Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, on the south coast of Asia, and a city that many visitors know first by its skyline. Its towers rise steeply from the shoreline, and the view is at its most striking across Victoria Harbour, the body of water that has long shaped the city's life and its sense of place.
Part of the appeal is the way Eastern and Western influences sit side by side. Streets lined with traditional shops and temples run alongside modern offices and international brands, and the city feels comfortable with both. It is also a major international financial centre, so business life runs at a brisk pace, which gives the streets much of their energy.
What a visit offers
- The harbour and skyline: the waterfront is the natural place to begin, especially in the evening when the buildings light up.
- Dim sum: a meal of small steamed and fried dishes, shared at the table, is one of the city's best-known pleasures.
- Blended culture: markets, temples and everyday neighbourhoods show how the city has grown from both sides of its history.
- A business hub: the financial district gives a sense of why the city matters to the wider world.
Planning your trip
Hong Kong suits a visit of several days, enough to see the harbour, eat well across different neighbourhoods and spend time on the older streets as well as the new. Because the city is compact and well connected, moving between districts is straightforward, and the variety of food and scenery means there is usually something to suit almost any traveller.
