Last year, I had the privilege of visiting Hong Kong for a quick 72-hour trip to ring in the Chinese New Year. I was unfortunately unable to get a mainland China visa before embarking on the Asian leg of my year spent living in Airbnbs, but Americans do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong (which is a special administrative region of China). If you are unfamiliar with the history of Hong Kong, I highly recommend looking deeper into it – its past as a British colony from 1841 until 1997 has shaped its unique cultural and political landscape, setting it apart from mainland China in various ways.
It was less than a 4-hour flight from Seoul, making it an easy and convenient weekend getaway. As my time there was so limited, I was unable to experience as much as I would’ve liked, but I absolutely loved the moments I did get to soak in – especially the energy of the city and its people as they rang in the New Year. The vibrant atmosphere made it a truly amazing experience.
I stayed on Hong Kong Island in Causeway Bay at the Mira Moon (a Marriott partner) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was slightly worried that I would be too far from the “action” across the bay, but I actually preferred the island side. Hong Kong Island has a sleek, modern feel with its soaring skyscrapers and luxury shopping districts, but it is also home to some of the city’s best street food and hidden local gems. The public transportation system in Hong Kong is also extremely convenient, cheap, and easy to use, so transiting to the Kowloon side of the bay took only a few minutes. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) was a lifesaver, and even the iconic Star Ferry ride across the harbor was both scenic and affordable.
The contrast between old and new in Hong Kong is striking. Like several of my other favorite cities in the world, Hong Kong’s ability to balance its past with its ever-evolving present is something that makes exploring all the more exciting. One thing that struck me about Hong Kong was how seamlessly it integrates nature into its urban landscape. Even in the heart of the city, there are pockets of greenery, from hidden rooftop gardens to massive parks. I had originally planned to take the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong’s most famous viewpoint, but the long wait times during the holiday weekend deterred me. The food I had throughout the trip was phenomenal, but my dietary restriction (vegan) meant that I had to search harder to find accommodating restaurants.
Since I stayed on the island side of the city, I spent quite a bit of time exploring a few neighborhoods that offered different but equally alluring glimpses into life in Hong Kong. Kennedy Town, on the western edge of the island, had a very laid-back vibe with waterfront views, trendy cafés, and a mix of colonial architecture and new developments. I grabbed coffee (twice) at Winstons Coffee before snapping a few pictures from the iconic viewpoint at the Kennedy Town basketball court. Sheung Wan and Wan Chai, on the other hand, were more fast-paced neighborhoods that were still full of history. I was drawn to their traditional markets and old shophouses, and was particularly fond of Lee Tung Avenue, the street in Wan Chai known for its lavish lantern displays during Chinese New Year.
One of the most unforgettable parts of my trip was watching the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui. This annual event is one of the biggest highlights of the New Year celebrations as it features elaborate floats, lion dancers, and performers from around the world. The floats were very intricately designed, some showcasing Hong Kong’s skyline, while others featured lucky symbols like golden fish and the Chinese zodiac animal of the year. It was an incredible experience being able to witness such a grand celebration in person.
While in Tsim Sha Tsui I stopped by The Peninsula Hong Kong, one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Opened in 1928, it is a colonial-style luxury hotel and is the flagship of the Peninsula Hotels group. Even if you’re not staying there, I’d recommend stopping by just to admire it and its lantern display. I also visited the Hong Kong Cultural Centre prior to the parade, a striking modern building that sits right on the harbor. It serves as a hub for performing arts, concerts, and exhibitions, and while I didn’t have time to catch a performance, I enjoyed walking around the area and soaking in the harbor views with the New Year crowds.
I couldn’t visit Hong Kong without seeing Hong Kong Disneyland. As a certified Disney parks fanatic, visiting every park has been on my bucket list for years. While it’s smaller than its counterparts in other countries, it has a unique Cantonese charm. It’s settled in lush green mountains which gives it a picturesque quality you can’t find elsewhere. Since I visited during the Chinese New Year celebrations, the park was beautifully decorated with red lanterns and golden ornaments which made it an extra festive experience. It was easy to navigate the MRT to the park as there is a specific line that takes you directly to it (called the Disneyland Resort Line).
If I ever get the chance to return, I’d love to explore more of the outer islands and dive deeper into the local food scene. Even in just 72 hours, Hong Kong left a lasting impression on me, and I can see why it remains one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
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What a fun trip!