Victoria Peak

Address	No. 1 Lugard Road
Admission	HK$30 adult, HK$14 senors, HK$9 children
Hours	7:00 AM– 12:00 Midnight Daily
Phone	(852) 2849 7654
Website	www.thepeak.com.hk

Getting to “the peak,” as its commonly referred to, includes a scenic ride on a cable-pulled railway car that runs 1.4 km from Central (near Hong Kong Park) up to the high hills of Victoria Peak. It’s a quaint-looking car that carries some 120 passengers over 90 times per day, and various versions of the tram have been putting around since 1888. There’s a steep climb, so be sure to hold onto any loose articles—or they may slide down to the backside of the tram.

The seven-minute ride seems to last a lifetime, as the anticipation is what makes the experience worth it. But it’s the peak tower, with its wok-like shape, gourmet shops and magnificent view that truly impresses. At 554 meters above sea level, the view of Victoria Harbor offers a rare glimpse—from up above—of Hong Kong’s glowing cityscape. But be sure to visit the peak on a clear night, as fog and low-floating clouds sometimes block the best of those Kodak moments.

Tian Tan (Big Buddha)

Hours	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Daily
Website	www.discoverhongkong.com

At 26.4 meters high and 220 tonnes, this bronze-cast figure took a decade to complete. Although it was unveiled in 1993, the statue is seated atop Po Lin Monastery and has already become the symbol of Lantau Island. Its right hand is elevated, delivering a blessing to all its visitors, while its soft eyes and lips connote calmness and serenity. Parts of the monastery, which is full of Buddhist imagery and colorful manifestations, are open for tours—even though devout monks wander the grounds. Its customary, for monks and visitors alike, to light incense that carry blessings for loved ones into the heavens.

What’s more, the statue and monastery are situated in a hilly region of Lantau Island that provides a serene break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a great day trip and only a ferry and bus ride away from Hong Kong Island. The easiest way there is to take a ferry to Silvermine Bay (Mui Wo) from the Central Pier and then Bus No 2 to Po Lin. Another option is to take the MTR to Tung Chung station then Bus No 23. Once there, be forewarned that some 268 flights of stairs stand between you and the Big Buddha.

Street Markets

From the quirky to just plain weird, Hong Kong offers a plethora of street markets unlike any other city in the world. Each of these are best seen on foot in Mong Kok, Kowloon:

Goldfish Market: Red fish, blue fish, one fish, two fish—anything and everything fish-related can be found on Tung Choi Street (Mong Kok, Kowloon). Fish, which have long been a source of good luck in Chinese tradition, can be purchased from one of the dozens of stores on this street. Most shops are open each day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Flower Market: Located on Flower Market Road (Mong Kok, Kowloon) this street is full of fresh bulbs and bouquets of every color possible. The varieties range from exotic blossoms to regular houseplants, but even the smaller, cheaper arrangements make for a great addition to your hotel room. Normally open daily from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm.

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden: There’s no mistaking the flapping or chirping sounds. This market, situated on Yuen Po Street (Mong Kok, Kowloon), is open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm and offers some 70 bird stalls that showcase songbirds, budgies and parakeets. There are numerous cages available, ranging from antiques to impressively modern designs, as well as such bird-friendly products as tiny porcelain watering bowls.

A Symphony of Lights

Address	Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront
Hours	8:00 PM each night
Phone	+852 2508 1234
Website	www.tourism.gov.hk

If you’ve seen and enjoyed Disney’s “Fantasia” then think of this as a real-life adaptation, only with buildings instead of animals. Lights sparkle and shoot out from some 20 buildings on Hong Kong Island, illuminating the sky and harbor front. In order to see the magical display of neon lights and hear the accompanying symphonic tunes, you must board a ferry and find a spot on Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars.

There are a number of harbor cruises that offer first-rate views of the show, although if you’re on a budget you’ll be happy to know that you can see the display perfectly from the Tsim Sha Tsui boardwalk. What’s perhaps most impressive is that the music is synchronized with the light effects. Spectators hoping to catch narration in English should stand near a speaker on the boardwalk on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays or tune into local radio every night on FM 103.4 MHz along the harbor front.

Victoria Park

As soon as the noise, crowds and grandiosity of Hong Kong begins to overwhelm, grab a bubble tea and fruit then head to Victoria Park. Nestled near the busy streets of Causeway Bay, the park offers a relaxing atmosphere for much-needed breaks. There are joggers and exercisers, and in the early morning, seniors who perform tai chi in many of the wooded areas. Clean, clear paths provide ample room if you decide to roam through the park, while tennis courts and swimming pools are open to the public for a small entrance fee.

But it’s the Model Boat Pool that no doubt will bring a smile to your face. Most afternoons you’ll find middle-aged men cruising their motor-operated, remote-controlled toy speed boats over the pond’s ripples and around its fountains. The surrounding benches are usually full of locals taking lunch breaks and cheering on the boats that they most enjoy watching zoom around the pond.

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