Hong Kong: “Asia’s World City”
Posted on May 27, 2008 in Travel by Prarthna
Positioning itself as “Asia’s World City” Hong Kong is every bit a Modern Metropolis. And yet, this tiny island state, sitting on the shores of the South China Sea, and nestled in hills of the Hong Kong Island, it’s a stunning mix of breathtaking sea views, awe-inspiring skyscrapers and romantic misty hills. Blessed with millennia of Chinese tradition and centuries of Western (Predominantly British) culture, Hong Kong is a dream combination of the old and the new.
For all the history and tradition it’s hard to believe that Hong Kong doesn’t have much to speak of when it comes to ancient structures or buildings. However, what it lacks in History, Hong Kong makes up for it in its stunning modern architecture. Buildings such as the ‘Bank of China Towers’, the ‘IFC Towers’ etc are as iconic buildings as any. These buildings apart from offering much needed office and residential space, offer so much more of a spectacle that Hong Kong is rightly said to have ‘The City with The Most Beautiful Skyline’.
If the Hong Kong skyline is nothing short of a spectacle then the Victoria Harbour can be surely described as a shining jewel. Apart from being a major lifeline for the Hong Kong economy, Victoria Harbour offers Hong Kong a stunning backdrop for its sky screaming architecture. Crossing the harbour by the Ferry is something one should just not miss when in Hong Kong. If not for anything then for the sheer sense of history that the ride could provide you with!!
Someone rightly pointed out that the place that gives you the ‘Peak’ of excitement or exhilaration in Hong Kong is quite aptly named – ‘The Peak’. Arguably one of the highest points on the Hong Kong Island, it offers you unparallel views of the entire Hong Kong Island. It is stunning spectacle; it’s a peach de la peach; the panoramic views are simply are awe-inspiring and give you goose bumps, especially at twilight.
Like any tourist hot spot, Hong Kong too is a shopper’s delight! From designer wear to cheap bargains, hi-tech gadgets to consumer durables, Hong Kong has some great deals to offer on anything you can think of! Hong Kong can also be described as an absolute food destination. People here love their food, and its one of the most favourite pastimes. There’s probably no cuisine that you cannot possibly lay your hands on in Hong Kong. Scores of Chinese eateries dot even the smallest of lanes, Italian stuff is a common place, as is exotic sea food and Japanese sushi, you can easily find Thai, Korean, Indian, Mediterranean, Continental, Mexican and it goes on.
For all its modern architecture, financial hustle n bustle, Hong Kong gives you plenty of space to breathe. It doesn’t take you more than a 20 minute drive in any direction to get out of the city crowd. It has ample countryside like look, ideal to wind down and laze away your time in the very lap of nature, and to find such a place in one of the world’s financial hubs is nothing short of a miracle I’d say. Asia’s world city, isn’t just an Asian city reflecting the world, its in fact a city that combines every bit of the world in itself!!
There are numerous ways to reach Hong Kong from India, the most preferred way being by flights which are scheduled for departure from the Delhi and Mumbai airports. Sea cruises to Hong Kong are also organized from the Mumbai port.
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