China

In Asia’s most cosmopolitan city, everyone seems to be in a rush—dashing off to work in some soaring highrise, hurrying to catch a tram or a subway, speed-shopping through the countless shopping malls, hastening to make a date at one of the myriad glassed-in restaurants and chic cocktail bars.

Beyond the 21st-century cacophony and the accelerated tempo, however, the savvy visitor can find glimpses of old-world tranquility: incense-wreathed Taoist temples; polished hotel lobbies serving afternoon tea in the English style; rustic remote walking trails; graceful tai-chi practitioners in tidy city parks.

Hong Kong’s relatively small size—the city “only” holds seven million people—superb public transportation system, cheap taxis, and bilingual signage make it a cinch to navigate. Just remember to slow down every now and then

Once this first sensory wave has rolled over you, though, take a deep breath and start swimming with the current, because you’ll find Hong Kong is a place to delight in. Utterly safe and fantastically well organised, it offers little moments of perfection. You may find them on a plastic stool enjoying a bargain bowl of beef brisket soup or simply gazing at the thrilling harbour vistas.

Escape the city limits and other experiences await – watching the sun rise from a remote mountain peak, hiking surf-beaten beaches or exploring deserted islands.

Riding the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui. The ride provides glorious views of the city skyline—and costs just 28 cents a pop.

Horse races at downtown Happy Valley or suburban Sha Tin. Locals here are huge gamblers, and nothing gets them more excited than laying bets on the ponies each week.

Poking among centuries-old treasures in the antique shops of Central’s Hollywood Road.


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Both Hong Kong and Macau have a subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cool, relatively dry winters.

October, November and most of December are the best months to visit. Temperatures are moderate, the skies are clear and the sun shines. January and February are cloudy and cold but dry. It’s warmer from March to May, but the humidity is high, and the fog and drizzle can make getting around difficult. The sweltering heat and humidity from June to August can make sightseeing a sweaty proposition, and it is also the rainy season. September is a grand month if you like drama; the threat of a typhoon seems to loom every other day.

Hong Kong’s subtropical climate can make it a punishingly hot and humid destination during the summer months. June to mid-September is the hottest time when humidity soars. Summer is also typhoon season, when tropical storms sweep rain and high winds off the South China Sea.

Even in late spring and early autumn, wandering Hong Kong’s streets can be warm work. The best time to go climate-wise is in early spring (March and April) or late autumn (October and November), when the days are generally warm, fresh and (wind direction and mainland smoke stacks permitting) the air often clearer.

Kong is also a city of simple pleasures. Most often it’s the least pricey experiences – a $2 tram or ferry ride, a whiff of incense curling from temple rafters, savouring fishing-village sundowners and seafood – that are the stuff of priceless memories.

Relatively pricey destination. Accommodation is the biggest expense, followed by drinking in Hong Kong’s bars. On a very tight budget you could survive, but it would require a good deal of self-discipline.

If you want to sample the finer hotels and restaurants, you’ll be paying the equivalent of most leading world cities. The real bargain compared to the likes of London and even New York is the incredibly cheap taxi fares; in fact, transport generally is excellent value.