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Story and Photos DINH HANG
Hong Kong never ceases to fascinate with its contrasts, as tradition still thrives in the heart of this global metropolis.
Traveling through opposing worlds
Hong Kong’s beauty lies not only in its glittering skyline but also in the impeccable interweaving of contrasting scenes. Here, it is common to spot a tiny ancient pagoda next to a towering modern building, a traditional open-air market beside a luxury shopping mall, and an old ferry pier steps away from a bustling metro station. Whenever I wander the streets of Hong Kong, I often feel as though I am traveling through different worlds. On one side of the bay, skyscrapers and shopping centers dominate the bustling Central district. Just a short trip away, I find myself standing amidst stilt houses over the water in peaceful Tai O fishing village.
Underneath the modern facade, Hong Kong’s heart still seems to beat with traditional rhythms. Ornate temples and historical sites are scattered throughout the city. Strolling through the exquisite bonsai gardens of Nan Lian Garden, one notices the solemn golden hue of Chi Lin Nunnery standing out against the backdrop of concrete buildings.
A ride across Victoria Harbor by Star Ferry not only offers a scenic perspective of Hong Kong but also serves as a bridge between past and present. The awe-inspiring modern architecture on Hong Kong Island coexists in the same space as the ancient temples and bustling markets of Kowloon, woven together seamlessly through history.
Escape to nature
Amidst the hectic pace and soaring high-rises, Hong Kong also offers surprising “emergency exits” to nature. The concrete city is interspersed with patches of green forests, stretching along the coastline, verdant parks and hiking trails on steep mountains. Whenever tired of the dense urban landscape, you can head to Lantau Island, climbing 268 steps to the 34-meter-tall tall bronze Tian Tan Buddha statue. Taking the Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cable Car – with its glass bottom – allows a panoramic view over the bay and the majestic hill range.
Not too far from the bustling Sha Tin metro station, you can immerse oneself in the tranquil atmosphere of Po Fook Hill. Admire the scenery along the way up to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery with its 430 stone steps flanked by vivid gold-covered statues – each with its own distinctive expression and pose.
A culinary adventure
With a lengthy list of Michelin-starred restaurants and noteworthy picks from luxurious fine dining to casual eateries, this food paradise is a colorful and flavorful fusion of cuisines from all over the world.
Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, and at midnight you can still stop by Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop, which has been going strong for more than 60 years. Right next door is the famous Australia Dairy Company known for its steamed milk pudding and egg custard. If you’re still hungry, move onto the renowned Michelin-starred Kai Kai Dessert and join the long queue on the sidewalk in front of its door.
Good food tastes good anywhere. I can enjoy dim sum in the cozy, upscale Lei Garden restaurant with one Michelin star. Or I don’t mind sitting on the street for hours waiting for a vacant table at One Dim Sum. The pleasure of sitting in a noisy and crowded roasted duck joint like Joy Hing Roasted Meat on the street corner is similar to dining on steak at the upscale Wooloomooloo Steakhouse on the 31st floor of a building in Wan Chai.
This coastal city never ceases to amaze visitors with the harmonious fusion of contrasts within it. On its journey towards the appearance of a modern global metropolis, it tenaciously carries with it long millennia-old heritage. Hong Kong endures as a vivid testament to the charming combination of opposites, shaping its unique, unmistakable identity.
