So Many Things to See -- So Many Things to Do -- So Little Time

Everyone who has ever visited or lived in Hong Kong will have their own favorite memories of this magical place. I am no exception. There are far too many places to explore in Hong Kong for just one trip there.

This list is limited to strictly the fourteen "must do" touristy things -- anyone visiting there the first time should see. This is my personal list of those type of favorite places to see and things to do while in Hong Kong:

Repulse Bay

• Repulse Bay is a popular Hong Kong spot for both tourist and locals alike. It has picturesque clear waters on a nice soft golden sanded beach. Swimming is the most prevalent leisure interest, although life guards are only there during the summer.
• Shaded barbecues and other beach amenities, including great photo opportunities exist at the nearby lighthouse, and large statutes of the Queen of Heaven and God of Mercy (Kwun Yum and Tin Hau).
• Located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, this is an all day tourist excursion.

The Peak:

• There are certain time honored tourist destinations found at any place you might travel. Hong Kong's, "The Peak" is one of those "must see and do" time honored sights that can't be missed.
• To get to The Peak, simply ride The Peak Tram. Don't worry it's perfectly safe, having been operating since 1888. At a steep 27 degrees, you'll have unforgettable, albeit backwards views of Hong Kong.
• Remember, at the top, the best time to go is late in the day so that you may view the sunset and a night view.
• Also this ride, only costs a very small amount, great for budget conscious tourists!

Po Lin Monastery

• Po Lin Monastery, interpreted to English, becomes the "Precious Lotus Zen Temple, a Buddhist monastery, on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
• Originated in 1906, you'll find in the main temple, three bronze statues of the Buddha, depicting his past, present and future lives.
• You should plan this as an all day trip, that usually includes seeing the Giant Buddha, and a vegetarian meal. The meal is served communal style and you'll be seated with other tourists for a delightful and different eating experience.

Giant Buddha (Lantau Island)

• Visitors to see the Giant Buddha would never guess, if not told, that this regal seated Buddha has only been sitting there for fifteen years. He is the world's tallest, outdoor, seated Buddha and sits above some of the most breathtaking mountains on Lantau Island.
• It is a daunting 268 steps to reach the platform where he is seated. However, many bus excursions to this tourist site, will deposit you at the top - a wise inquiry to ascertain, before you choose which tour operator bus to choose. Just recently, a sky-ride has been added and is well worth the trip, just for the views.

It is the world's tallest seated Buddha. It's actual name is the Tian Tan Buddha. Once you get there access to the Buddha is free and the nearby Po Lin Monastery is known as the "Buddhist Kingdom in the South." It is an international buddhist retreat. Be prepared to see a large number of feral dogs that the monks keep on the grounds.

Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees

• On an uncertain day, when we were worried about a medical diagnosis, my young Chinese daughter-in-law insisted on taking me to the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees.
• A popular shrine in Hong Kong, they are located near the Tin Hau Temple, in Lam Tsuen. These two large banyan trees are where tourists and locals write their wishes on joss paper, tie them to an orange and throw them up to land in the trees.
• It is believed that if the paper successfully hangs onto one of the tree branches, the wishes come true.
• It remains one of my favorite Hong Kong tourist spots because it reminds me of how our Western minds don't always grasp the significance of what we are seeing until long afterwards. Incidentally, she got her wish.

Kowloon Walled City Park

• In the Kowloon, lies the famed Kowloon Walled City Park. It is steeped with history unimaginable and too lengthy, for this list of places to see in Hong Kong.
• However, I promise you, it is worth the time to visit to understand how the Chinese took an area of Hong Kong -- that was lawless, dilapidated, and a horrible eyesore - and made it into a beautiful park.
• It is a true testament to far thinking, innovative officials, in what can be done to restore inner city hell holes. A lesson more than a few American cities should take note of.
• Great photo opportunities for tourists at the many statues and gardened areas

Bird Garden Hong Kong

• Down on Yuen Po Street is the Bird Garden (Kowloon). This enchanting park is popular with both locals and tourists. There are a number of courtyards there, where shops sell anything and everything related to birds.
• The best part about this tourist attraction, besides being free, is being witness to old men and their bird friends visiting with each other along the walkways. They hang their birds in their little cages up in nearby trees, no doubt doing what old men do best - gossip about old women and children.
• The birds come there, via their owners, of course, to do what birds do - spend peaceful times calling out to other birds and enjoying the sun.

Jade Market and Jade Street:

• Just west of Nathan Road, at the intersections of Kansu and Battery Streets is the world famous Jade Market. It has over 450 stall owners, selling everything you can imagine in the world of jewelry (and other) made in jade.
• Moreover, there are other treasures to be found in this jewelry market. I go there to buy pearls. More specifically, pearl necklaces, custom strung to fit the length and style I desire. The prices are wonderful and expect to bargain.

Flower Market:

Where else would you find the "Flower Market" but on Flower Market Road. You will be overwhelmed by the fragrance and sheer beauty of all the varieties of flowers being displayed in this market. It's worth just walking through, a delight for the senses.

Far better, it's a place to purchase flowers inexpensively, that florists here in America would charge a fortune for. Gentlemen, here is your chance to be romantic on your vacation, at a price you too can appreciate!

Stanley Market and Temple Night Street Market:

You've never really been to a street market unless you've been to Stanley Market in Hong Kong.

This traditional open air market has the bargains! Between it and the Temple Night Street Market over in Kowloon - shopping doesn't get any better than this if you are looking for bargains.

Tai O Fishing Village:

• This is another unique and quaint day trip while visiting Hong Kong. Tao O Fishing Village has been called the "Venice of Hong Kong."
• Well, I've been to Venice, and I wouldn't quite go that far, but it is a lovely little fishing village. The people there lived in stilt houses, built over the water.
• Lots of salted fish and other seafood delights. It's here you can make trips to see Chinese white dolphins.

Cheung Chau and Macau

If you can manage it time wise, do not miss seeing nearby islands of Cheung Chau and Macau. Both are full day trips, more than worth your while for different reasons.

Cheun Chau is picturesque little island, with great seafood outdoor cafes, and many souvenir shops. Best of al,l is to be privileged to be there during their annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival (usually in May).

Feral cats, with crooked tails are one of the many island curiosities. The many bicycles the local people ride, also make great photo opportunities.

Macau -- Well, it's a whole world apart from the rest of Hong Kong. Settled by the Portugese, it was the first and last European colony in China. It has only been handed back to China for a mere nine years. Very old world, lots of antiques, good food, shopping, and casinos.

I'm sure that you'll have your own favorite list once you've experienced Hong Kong and that this small guide was useful in beginning your adventure.