A Tourist Guide to Hong Kong: Top Must See Sights for a Hong Kong Vacation

Each year Hong Kong attracts tourists from all over the world, and for good reason. This busy, modern city is an intoxicating mix of East and West, old world and new. Ceded to the British after the Treaty of Nanking in 1841, Hong Kong returned to China in 1997. The result is a place unlike any other in Asia or the world. I lived in Hong Kong for several years, and found that there is no end to the things you can see and do. After exploring this wonderful island, these are the top must see sights I would recommend for an amazing Hong Kong vacation.

Victoria Peak
This peak still retains the name it was given during colonization, in honor of England's Queen Victoria. With a bird's eye view of Victoria harbor and the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island, this is definitely a must see sight during your Hong Kong vacation. Peak Tram runs up the side of the steep mountain to this peak, and the ride itself is something you just shouldn't miss. Sit on the right-hand side of the tram for the best views of the harbor! At the peak is Peak Tower, with restaurants, gift shops, and even a wax museum. There is also a balcony with a gorgeous view of the harbor. The best time to visit is on a clear day, so there is no fog or mist to block your views.

Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront
When planning your Hong Kong vacation, don't neglect this waterfront area. It is pedestrian only, lined in brick, running right along the harbor. The view is of the famous Hong Kong skyline. Locals mingle here as well as tourists, making it an interesting, fun area. There is also an amazingly cheap ferry you can ride to the other side of Hong Kong harbor (which is predominantly a business district). Come early enough in the morning, and you might even catch the groups of locals who regularly gather to practice Tai Chi, a form of slow motion martial arts.

Big Buddha at Po-Lin Monastery
Po Lin monastery, a 40 minute ferry trip from downtown, is located on mountainous and beautiful Lan Tau Island. The monastery is home to the famous Big Buddha, the world's largest Buddha statue. Made of bronze, it is 112 feet tall and weighs 246 tons. It is definitely a must see for any Hong Kong vacation. Bring your walking shoes - the Buddha sits atop a long flight of stairs on a hill. Also nearby is the 3-leveled exhibition hall, where you can eat a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal put together by the monks themselves.

Tsim Sha Tsui
This is the life-beat of Hong Kong, the place to really kick start your Hong Kong vacation. A busy, downtown shopping area, it is popular with tourists and locals alike. Also dubbed "Harbor City," it boasts of over 700 shops and numerous restaurants. It is also home to the Hong Kong's Cultural Center, a space museum, science museum, and Museum of Hong Kong History. You can't go wrong spending a day of your Hong Kong vacation exploring this amazing area.

Ocean Park
This theme park takes its inspiration from its immediate surroundings: the ocean! A great spot for tourist families, it definitely belongs in your Hong Kong vacation plans. Within this giant park are the Ocean Theater with seal and dolphin shows, the Atoll Reef giant aquarium, a Giant Panda habitat, a shark aquarium, and much more. But Ocean Park is also well known for its rides! Ocean Park has the largest outdoor rollercoaster in the world; as well as other amusements like the Space Wheel.

Ocean Park is built on two sides of a mountain; the two parts of the park are referred to as the Lowlands and the Headlands. To get from one to the other you can take an escalator... or, take the cable cars! I highly recommend the cable cars, which go straight over the mountain with an intensifying view of the hills and harbor below. Just don't look down!

Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wong Tai Sin is one of the most popular gods in Hong Kong, with an entire district named after him. The Wong Tai Sin Temple is a large temple where you can see locals burning incense for prayers out in the open yard area, and where tourists are welcome. You can draw a bamboo stick to see your fortune; or maybe consult one of the many fortune tellers to get a little insight to your future! Incense and other items are sold near the temple. You won't want to miss this experience during your Hong Kong vacation.

Stanley Market
Make this popular tourist destination a part of your Hong Kong vacation. Set apart from the bustling downtown area, this small village is home to hundreds of shops selling silk products, traditional Chinese products and arts, and lots of bargain deals. Near the market, there are many pubs, restaurants and also a temple, all with an ocean view. You will find a lot to buy here, but the best thing of all is the great friendly atmosphere of the market and Stanley Village itself.

Hong Kong Park
During your Hong Kong vacation, stop by this scenic park. You will be surprised to discover the quiet, beautiful surroundings of Hong Kong Park directly in the center of the city. Once you turn off the busy city streets into this charming park, you will feel like you're in a completely different place. There are many shady trees, flowered landscape, turtles, koi fish and ponds. This is also home to a huge aviary and conservatory, and Museum of Tea Ware (featuring traditional Chinese tea wares). Interestingly, the park also has a wild population of parrots not native to the island; it is suspected they are descendants of once imported pets.

Hong Kong Disneyland
Although not unique to Hong Kong, for those tourists who like theme parks, Hong Kong Disneyland is a great stop during your Hong Kong vacation. It does boast most of the same features as other Disney theme parks (including Tomorrowland and Adventureland), but there is a distinctly Hong Kong flavor to be found within this park. The park is also planning on adding a new yearly celebration, Disney's Chinese New Year, which promises to be a spectacular experience.