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Published: February 12th 2009
Views from the Peak
amazing views over the city from the top of HK.Hong Kong Island once comprised of several fishing villages back in 1842 when Britain claimed it as theirs after the First Opium War with China. It returned Chinese sovereignty after 150 year in 1997 and currently operates under the "one country, two systems" principle. We experienced a mixture of Eastern Chinese traditions with a colonial influence. The main hub is an international centre for business which is evident by the presence of all the fancy tall building blocks. (Very Dan!) Claire's favourite was the 'Lippo' building which is nicknamed the Koala Building - hopefully you will see why by the photo.
There are so many shopping outlets in HK its a little overwhelming and in central HK you could really have been in any major city in the world. However we went in search of the more unusual a headed to the north of Kowloon where we took a stroll round the Mong Kok area which has several great markets.
First stop was Goldfish Market with amazing exotic fish and coral for sale.
Next we visited the beautiful Flower Market selling everything from rare orchids to Dutch tulips in every colour possible.
Finally the Bird Garden market
Fishy business...
...at the Fish Market of Kowloon with hundreds of exotic colourful birds for sale, although we did find the sight of these beautiful birds packed into small cages rather sad.
We also took a short stroll through the "ladies" market where everything from ladies handbags to children's toys were for sale. With very limited space in our travel packs, we were on the look out for some smaller light weight gifts which we ended up shipping home - fingers crossed they will arrive at Mum & Dad Jordan's in a couple of months.
To get a great view of the city we took the exhilarating Peak Cable Tram ride which has been in operation since 1888 and is one of the steepest tram journeys in the world passing buildings at almost a 45 degree angle! At the top we were treated to simply amazing views of both the city to the north but also stunning natural island views to the south. We really enjoyed a leisurely stroll down on foot from the top of the peak (which was recommended to us - thanks Dan) and wandered through the streets of Chinatown back to the Star Ferry.
Every time we boarded the Star Ferry
Flower Power...
...a beautiful market... with well... lots of Flowers to travel across Victoria Harbour between the Kowloon Peninsular and HK Island, Claire would recall the story of her Nanny taking the wrong ferry when she visited HK which as we found out is very easily done and very nearly did ourselves - several times!
HK is a city that really doesn't sleep and there is so much to see and do there that you soon realise this is why people come back time and time again to enjoy something new. In the evenings we were treated to some of HK's amazing night life including riding the tramways through the city (we got invited to join a party tram too - see video), seeing the Symphony of Lights show (a technicolour display of lasers and lights set to music) and walking through the Avenue of the Stars - a promenade with plaques, hand prints and sculptures of famous Chinese movie stars - the most recognisable of whom was the legendary 'Bruce Lee'.
We also took a half day excursion to the south of HK island to the famous Stanley Market where Claire was trying very hard to resist to urge to buy everything! There was some great stuff
Work & Play in the City
A small recreational area for everyone to use in the heart of the city. Note the executive buildings now tower over a single remaining shabby residential building. You can also play spot the ball on this photo.... hours of fun! for sale from paintings to silk dresses. However we knew that we were heading for Vietnam and Thailand where there would be many more opportunities and hopefully more bargains.
A BIG THANKS to Dan for all his advice about HK.
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Ken
non-member comment
Nice blog!
Hey there:) Im in the middle of my research and found your blog on Hong Kong quite randomly :P Im actually a student from Hong Kong and I'm glad that you have enjoyed your stay in HK. The pictures you took were lovely and reminds me of my home :D (Im currently studying in Bath, UK) Anyway, hope you'll have fun in Thailand and Vietnam, Thailand is truely a great place for good food and shopping bargains!!! :D Ken