It’s hard to imagine that the city with the most skyscrapers was once composed of fields of farmland. Hong Kong has over 9 000 high-rise buildings, and more than 300 of them tower at heights above 150 metres. From its agricultural roots it has bloomed into a lively metropolis nurturing a rich history and bright future.
The Cantonese name for Hong Kong translates to ‘fragrant harbour’ due its overwhelming scent of agarwood in the 1800s. The Wan Chai Market maintains the aroma of the past with the smells of burning incense and gourmet food. An assortment of produce is available from vendors, from fresh flowers to delicate pastries and street food that is distinctly Hong Kong. Intertwined with convenience stores, curio shops, and restaurants, this market caters to every need.
Spirituality is an important part of Cantonese culture, with nearly 2 000 places of worship across the city. One such site is the Man Fat Sze Monastery, also known as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. A steep climb up 400 statue-adorned steps leads to over 10 000 technicoloured Buddha figures, ranging in sizes from as small as a coin to several feet tall.
Hong Kong is constantly evolving while still paying homage to its past. Take a trip on a junk in Victoria Harbour and marvel at the city skyline from these historic handcrafted boats. Every night at 8pm, over 40 buildings are illuminated in an array of multicoloured lights and lasers. Accompanied by traditional Chinese music, A Symphony of Lights is the world’s largest permanent light and sound show.
One of the most visited cities in the world, Hong Kong pulses with activity. Experience the flow of this rapidly progressing cosmopolis while taking in vibrant snapshots of its history.
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