Why Hong Kong belongs on your bucket list
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend five days in Hong Kong with a group of amazing girls. This had been on my bucket list for a while, and now I could finally check it off. Hong Kong literally has everything. And if you think it's just a city — no! There is also a lot of greenery, you can hike, soak up culture, discover endless fashion stores, and it is a true paradise for foodies. You can already tell: five days was not enough.
This is how you fly in style to Hong Kong (and you never want to do it any other way)
The journey there was already vacation-worthy: we flew business class with the super-friendly Cathay Pacific. After boarding, I started with a glass of Taittinger champagne. The service level of Cathay Pacific really stands out — both the staff and the amazing food. In business class, you eat fresh products and à la carte from porcelain dishes, with the best wines and Illy cappuccino afterwards.
The impressive skyline of Hong Kong: welcome to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Once landed, you drive from the airport straight towards the bizarre skyline of Hong Kong. The two largest and most fun areas are Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. We stayed on Hong Kong Island (The Murray Hotel). Perfect, because it was within walking distance of our first sight: Victoria Peak.
A view that leaves you speechless: you can't miss Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is located at an altitude of 552 meters (no stress, you take a train up) and gives you an insane and unique view of the city. Also nice to know: there are no factories in Hong Kong, which automatically ensures super clean air.
Hong Kong is very clean and tidy, which immediately gives a pleasant feeling — something you might not expect in a densely populated Asian metropolis like this.
Hiking in Hong Kong? Yes, and how! From Dragon’s Back to Lion Rock
What you also don't expect is that you can hike beautifully in Hong Kong. The city has an incredible amount of greenery: mountains, forests, and beaches.
If you want to do this, go early. A hike takes about three to four hours and costs around 25 euros. Be sure to book a bus ticket, as taxis are not readily available there.
The most popular hike is Dragon’s Back. Once on the ridge, you get the most amazing view of the South China Sea, with beaches and all sorts of cute little villages.
A lesser-known, but definitely one to consider if you really want to get into the Hong Kong spirit, is the Lion Rock Hike. Lion Rock stands for the resilience and mentality of the Hongkongers: perseverance, hard work, never giving up. The most beautiful moment is the sunset, but it is a tough climb.
If you want to do this hike, bring enough water and a flashlight.
The Tian Tan Buddha: 268 steps to spiritual bliss
An absolute must-do is a visit to the Tian Tan Buddha — you really can't skip this if you have multiple days.
To reach the Buddha, you have to climb 268 steps, but believe me: if I can do it, then you can definitely do it. It's all worth it to admire this 34-meter tall bronze Buddha up close.
We took the bus there, which took about five quarters of an hour from Hong Kong Island.
Foodie heaven: this is what you must try in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is heaven for foodies. On every corner, you eat the best dim sums and dumplings, wonton noodles, and Peking duck.
Pork and Peking duck can be seen hanging from hooks at various eateries. For the right duck, you have to look closely: look for a shiny head and the most fat drippers at the bottom. Then you know you're in the right place.
A true local specialty is the egg tarts: delicious pastry filled with soft, sweet egg pudding.
Shop till you drop: from luxury brands to local gems
Shopping? Yes, you can really do that everywhere. From over-the-top luxury to the cutest local Hong Kong shops and cozy night markets.
What I personally discovered on the very last day — and will really remember — is that the neighborhood where Stüssy is located is often the trendiest area. Stüssy is a must-go for my family (husband, son & daughter), so it had to be on the list for a Stüssy Hong Kong T-shirt.
Once I arrived by taxi, I realized: yes, this is also the coolest area for me. So maybe a tip for you too.
Stüssy, NikeLab, Supreme, Carhartt, and A Bathing Ape (BAPE) are all located close to each other. And that immediately attracts a large Coco Rouge Chanel Playground area.
A soft landing: this is how you fly back home relaxed
Saying goodbye to Hong Kong and this amazing group was not easy, but luckily I had a soft landing, because we also flew business on the way back. Which in our case meant that we slept almost 9 to 10 hours, flat and under a duvet. Thank you, Cathay Pacific, I am spoiled for life.
The family back home was also happy, because the Stüssy T-shirts and sweater were received with love and immediately worn the same day. For them too, it now applies: Hong Kong is on the bucket list. And rightly so.
Mini history lesson: what you need to know about Hong Kong
A brief history: Hong Kong was a British colony from 1842 to 1997. It is now a special administrative region of South China. It is a separate state, but was returned to China by the treaty of 1984.
Hong Kong has about 7.5 million inhabitants, who mainly live in gigantic high-rise buildings — they look like villages in themselves.
Source: Cathay Pacific
