Hong Kong is a diverse city. To outsiders it looks like any other major metropolis with buildings and towers looming over the skyline but to those on the streets there is much more. Ancient culture, exotic attractions, and compelling mysteries will keep you occupied for days.

When to Visit Hong Kong

The best time of year to visit Hong Kong is during the months of October, November and December. During these months you’ll be met with warm sunny days and cool evenings. While the most popular time to visit, these months are also the most expensive.

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The months between January and March are bound to be cold, rainy, and miserable and the month of April is often unpredictable. The month of May marks the beginning of the spring/summer season and the weather is often very pleasant.

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If you find yourself on a budget you may want to consider visiting Hong Kong between June and September but should only do so if you are very daring. These months mark the typhoon season and are often very rainy, windy and dangerous. Hong Kong has a high-tech warning system to let the public know when winds and rain are approaching but there’s nothing fun about dodging bamboo scaffolding in the streets while attempting to avoid a flood.

Island Hopping in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is surrounded by over 200 small islands. A small handful of those islands make great getaways for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll still be connected to the outside world while on these islands, but you’ll find yourself operating at a much more reasonable pace.

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The island of Cheung Chau, for example, is an hour’s ferry ride from the mainland. This island is the proud home of Lee Lai-Shan, the Olympic gold medalist in windsurfing. While the beaches here are incredibly crowded on the weekends, you’ll still find the area to be incredibly clean and welcoming. This is partially due to the fact that private automobiles are banned, significantly cutting back on the amount of air pollution.

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Ping Chau is a mysterious little island and consists of only one square mile of land. During the Cultural Revolution this island was the base for several gun and opium smugglers while, at the same time, those looking to escape the violence of the revolution would swim through shark-infested waters hoping to find safety and solace. The island now resembles a ghost town but is full of incredible walking paths and historic sites. Make sure you’re on time for the ferry back to the mainland, though – there’s only one per day.

Hong Kong’s Most Popular Attractions

You’ll find there is more to Hong Kong than a series of beaches and islands. Throughout the city there are a number of historic, cultural, and entertaining attractions begging for your attention.

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The Chi Lin Nunnery is located in Kowloon and dates as far back as 1934. The building was built with traditional Feng Shui principles in mind, facing south, and was constructed with authentic Tang Dynasty techniques. In short, the architects opted to use dowels and brackets instead of traditional nails. The building and its surrounding gardens are a stunning work of art.

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Hong Kong Disneyland is nothing like any of the Disney parks scattered throughout the rest of the world. The park is almost never crowded, which means you won’t have to wait in any long lines, but it’s disturbingly American as well. Don’t visit if you expect to find yourself in an Asian Disney atmosphere. The park is full of popular attractions, almost all of which are family appropriate. Make sure you stop by the Festival of the Lion King if you’re looking for a way to relax while the kids enjoy an energetic show.

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The Temple of 10 Thousand Buddhas certainly lives up to its name. Your trip consists of over 400 steps in order to get to the temple but each of the steps is lined with vegetation and life-size Buddha statues so you won’t be bored along the way. Believe it or not, you won’t actually find 10,000 Buddha statues here. All of the statues you see have been donated since the opening of the temple in the late 1950’s and now actually total over 13,000.

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Don’t forget to stop by the Kansu Street Jade Market for a special treat. Here you’ll find over 450 spectacular shopping stalls jam packed with jade statues, figurines, and jewelry. The only catch? While every piece is stunning to look at, not everything here is really made of jade. Unless you really know a lot about jade, make sure you stick to less expensive pieces and haggle over the prices.

Hong Kong is an incredible city full of life and adventure. Take some time to explore some of the lesser known alleys and you’re sure to walk away after having had a well-rounded experience. Enjoy!