Hong Kong tours & travel

Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous territory of China. While it might seem like its own country – having its own passport, money, legal system and culture – technically, it’s still part of China. Most Hongkongers (sometimes called Hongkongese or Hongkies) however, see themselves as separate and are quick to point out the differences. Locals speak Cantonese (rather than Mandarin) and write traditional Chinese characters (rather than simplified).

Hongkongers tend to be quite superstitious and are known for placing a great deal of importance on the Confucian values of family solidarity, courtesy and saving face. Cuisine borrows heavily from Cantonese tradition and Cantonese opera is just as likely to be heard on busy Mong Kok streets as HK-pop. Buddhist and Taoist temples are dotted throughout urban and regional areas.

Hong Kong’s history as an international port and British colony shapes the food, which blurs the lines between Chinese, British and other Western influences. Geographic proximity to Southern China means Cantonese traditions form the backbone of Hong Kong cuisine. Specialties like dim sum (bite-sized snacks, usually steamed) are ubiquitous throughout Hong Kong and best enjoyed with a pot of Chinese tea (yum cha, which literally means ‘drink tea’). Similar to Cantonese cuisine, the emphasis is on using a wide range of fresh ingredients that are lightly seasoned. Hong Kong chefs have mastered the art of roasting meat to crispy perfection, particularly char siu (Cantonese-style barbeque pork), which is a local favourite. Fresh seafood also features heavily in dishes.

Things to try in China

1. Dim sum

Bite-sized morsels that are usually served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Make sure to try local favourites, ha gao (steamed shrimp dumplings) and cha siu bau (soft buns filled with barbeque pork).

2. Congee

A breakfast staple, congee is a rice porridge typically made with fish broth. A variety of other ingredients might be added to enhance its flavour including minced pork, mushrooms, ginger or even a century (preserved) egg.

3. Char siu

Pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey and spices to create this sweet and sticky Cantonese specialty.

4. Hong Kong-style milk tea

A Hong Kong spin on a British tradition where black tea is infused with evaporated or condensed milk. This local favourite is mostly sold by street vendors and smaller cafes.

5. Curry fish balls

Rolled fish that’s deep-fried and boiled in spicy curry sauce to create a popular street snack.

Located in south-eastern China, Hong Kong is made up of four main territories – Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the outlying islands. More than 260 islands – each with their own incredible scenery and local culture – make up the outlying islands, where you’ll find forested mountains, quaint fishing villages, ancient rock carvings, rustic temples, varied hiking trails and gorgeous beaches hidden away. Both Kowloon and the New Territories are located at the southern tip of Guangdong Province on the Chinese mainland. Lush green forests, mountains, reservoirs, waterfalls and marshes cover much of the New Territories, which makes up two-thirds of Hong Kong. This landscape heavily contrasts the dense urban jungle of Kowloon, where soaring high-rises, neon lights, narrow streets and overflowing markets are all crammed into one of the most densely populated regions in the world. A narrow body of water called Victoria Harbour separates Kowloon from Hong Kong Island. Instantly recognisable, Hong Kong’s skyscraper-studded, illuminated skyline is one of the most famous in the world.

While Hong Kong has its fair share of bustling markets, the Temple Street Night Market is its most famous. Locals and tourists alike flock here to not just shop, but also eat and have their fortune told, all while amateur opera singers serenade the crowds. Located in the heart of Kowloon, this lively market is open seven nights a week. The Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok is another popular place to shop a wide range of women’s clothing and accessories – haggling encouraged! Keep in mind that knock offs (also called fakes or copies) of luxury brands are commonly sold in Hong Kong markets. If the price tag of that Prada bag seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Outlets are another Hong Kong staple that offer generous discounts on a wide range of wares. Citygate is the largest in the city, though China Hong Kong City is also worth checking out. Malls in Hong Kong are typically massive, glitzy affairs. The swankiest is the Landmark, where Louis Vuitton and other luxury outputs are housed in multiple interconnected towers. Causeway Bay has great shopping in general, but the highlight is Times Square Mall, inspired by Times Square in New York. Across Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui area of Kowloon is the expansive Harbour City mall, which boasts nearly 800 shops selling international and national brands.

Chinese New Year

The most important event on the Chinese calendar comes with many traditions and customs. The city shuts down (not before being decorated in red – the colour of good fortune) while people visit family, exchange iconic Lai See gifts (red envelopes stuffed with cash) and drop into their local temple for prayer. It can be difficult to travel during this time. Instead, your best bet is to stay put and take in the dragon dances, parade of carnival floats and fireworks display that takes place over Victoria Harbour.

Mid-Autumn Festival

This harvest festival is celebrated in different ways in various southeast Asian countries, but in Hong Kong festivities are all about illuminated lanterns and dragon dances. For three days each September, colourful lantern exhibits, performances, palm readings and games fill neighbourhoods as people gorge on mooncakes. Head to Tai Hang for a festival highlight – where hundreds of performers use incense sticks and firecrackers to make an incredible ‘fire dragon’ dance.

Dragon Boat Festival

Every year, people flock to waterways across China to watch ornately decorated boats participate in three days of frantic competition. In Hong Kong, the party is just as important as the race – where concerts, food trucks, beer tents, games and other entertainment fill Victoria Harbour. Festivities begin on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure: