If you only have a day in Hong Kong and you’ve been there before you’ve probably already availed yourself of the more popular tourist activities, such as taking the Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak, riding up the longest outdoor escalator in the world, and shopping at Stanley Market. There are many other things to do that are on and off the beaten path. In addition, Hong Kong is home to world class restaurants and a burgeoning wine scene, affording foodies ample opportunities to experience top notch dining.
Walking tour
If you’re in an upside down time zone and find yourself awake at dawn, it is a good idea to get out of your hotel room in the cool of the morning and stretch your legs on a self-guided walking tour. Route maps of several neighborhoods are available for download from the Hong Kong Tourism website. The tours will take you through streets you might not have ventured through on your own, pointing out sites of historic and current interest.
Dim Sum
Some of the best dim sum in Hong Kong, delivered by a continual stream of roving carts, is at City Hall Restaurant, located in City Hall in the center of Hong Kong Island. Plan on getting there early, 10 to 15 minutes before it opens, to avoid a long wait. (HK$183/person; US$25)
Kowloon
Take the green and white Star Ferry, which has been plying the waters of Victoria Harbor since 1888, over to Kowloon and head toward the Jade Market, located on Kansu and Battery Streets, to see stall after stall of jade jewelry and other trinkets, great for gifts for loved ones back home.
Near the Jade Market is a traditional Chinese temple, Tin Hau Temple, honoring the goddess of seafarers. Built in 1800, then expanded and relocated to its current location, it is worth a stop. Watch your head as you enter as large coils of incense burn overhead, dropping a fine ash from the smoldering ends.
Drop in to the venerable Peninsula Hotel, known the world over for pampering its guests in luxury, with its fleet of Rolls Royces parked in front. They do have a dress code so dress smartly if you’re planning to partake of high tea or a drink at the bar.
Museum of Tea Ware & Gardens
If you’d rather stay on Hong Kong Island rather than venture to Kowloon, consider checking out the unique Museum of Tea Ware, located in the Hong Kong Park, near the Peak Tram terminus. It doesn’t take long to tour the first floor of the small museum, where interesting displays and videos detail the process of growing, harvesting and drying tea leaves in ancient and modern times, and examples of teapots are exhibited. Ethnic variations on tea consumption across China are detailed, such as the practice of grinding tea into a fine powder, or mixing tea with salt and fragrant spices. Equally as interesting is the colonial style building housing the museum. Known as the Flagstaff House, it is the oldest Western building in Hong Kong, built in 1846. The second floor of the museum may appeal to artists and sculptors who want to view modern teapot design with a creative flair.
Adjacent to the museum is a tranquil pond filled with broad lily pads, turtles and carp, with pleasant, shaded walking paths leading to a horticultural center, the Forsgate Conservatory. The plants contained in the greenhouse demonstrate a large variety of colorful, delicate orchids, unusual, bulbous pitcher plants that capture their prey, showy cattleyas, spiky cactus and other tropical and desert plants.
An entire afternoon can easily be spent here, as the outdoor complex contains the large Edward Youde Aviary andis located a few blocks from the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, all of which are free of charge. Families traveling with children, or adults seeking unpretentious diversions, will appreciate the opportunity to experience these two natural havens hidden in plain sight in the middle of this bustling metropolis.
Foot massage
On Hong Kong Island you might notice many advertisements for foot massage, as well as small, blinking neon signs displaying a foot. Being a tourist is hard work and after a day of pounding the pavement a foot massage is a welcome diversion. Gao’s Foot Massage comes highly recommended. Entering the establishment, located on the second floor, a sense of peace and serenity is evident by the sound of recorded chirping of birds and calm demeanor of the staff. Around the room you’ll likely notice Chinese and Western individuals unwinding stiff muscles under the strong hands of trained masseuses. A warm pack is placed around the shoulders while the feet are bathed in soapy water, then wrapped in hot towels. In a half hour of bliss, toes, feet and calves are brought back to life. Dozing off is allowed, for jet lag might just be overtaking you in the mid-afternoon. (HK$120 for 30 minutes; US$15)
California Vintage Wine Bar
Rejuvenated and ready for some late afternoon libation, head a couple of blocks to the California Vintage Wine Bar to experience a slice of the wine explosion that has been taking place in Hong Kong. Featuring a wide range of wines from small and medium sized California wineries that wouldn’t normally enjoy international distribution, the tasting is decidedly high tech, with wines dispensed from an ATM-like machine. A tasting menu offers California-inspired dishes, including tacos and sliders. (HK$29-133 for ½ glass; $55-267 for 1 glass, $186-1201 for a bottle; $58-118 for tasting menu dishes. US$4-17 for ½ glass; $7-34 for 1 glass, $24-154 for a bottle; $7-15 for tasting menu dishes.)
Golden Valley Restaurant
Wrap up the day with some traditional Chinese fare with a focus on Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine in an upscale environment at the Michelin-rated Golden Valley Restaurant, located in the Emperor Hotel in Happy Valley. Known for the hot pot and dim sum, they also have a wide range of more adventurous dishes. (HK$350 per person, including drinks; US$45)
A day in Hong Kong can include many varied activities, taking you through historical and modern sights, a brush with nature, some relaxation and a sampling of fine foods.
See related article on “Dining in Hong Kong” for more information on the restaurants mentioned here.
See “Walking tour allows self-paced discovery of Hong Kong” and “Making the most of three days in Hong Kong” for more information on activities.
Information:
City Hall Dim Sum
Lower Block City Hall
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2521-1303
Hours: 11-3 Mon-Sat; 9-3 Sun
Jade Market
Kansu and Battery Streets
Kowloon
Hong Kong Park
19 Cotton Tree Drive
Central, Hong Kong.
www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/hkp/en/background.php
Gao’s Foot Massage Co
Room 15, Century Square
1-13D Aguilar St.
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2123-9481
www.gaosfootlankwaifong.com
California Vintage Wine Bar
77 Wyndham St.
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2525-9808
www.cvinebar.com
Golden Leaf Restaurant
Emperor Hotel
1 Wang Tak St.
Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2961-3330
www.emperorhotel.com.hk
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