My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new series of travelogues on the Mr.M blog. During the previous months you had the opportunity to get to know some of the countries of South America, and during October and the following months I will show you the beauties of the countries of the Far East, which make up the heart of Asia. Before taking you through the maze of skyscrapers, beacons of tradition and modernity, I must express my deepest gratitude to The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) for this extraordinary project that allowed me to dive into the beauty of the Far East and visit the metropolises that are the true pearls of Asia. Every city I had the privilege to explore within this project represents a unique story, a special world within a world, but Hong Kong, an incredible city-state that proudly rises between the mountains and the sea, left an impression on me that can hardly be described in words.
Hong Kong is not just a destination. It’s a perspective-shifting experience that redefines the notion of the urban jungle and proves that tradition and progress can not only coexist, but also mutually enrich each other in ways I could never have imagined. This is a city where Buddhist temples rest peacefully in the shadow of glass skyscrapers, where the smell of incense mingles with the aroma of dim sum, where street vendors sell their products next to the boutiques of the world’s most exclusive brands.
HONG KONG: THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
With a population of over 7.5 million people packed into an area of just 1,104 square kilometers, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places on the planet. But this number does not speak enough about the energy, the pulse, the incredible dynamism that permeates every corner of this city. A former British colony that was returned to China in 1997, Hong Kong has retained its special identity, its soul that is simultaneously Chinese and international, traditional and ultra-modern.
When you fly to Hong Kong and approach the airport on the man-made island of Chek Lap Kok, the scene that unfolds before you is absolutely mesmerizing. A forest of ever-expanding skyscrapers, mist-shrouded mountains, islands scattered across the emerald sea, it all feels like you’ve stepped into the future imagined in sci-fi movies. And when you descend into the very heart of the city, you realize that the reality is even more impressive than anything you could have imagined.
VICTORIA HARBOR: THE STRONGLY BEATING HEART OF HONG KONG
If Hong Kong has a heart, then it is undoubtedly Victoria Harbour, this spectacular natural harbor that separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and represents not only the geographical but also the cultural center of the city. I spent hours walking along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, on both sides of the harbor and every time I thought I had seen it all, Victoria Harbor amazed me all over again.
During the day, the harbor is a living picture of urban activity, the Star Ferry ferrying passengers between Kowloon and Hong Kong for over 130 years, junks with red sails floating alongside ultra-modern yachts, cargo ships arriving from all over the world. But the real spectacle begins when the sun begins to set and the city begins its transformation into the world’s largest natural LED screen.
Symphony of Lights is a light show that takes place every evening at 8 pm, it is not just a tourist attraction, but a real artistic experience. More than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbor participate in this synchronized light symphony that lasts 13 minutes. Lasers, LED lights, projections accompanied by music create an atmosphere that is almost surreal. I stood on the Avenue of Stars, surrounded by tourists and locals who had come to see the same show they had been watching for years, and I felt like part of something bigger, like part of a ritual that connects all of us who were there that night.
But Victoria Harbor is not all about spectacle. It is a place where you can feel the economic power of this city, see how one of the busiest port systems in the world works. It’s a place where you can board a traditional ferry for just a few Hong Kong dollars and relive the same route people took over a century ago. During the ferry ride, as the city slowly grows in front of you, you understand why Hong Kong has become what it is because of its geographical location was not just an accidental blessing, but also an inspiration for the generations that built this amazing city.
NAN LIAN GARDEN AND CHI LIN NUNNERY: AN OASIS OF PEACE IN THE HEART OF CHAOS
If Victoria Harbor represents the pulse of modern Hong Kong, then Nan Lian Garden and the adjacent Chi Lin Nunnery with its lotus pools represent the soul of traditional China preserved in the middle of the metropolis. This complex located in Diamond Hill, not far from one of the busiest shopping centers and a subway station, is an example of how Hong Kong manages to preserve its heritage despite all the pressures of urbanization.
Nan Lian Garden is a classic Chinese garden from the Tang Dynasty, more precisely its reconstruction from 2006 that cost over 500 million Hong Kong dollars. But when you step through the gate of this garden, you don’t think about the money or the year of construction, you simply surrender to the peace that this space exudes. Each element of the garden has its own symbolic meaning, each stone is carefully placed according to the principles of feng shui, each tree has its own story.
Lotus ponds are a central element of the garden, especially spectacular in summer when these sacred flowers in full bloom float on the calm surface of the water. Lotuses in Buddhism symbolize purity, their roots grow in the mud, but the flower rises above the water untouched and pure. Looking at these flowers as the gentle wind made ripples on the water, I understood why they are so important in Eastern philosophy and art.
The Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist monastery complex right next to the garden, was built entirely without the use of a single nail, the entire wooden structure held together by traditional joinery techniques. The temple complex with its golden Buddha statues, the scent of sandalwood and the soft chanting of nuns creates an atmosphere that is light years away from the hustle and bustle that reigns only a few hundred meters away.
MONSTER BUILDING: INSTAGRAM PHENOMENON AND URBAN REALITY
If there is one place in Hong Kong that perfectly encapsulates the concept of urban hustle and living in a vertical city, it is undoubtedly the Yick Cheong Building, better known as the Monster Building. This complex of five interconnected apartment buildings in Quarry Bay has become a global Instagram phenomenon, but its importance goes far beyond the aesthetics of the perfect photo frame.
When you stand in the inner courtyard of this complex and look up at the facades that rise from all sides forming a narrow rectangle of sky above you, you have the feeling that you have stepped into another dimension. The building was built in the 1960s as part of a public housing project and today over 2,000 people live here in more than 2,000 micro-apartments. Colorful windows, air conditioners sticking out from all sides, drying racks with laundry swaying in the wind, it all creates a visual collage that is both chaotic and hypnotic.
But the Monster Building is not just a tourist attraction. It is someone’s home, part of someone’s everyday life. That is why it is important to visit this place with respect and understanding. Locals who have lived here for decades have suddenly found themselves in the spotlight of tourists with selfie sticks, and although most of them are understanding, it is important not to disturb their peace and privacy.
I photographed the Monster Building from different angles, at different times of the day and each time I discovered some new details such as a small altar with incense on one of the pillars, an old woman taking out laundry to dry, children playing in the narrow street below. This is not just an architectural phenomenon, but a living microcosm of real life in Hong Kong where space is a luxury few can afford.
TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET: THE PLACE WHERE HONG KONG COMES TO LIFE AT NIGHT
Temple Street Night Market (also called Canton Street Market by many) is the place where Hong Kong shows its two souls, the merchant soul and the entertainer soul. This night market in Kowloon starts to come alive as the sun goes down and by 9-10 in the evening it reaches its full capacity and the energy is almost palpable.
I have walked Temple Street many times and every time I discover something new. Stalls with counterfeit luxury watches and bags, traditional Chinese ornaments, electronics, antiques, clothing, all of this is packed into a street about one kilometer long. But Temple Street isn’t just about shopping (although haggling over price is an obligatory ritual that vendors expect and enjoy).
What makes Temple Street special is the atmosphere. Here you can find fortune tellers who read the future from palm or tarot cards, traditional Cantonese operas performed under the open sky, street musicians playing classical Chinese songs. Here you can sit in one of the dai pai dongs, traditional Chinese open-air street restaurants and try authentic Cantonese specialties while surrounded by the everyday Cantonese culture of living, laughter and loud calls from vendors to check out their wares.
I ate in one such restaurant the best clay pot rice (rice cooked in a clay pot with various additives) in my life. The owner, an older gentleman who barely spoke English, showed me how to properly stir the dish so that the crunchy crust at the bottom of the pot would mix with the rice and sauces. That dinner was special because I was surrounded by locals who came after work, it wasn’t just a meal, it was a lesson in Cantonese culture.
VICTORIA PEAK: THE CITY FROM A BIRD’S PERSPECTIVE
No visit to Hong Kong is complete without climbing Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island rising 552 meters above sea level. While there are various ways to get to the Peak (on foot for the adventurous, by taxi or bus for those who prefer comfort), the real experience is riding the Peak Tram, a cable car that has connected downtown Hong Kong to the peak since 1888.
Riding the cable car is an experience in itself, as the vehicle climbs the steep slope at an angle that seems impossible, the buildings next to you seem to tilt at unrealistic angles. When you reach the top and step out onto Sky Terrace 428 (a platform located 428 meters above sea level), the sight you can see in front of you is something that photos cannot convey.
From Victoria Peak you can see all of Hong Kong, the skyscrapers of central Hong Kong that look like a model, Victoria Harbor overflowing on one side, the green mountains of Lantau looming in the distance.
BIG BUDDHA AND NGONG PING: SPIRITUAL TOP OF HONG KONG
On Lantau Island, the most remote and least urbanized part of Hong Kong, is the Tian Tan Buddha, a 34-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue towering over the Ngong Ping Plateau. The Big Buddha (as the locals like to call it) is reached by the spectacular Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride that transports you above the forest and the bay for a 25-minute ride that provides an amazing experience and a scenery to remember.
Climbing the 268 steps to the very foot of the statue is a kind of pilgrimage, and each step offers a new perspective, both on the statue itself and on the surrounding landscape. The Big Buddha, which was officially completed in 1993, sits in a lotus position, right hand raised in a gesture of blessing, left hand in lap. On a clear day, visibility is such that you can even see Hong Kong International Airport and beyond.
The Po Lin Monastery complex located at the foot of the statue is a Buddhist monastery where you can try real vegetarian food prepared according to monastic recipes. I ate in their dining room, surrounded by monks and pilgrims, and that experience of simplicity and silence was one of the deepest moments of spiritual peace I felt during this trip.
CENTRAL AND SOHO: WHERE BUSINESS AND BOHEMIA MEET
Central is the financial heart of Hong Kong, where decisions affecting the global economy are made in glass towers that compete to dominate the skyline. But beneath all those skyscrapers, between commercial complexes and luxury malls, there is a maze of streets that reveal a different Central: Central of bars, Central of hidden bars and Michelin restaurants, Central of gallery spaces and street stalls.
SoHo (South of Hollywood Road) and neighboring NoHo (North of Hollywood Road) are areas bursting with creativity. Here art galleries mix with craft beer bars, traditional herbology with modern cocktail bars, street murals with boutique hotels. The Mid-Levels Escalator, the longest outdoor escalator in the world spanning 800 meters connects Central to the Mid-Levels area, home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.
Evenings spent in SoHo are unforgettable random visits from bar to bar (bar hopping as they call it), conversations with locals who work in finance but live for art, smoky streets full of smells from different restaurants that offer cuisine from every corner of the world. One of the strongest impressions was a visit to a bar hidden behind antique shops, where I had to find out the code to enter, but I have to admit that the cocktails were masterpieces of molecular gastronomy.
MONG KOK: THE BEATS OF LOCAL HONG KONG
If you want to feel the pulse of the real Hong Kong, the one where locals live their daily lives away from international financial affairs and touristy glitzy sights, Mong Kok is a must-visit. This area in Kowloon holds the Guinness World Record for the most densely populated place on the planet with over 130,000 people per square kilometer.
Walking the streets of Mong Kok is a real experience. The Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street, the Flower Market, the Goldfish Market selling aquarium fish in plastic bags, the Bird Market with its traditional bamboo cages, each of these markets has its own unique energy. But what fascinated me the most is how these markets are not just tourist attractions, they are places where locals come to buy fresh flowers for their home, to get a new bird or to find just that specific addition for their aquarium.
Sneaker Street (Fa Yuen Street) is a paradise for sneaker lovers as both sides of this street are lined with shops with all possible sneaker models, from the latest releases to rare vintage pieces. Sim City is an electronic market where you can find any tech gadget and where you are expected to negotiate the price.
WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE: A PLACE WHERE WISHES COME TRUE
Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the most popular temples in Hong Kong, known for “granting all wishes” to those who pray with an open heart. The temple is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a Taoist father who, according to legend, had healing powers. The temple complex, with its red and gold architecture, is a spectacular example of traditional Chinese construction.
What makes this temple special is that here you can see how the three main Chinese religions: Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism coexist in harmony.
I participated in the traditional ritual of throwing “kau cim” sticks, bamboo sticks in a cylinder that are shaken until one falls out, each bearing a number which is then interpreted by a fortune teller. Whether you believe in fortune telling or not, the experience is fascinating as a cultural phenomenon.
MARCO POLO HONGKONG HOTEL: LUXURY ON THE KOWLOON WATERFRONT
After a busy day spent exploring Hong Kong, returning to the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel was like coming home, a home that is elegant, comfortable and perfectly positioned on the shores of Victoria Harbor in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. This hotel, part of the prestigious Marco Polo portfolio, became my base for exploring the city and I must admit that the choice could not have been better.
Already upon arrival, the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel impresses with its location, which is directly connected to the Harbor City shopping complex (one of the largest shopping centers in Hong Kong), the Star Ferry terminal a few minutes’ walk away, and the MTR station that provides quick access to all parts of the city, but the location is only the beginning of the story.
My room with a view of Victoria Harbor was a real oasis of peace after hectic days spent in the city. The design of the room combines modern luxury with subtle elements of Eastern aesthetics, which are decorated with neutral colors, clean lines, a technologically well-equipped space with all the possible amenities you expect from a five-star hotel. But what greeted me every morning was that view: the panorama of Victoria Harbour, the ferries sailing to and fro, the Central part of the city on the other side waking up, the skyline changing color as the day progresses.
The Continental Club Lounge on the 13th floor was my favorite area for morning coffee or an evening cocktail. Continental breakfast with a carefully selected selection of local and international specialties, afternoon tea with dim sum, evening cocktail with canapés, all this with a panoramic view of the harbor makes this lounge a special place to relax.
The hotel staff deserves special praise, from the moment of our check-in to the moment of departure, every member of the team was professional, attentive, and ready to make suggestions or help with information. The concierge arranged several hard-to-find reservations for me at popular restaurants, the front desk was always available for any queries, and the housekeeping team kept the room in immaculate condition.
Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel is not just a place to sleep, it is part of the special Hong Kong experience. Its combination of contemporary luxury, traditional Asian hospitality and an unbeatable location make it an ideal base for exploring the city. I am already looking forward to next week when I will publish a detailed review of this hotel where I will share with you all the details about the rooms, the restaurants, the spa and all the amenities that this exceptional hotel has to offer.
HONG KONG CULINARY JOURNEY: FROM DIM SUM TO MICHELIN STARS
Hong Kong is not only one of the most important financial centers of the world, it is also one of the culinary capitals of the world. With more Michelin stars per capita than most cities in the world, with street food as highly regarded as fine dining restaurants, Hong Kong offers a gastronomic experience that is hard to compare with anything else.
My morning would ideally start with a traditional dim sum breakfast. I have tried dim sum in different restaurants, from luxury hotel restaurants to local cha chaan teng (Hong Kong style cafes). Har gow (fried shrimp in transparent batter), siu mai (smoked dumplings with pork and shrimp), char siu bao (BBQ pork stuffed buns), cheung fun (rice rolls), each dish is a work of art and a culinary wonder.
The roast goose at the Yat Lok restaurant (which holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand) was an amazing gourmet experience! Crispy skin that melts in your mouth, meat that just falls off the bone, a sauce that is the perfect balance of sweet, salty and sour. Wonton Noodles at Mak’s Noodle, Egg Tart at Tai Cheong Bakery where Lady Diana is said to have bought these delicacies when she was in Hong Kong, each meal was a story in itself.
But Hong Kong is also about modern gastronomy. I visited several Michelin-starred restaurants, where the chefs combined French techniques with local ingredients, where each dish was a visual and taste masterpiece. Dinner at Bo Innovation (a 2 Michelin star restaurant) where Chef Alvin Leung creates what he calls “X-treme Chinese cuisine” was an experience that challenged all my preconceptions about what Chinese food can be.
HONG KONG: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISIT
As someone who has spent time exploring every corner of this city, I want to share some practical tips to make your trip easier:
Transport: Hong Kong has one of the best public transport systems in the world. The MTR (metro) is fast, clean, efficient and covers all major parts of the city. Get an Octopus card, an electronic card that can be used not only for transportation but also in many shops, restaurants, even vending machines.
Language: The official languages are Cantonese and English. In tourist areas you can easily function with English speaking, but in local neighborhoods like Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po few people will speak English. Google Translate with offline option is indispensable.
Money: The Hong Kong dollar is the local currency (1 Euro is approximately 9 HKD). Most places accept credit cards, but for local markets and street vendors it’s good to have cash.
Climate: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate. Summers are very hot and humid (up to 35°C with a high percentage of humidity), winters are mild (10-20°C). The best time to visit is from October to December when the temperature is pleasant and there is not much rain.
Internet: Free WiFi is available in many public places, but I recommend renting a pocket WiFi device or buying an eSIM card to stay connected to the world. Since I visited several countries in Asia during this trip, I bought a package for Asian countries so that in a month and a half I allocated about 60 euros to have internet every day and I must admit that the investment paid off.
HONG KONG: A CITY YOU MUST VISIT AND EXPERIENCE
As I sit and write this travelogue today, I realize that this text, regardless of its length, cannot convey the complete feeling, energy, magic of this incredible city. Hong Kong is not a place that can be described, it is a place that must be felt, that must be experienced with all the senses.
It is a city of contradictions that strangely work in perfect harmony, a place where ultra-modern buildings of glass and steel stand next to temples that have been there for centuries, where the smoke of incense mingles with the aroma of coffee, where traditional dim sum is served in restaurants with Michelin stars, where million-dollar deals are closed in skyscrapers, while somewhere under the curb on the sidewalks, street vendors negotiate with tourists to sell souvenirs for a few dollars.
Hong Kong is a place where you can meditate in a Buddhist monastery surrounded by lotuses in the morning, bargain at the Temple Street market and buy some souvenirs at noon, take a cable car ride to Victoria Peak in the afternoon and watch the Symphony of Lights at dusk with a cocktail in your hand at a rooftop bar. It is a city that offers countless possibilities, countless stories, countless experiences.
For all those who are reading this travelogue and are considering whether to visit Hong Kong, my answer is simple and unequivocal: Don’t think, just go! Visit this metropolis with an open heart, an open mind, ready to leave your expectations and prejudices at the airport. Hong Kong will surprise, challenge, delight and change you in ways you can’t imagine.
The Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower is perhaps the only surviving witness to a time when Hong Kong was a completely different city. Built in 1915 in the Edwardian Baroque style, this elegant 44-meter tall clock tower was once part of Kowloon Railway Station, the terminus of the legendary railway route that connected Hong Kong to Europe. As I stood in front of this tower, surrounded by glass skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui, I felt the weight of history, because this clock ticked the centuries, followed the arrival and departure of travelers from all over the world, survived the Second World War and witnessed the transformation of Hong Kong into a global metropolis. Today, this tower stands as a bridge between the past and the present, a romantic reminder of an era when traveling was an adventure that lasted for weeks.
This is not just a city, it is an experience that will be etched in your memory, that becomes a part of you, that invites you to come back again and continue where you left off. I know I will come back, because Hong Kong is one of those places that never lets you go, even when you physically leave, a part of you remains forever between its skyscrapers, on its streets, in its incredible energy that never stops day or night.
Hong Kong is waiting for you with great impatience to reveal its secrets to you, to guide you through its labyrinths, to feed you with its culinary masterpieces, to amaze you with its extraordinary beauty. All you have to do is buy a plane ticket and allow yourself to get lost in this city that never sleeps, a city that is a bridge between East and West, a city that is, simply put, unique in the whole world. Until the next trip, the next story, the next adventure from Hong Kong, think about the timing of your visit to this city!
Have you already had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong, this unique city where the oriental tradition seamlessly intertwines with the futuristic rhythm of life? Or maybe you are just planning to discover the magic of Hong Kong, its colorful districts, markets, world gastronomic scene and distinctive skyscrapers that leave no one indifferent?
Feel free to leave your impressions, comments or questions below the text, or contact me via email and social networks. All information is available on the CONTACT page.
See you soon, with a new story from the heart of the Far East!
With Love from Hong Kong,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, as well as other local partners who have selflessly supported this project. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.
Hello Marko! Your description of Victoria Harbor and the Symphony of Lights has me absolutely mesmerized. The way you captured the transformation from a bustling daytime harbor to the world’s largest natural LED screen at night is poetic. I’ve always wanted to visit Hong Kong, and your vivid storytelling makes me feel like I’m already walking along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. The detail about the Star Ferry operating for over 130 years adds such a beautiful historical dimension to the modern spectacle.
Hello Marko! Your description of Victoria Harbor and the Symphony of Lights has me absolutely mesmerized. The way you captured the transformation from a bustling daytime harbor to the world’s largest natural LED screen at night is poetic. I’ve always wanted to visit Hong Kong and your vivid storytelling makes me feel like I’m already walking along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. The detail about the Star Ferry operating for over 130 years adds such a beautiful historical dimension to the modern spectacle.
Marko, ton récit sur le Nan Lian Garden et le Chi Lin Nunnery m’a profondément touché. L’idée qu’un jardin de la dynastie Tang reconstruit en 2006 puisse créer une telle oasis de paix au milieu du chaos urbain est fascinante. Ta description des étangs de lotus et leur symbolisme bouddhiste les racines dans la boue mais la fleur pure au-dessus de l’eau capture parfaitement la philosophie orientale. Le fait que la nonnerie ait été construite sans un seul clou, uniquement avec des techniques de menuiserie traditionnelles, démontre un respect incroyable pour l’artisanat ancestral.
Hallo Marko! Ich habe eine praktische Frage zur Octopus Card, die du erwähnt hast. Wo kann man diese Karte am besten kaufen direkt am Flughafen oder ist es besser, sie in der Stadt zu besorgen? Funktioniert sie wirklich überall, auch in kleineren Geschäften und Restaurants? Ich plane eine zweiwöchige Reise nach Hong Kong im Frühling und möchte mich optimal vorbereiten. Deine praktischen Tipps am Ende des Artikels sind übrigens Gold wert!
Marko, the Monster Building section really struck a chord with me. Your sensitivity in acknowledging that this Instagram phenomenon is actually someone’s home shows real travel maturity. The image of 2,000 people living in micro-apartments while tourists flock to photograph their building raises important questions about the ethics of travel photography. I appreciate how you described it as a “living modern history” rather than just an aesthetic backdrop. Did you feel conflicted while photographing there?
Ciao Marko! La tua esperienza culinaria a Hong Kong sembra essere stata straordinaria. Il dim sum mattutino che descrivi har gow, siu mai, char siu bao mi fa venire una fame incredibile! Sono particolarmente incurioso riguardo alla tua cena al Bo Innovation con Chef Alvin Leung e la sua “X-treme Chinese cuisine”. Potresti darci qualche dettaglio in più su quali piatti hanno davvero sfidato le tue aspettative? L’idea di combinare tecniche francesi con ingredienti locali suona assolutamente geniale.
Hello Marko! Your climb to Victoria Peak and the description of the Peak Tram ride sounds exhilarating. The detail about buildings appearing to tilt at impossible angles as you ascend really paints a vivid picture. I’m planning to visit Hong Kong next autumn during what you mentioned is the best weather window (October-December). Would you recommend going to Victoria Peak during the day for the views or at sunset to see the city transform? Your perspective from Sky Terrace 428 sounds absolutely breathtaking!
Marko, ta visite au Temple de Wong Tai Sin et ta participation au rituel des bâtonnets de bambou “kau cim” est fascinante. Cette coexistence harmonieuse des trois principales religions chinoises taoïsme, bouddhisme et confucianisme dans un seul temple illustre parfaitement la complexité culturelle de Hong Kong. Même si on ne croit pas nécessairement à la divination, l’expérience culturelle elle-même semble inestimable. As-tu fait interpréter ton bâtonnet par un devin du temple?
Marko, your description of the Temple Street Night Market captures the essence of Hong Kong’s merchant soul perfectly! The clay pot rice experience you shared with the owner showing you how to mix in the crunchy bottom crust sounds like one of those authentic moments that guidebooks can’t teach you. The combination of shopping, fortune tellers, Cantonese opera, and dai pai dong restaurants all on one street sounds like sensory overload in the best possible way. This is exactly the kind of local experience I seek when traveling.
Hallo Marko! Deine Beschreibung des Big Buddha auf Lantau Island und der Ngong Ping 360-Seilbahnfahrt klingt spektakulär. Die 25-minütige Fahrt über den Wald und die Bucht muss atemberaubend sein. Ich bin besonders von deiner Erfahrung im Po-Lin-Kloster berührt, wo du vegetarisches Essen nach klösterlichen Rezepten gegessen hast. Diese Momente spiritueller Ruhe inmitten einer so dynamischen Stadt scheinen ein wichtiger Ausgleich zu sein. Würdest du empfehlen, einen ganzen Tag für Lantau Island einzuplanen?
Hi Marko! I’m absolutely fascinated by your SoHo and Central exploration. The contrast between the financial district’s glass towers and the creative, bohemian neighborhoods beneath is quintessential Hong Kong. The Mid-Levels Escalator spanning 800 meters sounds like an attraction in itself! I love the story about the hidden speakeasy behind an antique shop with molecular gastronomy cocktails. Could you share any tips on finding these hidden bars, or is discovery part of the adventure?
Marko, il tuo soggiorno al Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel sembra essere stato perfetto. La posizione sul lungomare di Kowloon con vista su Victoria Harbour dev’essere spettacolare, specialmente al mattino quando descrivi la città che si sveglia dall’altra parte. Il Continental Club Lounge al 13° piano con colazione, tè pomeridiano e cocktail serali con vista panoramica suona come il luogo ideale per rilassarsi dopo giorni intensi di esplorazione. Non vedo l’ora di leggere la tua recensione dettagliata dell’hotel la prossima settimana!
Marko, your section on Mong Kok really captures the authentic Hong Kong experience. The detail about it holding the Guinness World Record for the most densely populated place on Earth (130,000 people per square kilometer!) is mind-blowing. The variety of markets Ladies’ Market, Flower Market, Goldfish Market with fish in plastic bags, Bird Market with bamboo cages each seems to have its own unique character. Sneaker Street sounds like paradise for footwear enthusiasts! This is the real Hong Kong that most tourists probably miss.
Bonjour Marko! Ton article est une véritable encyclopédie de Hong Kong. Ce qui m’impressionne le plus, c’est ta capacité à équilibrer les attractions touristiques populaires avec des expériences locales authentiques. Ta description de l’oie rôtie au restaurant Yat Lok la peau croustillante qui fond en bouche, la viande qui se détache de l’os est de la poésie culinaire pure! Le fait que Hong Kong ait plus d’étoiles Michelin par habitant que la plupart des villes du monde en fait vraiment une capitale gastronomique mondiale.
Marko, la tua riflessione finale su Hong Kong come città di contraddizioni che funzionano in perfetta armonia è profonda. Hai perfettamente catturato l’essenza di questa metropoli dove templi buddisti riposano all’ombra di grattacieli di vetro, dove l’incenso si mescola con l’aroma del caffè, dove tradizione e modernità non solo coesistono ma si arricchiscono reciprocamente. La Torre dell’Orologio di Tsim Sha Tsui come ponte tra passato e presente è una metafora bellissima per l’intera città.
Hello Marko! Your Hong Kong guide is comprehensive and inspiring. I particularly appreciate your practical tips section the advice about getting an Octopus card, using Google Translate offline, and your eSIM recommendation for Asian countries (60 euros for a month and a half is reasonable!). Your honesty about the climate warning about hot, humid summers versus mild winters helps with planning. The October-December window you recommend aligns perfectly with my vacation schedule. Thank you for such a thorough and beautifully written guide!