I’ve been in Hong Kong for a while now so I figure I should do my top 5 for Hong Kong. These are in no particular order; it’s too hard for me to choose a favorite

1. Sky line

Hong Kong has the largest skyline in the world (according to Wikipedia), and it is breath taking. With beautiful big buildings like the Bank of China building, the Arch, and the HSBC building, Hong Kong’s skyline is an architects dream. While both the Kowloon side and Hong Kong Island side offer awesome views — the tallest building in Hong Kong, International Commerce Center, is on the Kowloon side — I don’t think anything can beat the view from the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade looking at Hong Kong Island. One must go at night to see the buildings all lit up, and to make it more special (although definitely not a big deal if you miss it) at 8pm every night there is a laser show “A Symphony of Lights” with music and narration. No matter now many times I’ve seen the skyline I can’t get over how amazing it is, my jaw drops every time (even looking from the 19th floor rooftop of my campus)

2. Public Transport

Hong Kong has spoiled me with their public transport. It is truly amazing. The light rail system known as MTR is probably the best subway system I have ever used. I can transfer from one line to another going in the proper direction on the same platform – it is extremely well organized with lights on the in train maps to help one navigate where to go or where the train is going. I don’t think I’ve ever waited more than 2 minutes for a train. The buses are also really good in Hong Kong, I can take a bus directly from my campus to the airport and there are many bus options, including mini buses that travel just about everywhere, so one can literally get to all spots in Hong Kong. Also all of this is ridiculously cheap. I have a student discount so my rides are usually 50 cents or less (and you get at discount for each additional ride you take during the day) but I know even for full price every ride is normally less than $1 USD.

Me enjoying a PB&J outside of one of the MTR stations

3. Nature

This has been an unexpected gem about Hong Kong. There is so so much nature and it is so accessible. There are so many hikes in Hong Kong and so much green open space. In fact about 70% of Hong Kong is protected green space. I’ve gone camping on the beach, rock climbing on islands, hiking, swimming, the list can go on about all the outdoor opportunities Hong Kong offers. There are many beaches as well and many small islands that one can visit or kayak at as well. Hong Kong is home to a GeoPark, which is a UNESCO site. This has been awesome because sometimes I just need an escape from the busy city. (Also you can get tents for ridiculously cheap, I spent about $25 USD for a two person tent that packs up small and has held up to multiple camping trips and is rather roomy)

4. Octopus

Octopus is the payment system used for public transport in Hong Kong and it makes life awesome! Why? Because not only can octopus be used for public transport — MTR, buses, ferries — but Octopus can also be used at many other places all around Hong Kong. I can use octopus to buy a water at 7-11, pay for groceries, or even for the purchase of a pencil at the University Book Store. It is so awesome that Hong Kong has implemented a simple to use tap payment system – although if you don’t keep good track of your expenses it can be easy to over spend. Also it can be loaded up at just about anywhere, which is another big plus.

5. Markets

I love outdoor markets and stalls and Hong Kong is filled with many. There is so much to choose from: Ladies Market, to what me and my friends refer to as “Cheap Street”, goldfish market, jade market (not that good tbh), bird market (actually really sad), Temple Street Night market, wet markets, and many more that I haven’t discovered. While sometimes it can be a pain to haggle. I love going to markets and just wandering around- and grab some street food for dinner. I also cannot talk enough about how much I love going to Wet Markets. These are were fresh fruits and vegetables are sold as well as home to butchers, fish mongers, dry good vendors, and normally a few restaurants. I love looking at all the funky food items. I’m lucky to have the Lok Fu Bazaar market near me and make a weekly stop for fresh fruit and veg.