Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. With 7.5 million residents in a 1,114-square-kilometre (430 sq mi) territory, Hong Kong is the fourth most densely populated region in the world. Hong Kong was established as a colony of the British Empire after the Qing dynasty ceded Hong Kong Island in 1841–1842 as a consequence of losing the First Opium War. The colony expanded to the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 and was further extended when the United Kingdom obtained a 99-year lease of the New Territories in 1898. Hong Kong was occupied by Japan from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. The territory was handed over from the United Kingdom to China in 1997. Hong Kong maintains separate governing and economic systems from that of mainland China under the principle of one country, two systems. Originally a sparsely populated area of farming and fishing villages, the territory is now one of the world's most significant financial centres and commercial ports. Hong Kong is the world's third-ranked global financial centre behind New York City and London, ninth-largest exporter, and eighth-largest importer. Its currency, the Hong Kong dollar, is the ninth most traded currency in the world. Home to the second-highest number of billionaires of any city in the world, Hong Kong has the largest number of ultra high-net-worth individuals. Although the city has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, severe income inequality exists among the population. Despite being the city with the most skyscrapers in the world, housing in Hong Kong is consistently in high demand. Hong Kong is a highly developed territory and has a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.955, ranking eighth in the world and currently the only place in Asia to be in the top ten. The city has the highest life expectancy in the world, and a public transport usage exceeding 90 per cent.

One-Day Hong Kong Tour Itinerary Recommendations

Theme:

Harbor Views + Urban Exploration + Culinary Delights

Suitable for:

City explorers/Photography lovers/Foodies (Transport: MTR + Walking + Star Ferry)

Practical Tips

Transport Hacks:

Octopus card essential | Best Star Ferry rides at dusk

Secret Spots:

"Monster Building" in Quarry Bay (Transformers filming location)

West Kowloon Cultural District for crowd-free harbor views

Foodie Lingo:

"Fly sand walk milk" = black coffee | "Walk ice" = no ice

Alternative Options:

Family version: Hong Kong Disneyland day trip

Nostalgic version: Tram ride along north Hong Kong Island

Key Advice: Bring a light jacket - indoor AC is freezing! Comfortable shoes mandatory.

Option 1:

Classic Landmarks Route

Best for:

First-time visitors

Transport:

MTR Tsuen Wan Line + Island Line

08:00-09:30 Victoria Peak

Take the Peak Tram for harbor views | Walk the Lugard Road lookout

10:00-12:00 Mid-Levels Escalators + PMQ

"Chungking Express" filming location | Designer shops at creative hub

12:30-14:00 Lan Kwai Fong + Kau Kee Beef Brisket

Must-try: Clear broth beef brisket noodle

14:30-16:30 Causeway Bay Shopping

Fashion boutiques | Lady M cakes at Hysan Place

17:00-19:00 Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Sunset over Victoria Harbour | Bruce Lee statue

Option 2:

Artsy Hidden Gems Route

Best for:

Culture seekers

Transport:

MTR Island Line + Walking

09:00-11:00 Sai Wan Swimming Shed + %Arabica

Instagram pier | Kennedy Town seaside café

11:30-13:00 Tai Kwun + Hollywood Road

Former police station turned arts center | Graffiti walls

13:30-15:00 Antique Street + Man Mo Temple

Vintage finds | Famous career fortune temple

15:30-18:00 Lamma Island Half-Day

Hike from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan | Granny's tofu pudding

Option 3:

Foodie Marathon Route

Best for:

Culinary adventurers

Transport:

MTR + Walking

08:00-10:00 Mong Kok Breakfast

Kam Wah Cafe pineapple buns | Fei Jie's cold skewers

10:30-12:30 Sham Shui Po Food Crawl

Lau Sum Kee bamboo noodles | Hop Yik Tai rice rolls

13:00-15:00 Australia Dairy Company

Scrambled egg toast + steamed milk | Experience "eat-fast" culture

16:00-19:00 Temple Street Night Market

Claypot rice + spicy mantis shrimp | Neon sign photography