Hong Kong has many nicknames…Asia’s World Capital, City of Life, Fragrant Harbour, even The Big Lychee. But it’s most historic and romantic moniker is The Pearl of the Orient, and indeed it is. On an island of just 410 square miles, this vibrant, bustling, modern, densely populated city and former British colony on the South China Sea is now officially a Special Administration Region of the People’s Republic of China, though it bears little resemblance to mainland China. Hong Kong has an advanced economy with it’s own currency, the Hong Kong dollar, it’s a major global trade hub and financial center and, as a center of modern architecture, has earned the title of the world’s most vertical city.
We took a bus tour through one of the five underground tunnels that runs beneath Victoria Harbor, then to the top of Victoria Peak for magnificent breathtaking views of the city, the harbor, Kowloon, and beyond. We descended on the popular Peak Tram, then boarded the bus for a tour of the south end of Hong Kong, through the luxurious mountain-side residences of Water Bay, to the island’s beautiful and popular beach, Repulse Bay.
In the commercial and factory district of Aberdeen we took a sanpan ride through the harbor, where old-fashioned wooden fishing boats and houseboats are moored among impressive luxury yachts beneath the towering city skyscrapers. A visit to one of the city’s largest jewelry factories was testament to the world renowned reputation of Hong Kong’s winning designs using semi precious stones and pearls.
Hong Kong is justly known as a shopping mecca where, like Singapore, the retail opportunities are impressive and vastly abundant. Massive luxury shopping malls filled with couture shops, boutiques, chain stores, computer and electronics, cannot be avoided. Hong Kong attracts shoppers from everywhere in the world, including many from mainland China, not so much for low prices but the lavish and bountiful selections.
Like many Asian cities, Hong Kong has its share of air pollution and hazy days, but during our visit we were lucky to have perfect weather with clear and sunny blue skies during springtime’s awakening of brilliant azaleas, magnolias, yellow witch hazel, red buds and pear trees. And just on the other side of our Insignia’s berth was her twin sister ship, Nautica, on overlapping itineraries, both docked at the Hong Kong Port, just steps from the pulse of this beautiful city.
We were in port overnight and dined on our veranda beneath the light shows of the skyscrapers after dark. Like most dense global cities, Hong Kong may have it’s rough interior, but on the outside, she has beauty, luster, culture, and a shimmering rarity……like a pearl.
You are really doing a great job in keeping us to date on your adventures. I love Hong Kong, have been there twice in the last 40 years. The first time was in 1969 and the only way to cross was in the san pans and I loved it. Thanks again Kristy, we are loving your logs.
I loved Hong Kong, too….hope to go back someday. I’m glad you are enjoying the posts, Nancy. I am about nine days behind, but will try to catch up. Terribly slow internet here.
Great pictures of Hong Kong! Kowloon was the name of the place I was trying to remember where Paul and I went.
Your pictures bring back wonderful memories. We were there in May 1987. I still have a beautiful silk robe that was purchased there. The price was so reasonable that we bought robes for everyone in the family. Hope you are finding some great bargains.
It is not so much a bargain anymore, but wide and beautiful selections.
We would love to visit Hong Kong some day….it seems very interesting. It looks like a great view from your veranda….I assume it’s an interesting view when docking. You guys are certainly seeing the world!