For those who have been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I’ve featured plenty of articles about my travels around the world. One of my favorite destinations is Japan – I’ve been there a few times now and always get the chance to experience beautiful scenery, delicious food and warm hospitality. The people there always seem to be smiling, and that makes every visit even more enjoyable. Although Japan is a place where I feel truly relaxed and at home, I still get the feeling of excitement when the time comes to board the flight back to my home country England. When you’ve been away for as long as I have, every little bit of home feels like a big relief and a total joy. My latest Japan travelogue is no different, and this time it’s all about the town of Hong Kong – specifically, its most famous structure, the Hong Kong Lighthouse!
If you’ve never been there, then let me introduce you to one of the most unforgettable cities in the world. Hong Kong is a former British territory that sits on the northern side of the Pearl River Delta – a massive urban area that sprawls across the waters of the China Sea. The territory’s most famous exports include Cantonese food, handbags and luxury real estate. The city’s nightlife is one of the best in the world, and although Hong Kong’s geography might not put it on the travel radar, there’s so much more to this incredible place than meets the eye. As the gateway to China, Hong Kong is a hotbed of international trade and a popular destination for both business and pleasure travelers. In fact, more and more people are discovering the beauty of this city and are putting it on their bucket list as one of the places they must visit.
A Tale Of Two Towns
To begin with, let’s take a look at Hong Kong’s famous skyline and landmarks.
On one side of the river, you’ve got the crowded business district, with its high-rises, neon signs and roaring traffic. Across the water, in the opposite direction, the skyscrapers seem to disappear into the clouds, transforming what was once a drab, industrialized area into one of the most desirable places to live and visit. Hong Kong’s skyline is dotted with all sorts of buildings, from residential high-rises and flashy shopping malls to office blocks and cultural hubs. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a Hong Kong hotel that can accommodate you.
There’s a reason why this city is known as the Paris of the Orient – not only do the skyscrapers imitate the Eiffel Tower, but the city’s layout and design is much like Paris. The street names and landmarks are all borrowed from Europe (thank you, Victor Hugo!) – the most famous street being called “Shanghai Road”, after the city in China. Even the way people drive here is reminiscent of Paris – they move around in big circles rather than the usual S-shaped curves found on most Chinese roads. If you know one thing about Hong Kong travel, it’s that you will not be bored. No matter what brings you here, there’s plenty to do and see.
The Hong Kong Lighthouse
Not all of Hong Kong is a collection of skyscrapers and neon lights. The otherside of the island is quite a bit different – it’s where the city’s famous lighthouse shines. Yes, the Hong Kong Lighthouse is one of the city’s most photographed structures, and it’s easy to see why. Rising out of the sea like an angelic sentinel, this striking image grasps the imagination of everyone who sees it.
The 135-feet-tall lighthouse is the work of British architect John B. Wilson, who also designed the city’s Customs House and the Central Police Station. The light it emits is surprisingly mild, only just enough to illuminate the surrounding area and keep sea predators at bay. Even at night, the light is still visible for miles – it has a unique, haunting glow that draws many a visitor to the lonely island.
To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t recommend going here at night. It seems as though nature intended for this place to be seen during the day – the brilliant glow of the sun on the water is something to behold, as is the play of light and dark on the waves. During the day, you’ll find visitors coming from all over the world to take a peek into this remarkable structure, and some even choose to stay here overnight.
Tourists And Local People Visit In Equal Numbers
A major reason why I chose to write about Hong Kong now is that it seems like everyone here is having an amazing time. Even in the winter, when it’s cold and damp outside, the weather in Hong Kong is always bright and sunny – not to mention the fact that the temperatures rarely go below 30 degrees. If you’ve ever visited a place with a lot of sunshine, then you’ll know how much it improves your mood. I always feel energized and happy when I visit Hong Kong – it’s as though the sun is beaming down on me, despite the freezing weather back home!
Tourists and locals seem to love each other’s company here, and I don’t blame them – this place is amazing. If you’re wondering why there are so many touristy spots in Hong Kong and not the other way around, it’s because the city is a treasure trove of historic buildings and curio shops – there’s just so much to see! The thing is, you’ll want to see it all, and you’ll find that it’s nearly impossible to do so in a few days. There’s also so much more to this city than meets the eye, and the sooner you know what all these “secret” nooks and crannies are, the better. A great place to start is the Hong Kong Museum of History, which is free. It’s a must for anyone who loves history, and it goes without saying that this place is a mecca for anyone interested in the culture and customs of Hong Kong. You’ll be able to spend about an hour to an hour and a half here, depending on how long you decide to stick around – it’s enough time to get a feeling for the place.
An Opportunity To Dive In The Ocean
One of the best things about Hong Kong is that it’s extremely easy to get to. The city’s airport is one of the world’s premiere gateways, and it’s connected to the island by a 15-minute flight. From here, you can land on one of the city’s three main carriageways, which lead directly to tourism central. It doesn’t get much easier than this!
Although Hong Kong is located at the end of the earth, getting there is a piece of cake. If you’ve ever been there, then you know that it’s easy to navigate and perfectly situated for travelers and business people from all over the globe. From here, you can access the rest of China by subway or bus – taking you straight to the heart of the Great Wall. It’s really an amazing place, home to a multicultural population and a dazzling kite festival that draws hundreds of thousands of people every year. Not many places in the world offer such unique cultural experiences and sights, all within one hour’s drive. You can’t make this up!
Final Takeaway
If you’re visiting Hong Kong, then you owe it to yourself to check out the incredible range of activities and attractions this city has to offer. This is one destination where you’ll definitely not want to miss out on a thing! By day, you can browse the streets for antique shops, sample some of Hong Kong’s famous Chinese cuisine and visit one of the largest Buddhist temples in the area. There are so many sights here that draw both tourists and local people – this is truly a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Plus, with so much sunshine, you’ll have no trouble finding the “bright spot” on which to lay down your towel!