The Charm of Hong Kong
Posted on January 15, 2009 - Filed Under Travel
Hong Kong delights visitors with its ability to blend constrasting influences into a charming and vibrant whole. This administrative region encompasses a bustling modern city and surrounding countryside. As part of the Republic of China, it offers a decidedly Eastern flavor in its food, culture, and people. Yet, as a former British territory and center for global finance and business, it features western skyscrapers, shopping malls, and urban sensibilities. With a population of seven million and an influx of multitudes of business and leisure visitors every year, Hong Kong buzzs with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
In addition to the throngs of business travelers who arrive in Hong Kong every day, there are numerous tourists who want to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the region for its own merits. Visitors will find plenty to keep them occupied, from great restaurants and unparalleled shopping to 5 star Hong Kong hotels and swanky nightclubs.
Many visitors get caught up in the urban landscape of Hong Kong. With over 7500 skyscrapers, the city itself has one of the most recognizable skylines in the world, and many consider it the most beautiful. Hong Kong currently has 38 of the 100 tallest residential buildings in the world and is building more record-breaking structures. Many of the buildings offer beautiful and unique architectural design, not simply height.
Those willing to venture outside the densely populated urban hub of Hong Kong will find that over 75% of Hong Kong is undeveloped and half of that consists of protected nature preserves and parks. Hong Kong encompasses beaches, rivers, and bays. The terrain ranges from hilly to mountainous, with Tai Mo Shan being the highest elevation, 3140 feet above sea level. All this open area provides ideal conditions for swimming, sailing, hiking, and climbing among other recreational and sporting activities.
The rich cultural heritage of the area is easily accessible to visitors wishing to explore traditional Hong Kong. The Ping Shah Heritage Trail offers a look into Hong Kong’s historical monuments and sites. Visitors can also browse the Fu Shin Street Traditional Bazaar to get a feel for local arts, clothing, and crafts. Other cultural attractions in Hong Kong include the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas, the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
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