island located in the southern part of China, belonging to the People's Republic of China but in fact special, therefore with its own administration. It is known for being one of the most important financial centers in the world and among the ten cities in the world with the highest population density.
Hong Kong is one dizzying city, boasts one of the most advanced technologies, its skyscrapers force you to keep your nose up. It is a mixture of languages, an intrinsic and apparently elusive culture, where the Far East and the West merge: the features of the most ancient China are juxtaposed with technological and economic development that leave no respite.
You will wonder why to take a trip to Hong Kong: to get lost among its insurmountable skyscrapers and in the wide streets covered with advertising signs of all kinds and illuminated signs, where it is easy to mix in the non-stop traffic and the myriad of people.
However, Hong Kong is not only a great metropolis, it offers breathtaking natural landscapes and a very dense cultural landscape.
Here are the 5 low cost things not to be missed to discover less touristy sides of the city.
1. Mr. Wong's restaurant
Mr. Wong's restaurant, located in a peaceful corner in the busy district of Mong Kok it's a real find. Just enter his restaurant to dive into the most modest Hong Kong. You can have the buffet menu: with only 8 euros you can eat and drink beers without limits. The food is freshly cooked and delicious. Mr. Wong is a real phenomenon: he entertains the customers of each table with his adopted and cheerful English.
2. Victoria Peak
And the highest peak in Hong Kong from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the island and the skyline, considered one of the best in the world. At night, the scene is even more fascinating thanks to the colored lights of the city.
You get there with the Peak Tram: a train built in 1888 that climbs steeply to the top for about 1,5 km. The ticket costs around 3,50 euros.
3. Tai O, the fishing village
About an hour from the city you can immerse yourself in the most traditional and forgotten Hong Kong. Tai O is a small fishing village, the nerve center during the Chinese civil war of the first settlements that gave life to the city, whose inhabitants they live in stilts. It is one of the very few villages still in existence and is famous for dried fish, the smell of which will catch your attention as you stroll through its small alleys and markets.
How to get there: get off at the Tung Chung metro terminus and take bus 11 which will take you to the village in about 60 minutes.
4. Trekking
As the island is quite mountainous, Hong Kong's surroundings offer thrilling island glimpses and leisurely nature walks. You can choose the one that suits you best based on the degree of difficulty and travel time. From Tai O, you can follow the path that takes you to the top of the hill overlooking the village and immerse yourself in theInfinity pool: it is a water reserve at the foot of a waterfall. When you look out, you will find yourself at the edge of the rock face with a view of the forest and the lagoon that leaves you speechless. The uphill walk takes about an hour and a half or two at a slow pace.
5. Chi Lin Nunnery
Il Chi Lin nunnery is a grandiose complex of Buddhist temples, where you can find some peace in the heart of the city. Built in 1932 as a retreat for the Buddhist nuns, was rebuilt in 1990 according to traditional Chinese architecture. It contains the statues of Buddha. Adjacent to the monastery, you will find the Nan Lian Garden: a traditional Chinese garden, with attention to detail. A walk will make you forget that you are in the bustling metropolis. The monastery and garden are open all day and theadmission is free.
