I found myself with one free day on my recent business trip to Guangzhou, China. I did not find Guangzhou particularly exciting to explore so I decided to make a one day (no night) trip across the water to the island of Hong Kong. This was an ambitious undertaking given it is a three hour commute each way and with lots of bad luck, I spent more time en route than there. Sometimes the journey is the experience, however, and I did not regret my attempt. 

Yuen Po Street Market

EXPERIENCE 

My experience began and ended in transit. I took an hour cab ride to the China Ferry Dock to venture to Hong Kong via a two hour boat ride. I was eager to get there, so I could spend the day, but my cab driver got lost and I missed the 8:30 ferry. Unfortunately the next boat did not depart until 10:30, which meant I lost a good portion of my day. 

Upon disembarking, I quickly passed through immigration and made my way to the Flower Market via taxi. This flower market is a lovely place for a stroll and connects to the Yuen Po Street Bird Market which is also quite interesting. I spent the rest of my time, which was really only an hour admiring the buildings and crowds of the city. There is a fascinating mix of new and old at play in Hong Kong and I look forward to getting back to explore it soon. 

Places I had my heart set on, but was unable to fit in this visit include the views from Victoria Peak, Lantau Island, Pho Lin Monastery, 10,000 Buddha Monastery, Man Mo Temple, and Tian Tian Buddha. I think it was a real miss not getting to spend a night in Hong Kong, since the city lights are some of the most impressive in the world. When I return someday I will hit the Tsim Sha Tsui which is the East Promenade for a a gorgeous skyline view. 

Flower Market

STAY

I didn’t- but would have liked to. 

EAT

There was no time for that on this jaunt but in the future I hope to check out the Temple Street Night Market. I have also read that the Deck and Beer Bar on the Promenade is a lovely place to sip a cocktail and enjoy the evening city skyline all lit up.

Flower Market Street