Exploring the vibrant city Hong-Kong

Hong Kong’s location on the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea has raised its status quo as one of the most fascinating cosmopolitan cities of today. Hong Kong was born when China’s Qing dynasty government was defeated in the First Opium War in 1842. Since time immemorial, it has served as one of the supreme venues of international trade. Today, it is a major manufacturing hub. It is also a top tourist destination in Asia with its plethora of shopping and dining options. It is a unique blend of East and West which presents a buffet of Chinese traditions and customs, theme parks, local cuisine and verdant countryside to enthral the visitor for days!

Here’s why…

Major attractions:

The Peak

(Image Courtesy- flick)

This is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, and let me tell you it is ecstatic! It is one of the most spectacular cityscapes that you’ve ever had seen.

Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened in 2005, is the third Disney theme park outside the US and the first in China. The park presents magical live shows that feature some of the greatest Disney stars, and various other extraordinary performances.

Ladies’ Market

(Image Courtesy-PhoenixAndPhoenix)

If you are shopaholic, you gotta be here! Tung Choi Street provides a one-kilometre stretch on which to practise your shopping skills. A shopper’s paradise, and indeed very pocket friendly!

Clock Tower

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Standing 44-metres tall, the old Clock Tower was erected in 1915 as part of the Kowloon–Canton Railway terminus. The once-bustling station is long gone, but this red brick and granite tower is now preserved as a monument worth seeing.

Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple

(Image Courtesy- DiscoverHongKong)

Home to three religions viz, Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, its natural setting, soothing ambience and beautifully ornamented buildings make it as much a scenic attraction as an important religious centre.

Best Cuisines:

Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is probably the most famous Hong Kong food, which has made its way into Chinese take away menus around the world.

Wontons

Wontons are known as chāo shǒu (literally means “crossed hands”).The most famous are called Sichuan-style wontons, a celebrated snack in Chengdu.

Roast Goose

(Image Courtesy- Girlmeetscooking.com)

Roast Goose is a traditional specialty of Cantonese cuisine: It is a whole goose roasted with secret ingredients, cut into small pieces, each piece with skin, meat and soft bone, and eaten with plum sauce.

Fake Shark Fin Soup

(Image Courtesy- FoodLabasia Blog)

Shark fins are replaced by vermicelli as the main ingredient of this snack, hence the ‘Fake’ is added in front of the name. Mushrooms, black fungus, pork, and some other ingredients are added as the soup boils. Several seasonings are provided alongside the meat, typically pepper, Zhejiang vinegar and sesame oil.

Rikshaw Noodles

They are instant noodles with a variety of other ingredients such as hog skin, fish balls, sirloin, and carrots, with soup and sauces. A mouth-watering fast food which is also a good value for money.

Travel Packages:

Thomas Cook provides the best deals of travel packages to visit Hong Kong. So if you’re in a dilemma that concerns the itinerary, transport or budget, Do Not Worry! Go to www.thomascook.in and check the details for yourself. The entire budget, inclusive of meals, stay and sightseeing is flexible and varies from around Rs. 18,000 to Rs.1,60,000 .

Currency:

Image Credit : currencyconverterrate

Now, an extra bit of information if you’re brainstorming too much : 1 Hong Kong Dollar equals 8.67 Indian Rupee. It is the premier stock market for Chinese firms seeking to list abroad. Mainland Chinese companies constitute about 43% of the firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and account for about 56% of the Exchange’s market capitalisation. Also it’s personal income tax or salary tax starts at 2% and goes up to 17% for income above HKD 120,000.

Herein we have listed some of the best reasons for you to visit the vibrant city of Hong Kong. A range of bays, islands, parks, museums, religious buildings, and landmarks are just not enough. It is naturally pristine and delves into the city life as well – the perfect blend for a perfect holiday destination!