Hustle down to the Star Ferry and take the short ten-minute trip across Victoria Harbour, either to the Kowloon or Central side. Gaze up at Hong Kong's majestic skyline, which is an erratic stretch of skyscrapers, hotels and apartment blocks. The nighttime views, when Hong Kong glitters like a diamond, are dramatic. As it's the cheapest therapy in town for one of the best views in the world, few people disembark in anything but the lightest of moods.
One of Hong Kong's star attractions and one of the deepest container ports in the world, Victoria Harbour is shielded on both sides by stunning skylines – an army of towering skyscrapers and Victoria Peak on one side, and the Tsim Sha Tsui shoreline on the other. Everyday, hundreds of ferries, tugs, junks, speed boats, and barges chug up and down the shore, carrying people and cargo, only pausing for typhoons. The history of this iconic harbor dates back to the times of the First and Second Opium Wars, when China faced defeat at the hands of the British, promptly rendering Hong Kong a British colony. Christened Victoria Harbour after the Queen of England, the harbor's critical position on the South China Sea, wedged between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, facilitated a thriving trade economy which largely impacted Hong Kong's imminent development. The harbor, a natural landmark that straddles both the past and future of Hong Kong's progress, is a spectacle at night. It comes alive with a permanent light and sound show that features an enchanting dazzle of lasers, synchronized music, and twinkling buildings.
One of Hong Kong's oldest theme parks, Ocean Park also holds the distinction of being one of Asia's biggest theme parks. Boasting to take up the size of about 174 football fields, this massive parkland has something for everyone! A hodgepodge of an oceanarium, amusement park, marine park, and animal park, it is spread across two zones: the summit and the waterfront. These are further segregated into thematic areas. For the wildest rides, such as The Flash, The Mine Train, and Raging River, The Summit is the place to go. It is also where you will find the Polar Adventure. Get to know animals from both the poles of the earth. Meet the adorable giant pandas at The Waterfront. This is where all the fun lies. Furthermore, get up close to marine mammals in this part of the park. Fun, educational, and exciting, Ocean Park will keep you wanting for more. The timings differ seasonally, so please check the website.
Although mainly a small village with a traditionally Chinese community ambiance, Shek O is also home to some of Hong Kong's wealthiest families, who live in luxurious mansions perched along the headland. A number of restaurants and cafés within the village and along the sandy beach offer refreshments in relaxing open-air surroundings, making this one of Hong Kong's most popular seaside destinations. Adventurous travelers can attempt to climb the rocky cliffs, or head north to Big Wave Bay for surfing and paragliding. A half-hour drive from Central, Shek O displays a different side of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Wetland Park is a dedicated green zone that, being built around the local wetlands, aims to conserve the same. Partake in interactive sessions or simply visit the on-site exhibit that throws light on the uses, values, and diverse nature of these lands and their ecosystem. Actively partake in the conservation project undertaken by the park and help their cause as you gain in depth knowledge of the threat the green zones are facing. take a leisurely stroll around the verdant green park, take lessons on biodiversity of the ecosystem, munch on delicious snacks at the café in the complex or buy souvenirs to take home with you.