Bloggers: Fiona & Glenn
Hong Kong was the final stop on our trip around China. A Special Administrative Region of China since the handing over of power from the United Kingdom in 1997 there are some noticeable differences for tourists arriving from mainland China; currency, driving direction and the ability to use Google!
To those well-travelled, after a while cities can all start to look the same. The challenge in Hong Kong was to find places to escape to outside the city’s high rise. If you’re looking for an easy but beautiful walk away from it all then Lamma Island is a must. Catch a ferry from Central Pier to Yung Shue Wan. From here the trail winds along the coast with stunning views. Visit the sandy beach of Lo So Shing and Kamikaze Cave before tasting the best fish in China in one of the plentiful restaurants in the fishing village of Sok Kwu Wan. From here you can catch another ferry back to Central Pier. This trip was a definite highlight from our trip to China. Lamma Island is certainly off the usual tourist trail and a fabulous opportunity to see a completely undeveloped side of China.
An hour by boat from Hong Kong is the Special Administrative Region of Macau. A Portuguese colony until 1999 it now has the greatest gambling income in the world, larger than Las Vegas! However with attractions other than casinos it is worth checking out. The ruins of St. Paul’s cathedral and Senado Square are beautiful examples of Portuguese influence. Just make sure to visit Macau by boat from Hong Kong to avoid the need for a double entry Chinese visa.
However if you wish to stay within the confines of Hong Kong, then a trip on the Peak Tram is hard to beat. The funicular railway operating since 1888 was initially used for residents of Victoria Peak but today provides the most direct route to stunning views over the harbour and skyscrapers. Arrive in the late afternoon to catch both daytime and nighttime views. Unlike the majority of our trip around China, an evening on the peak was sublimely peaceful! A fitting conclusion!
