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Are you planning a trip to Hong Kong anytime soon? The fascinating city offers several unique cultural and natural wonders that you can explore on your visit. And it’s not just Victoria Peak; there’s a lot more to discover beyond the zone as you’ll find out.
Let’s look at some of them below.
Top Islands Beyond Victoria Peak That You Can Visit
Once you’ve booked your flights and serviced apartments in Hong Kong for a relaxing stay, it’s time to map out your itinerary. You can start by considering some of the most beautiful outlying islands beyond Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. Some of them include:
- Lantau Island: It is the biggest island in Hong Kong that will give you a fascinating combination of hiking trails, tradition, and spirituality. You can take the MTR to Tung Chung and the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo. Another option is a ferry to Discovery Bay to reach the island. Some of the key landmarks here include the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) and Po Lin Monastery, which you can explore through the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride. Then there’s the Tai O Fishing Village, Lantau Trail and the lovely beaches like Cheung Sha Beach and Pui O Beach.
- Lamma Island: You will love this relaxed expat community with its delicious seafood and walking trails, along with the fresh air. There are ferries from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan. You will find the Lamma Island family trail here, along with the Hung Shing Yeh Beach and seafood dining choices. The Kamikaze Cave is also a key attraction here.
- Cheung Chau: It is a wonderful, dumbbell-shaped and car-free island that is known for its tempting street food and festivals. You can take the ferry from Central Pier 5 to get here, while exploring the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Cheung Po Tsai Cave, Tung Wan and the Kwun Yam Beach. There is also the Mini Great Wall and tasty street food here along the promenade.
- Peng Chau: You will fall in love with this flat and small island that is known for its nostalgic and vintage old Hong Kong feel. You can take a ferry from Central Pier 6 to reach this area, while some of the key attractions include Finger Hill, the Fook Yuen Leather Factory and ancient lime kilns.
- Tung Ping Chau: It is the easternmost island, which is known for its sedimentary rock formations and clear waters. You can take a ferry from Ma Liu Shui pier to reach, while some of the key attractions include the UNESCO Global Geopark with its novel rock structures. You can go snorkelling here as well on your trip.
- Sharp Island: Situated near Sai Kung, this island is a top weekend destination with unique geological attributes. You can take a small boat or Kaito from the Sai Kung public pier to reach, while some of the main attractions include the Tombolo Sandbar, which is a bridge of sand and the Hap Mun Bay Beach. You can also enjoy wakeboarding, snorkelling, and kayaking here.
Best Night Markets to Explore in Hong Kong
When it comes to exploring Hong Kong beyond Victoria Peak, there’s plenty to check out in terms of bustling night markets. Some of the best ones include:
- Temple Street Night Market: It’s arguably the most iconic night market with its Cantonese opera singers, fortune tellers, souvenirs, clothing options, and stalls selling fascinating antiques. You’ll also find several street food stalls here.
- Ladies’ Market: This Mong Kok hub is a 1-kilometre stretch that offers soft toys, accessories, and affordable fashion.
- Apliu Street Flea Market: It is a hub for gadgets, electronics, and quirky goods (many of them second-hand) that you can snap up at lower prices.
- Goldfish Market: Situated on Tung Choi Street (North), this is a unique market with hundreds of pet fish in plastic bags. They are reportedly believed to usher in good luck.
- Flower Market and Bird Market: These are two other innovative markets that you can visit in the evening with songbirds, exotic plants, and a lot more.
- Wan Chai Market: You will love Hong Kong’s biggest open-air market on Hong Kong Island. It is often called Toy Street for its multiple toy stores.
Hidden and Famous Temples in Hong Kong
Discover a blend of iconic landmarks and hidden temple gems that are often overlooked but absolutely worth exploring, including:
- Man Mo Temple (Sheung Wan): This temple is dedicated to the Gods of War and Literature and is known for its huge incense coils that hang from the ceiling. You will love the calm atmosphere with the temple tucked away amidst towering skyscrapers.
- Pak Shing Temple (Tai Ping Shan): It is a hidden Temple of a Hundred Surnames, which is on the same street as the Man Mo Temple. This showcases the fascinating history of Chinese settlers here.
- Lin Fa Kung Temple (Tai Hang): The temple is more than a century old and worships the Goddess of Mercy, Kwun Yam. It is a semi-octagonal temple nestled in Causeway Bay.
- Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Sha Tin): You will have to go through a steep climb before you reach this peaceful and gorgeous monastery complex.
- Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden (Diamond Hill): This is a tranquil and impeccably landscaped complex in the Tang Dynasty style. It is tucked away in the middle of the vibrant Kowloon.
- Pak Tai Temple (Stanley): You will find it to be a hidden gem near the coastline with a tranquil ambience.
- Tsz Shan Monastery: It is known for its huge 76-meter-tall Guan Yin statue, and the complex offers a serene getaway, although you will have to book in advance.
That’s not all; you can also round off your Hong Kong trip with a visit to the Tai On Building in Sai Wan Ho or even Jordan Road for authentic local food. To make the most of your stay, choose the best places to stay in Hong Kong, including well-located serviced apartments that offer comfort, space, and flexibility. Book your stay today and explore Hong Kong at your own pace.
The post Hong Kong Beyond Victoria Peak: Outlying Islands, Night Markets, and Hidden Temples appeared first on The Hype Magazine.
