Hong Kong Highlights: History and Highrises

Start your day by boarding the historic Peak Tram, ascending to Victoria Peak while learning about its role in solving the city’s early transportation challenges • At the summit, soak in breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyline from the Lion’s Pavilion or Lugard Road Lookout Point, and discover how land reclamation has transformed the city’s landscape • Glide through the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter on a traditional sampan, gaining insights into Hong Kong’s fishing heritage and the vibrant lives of its coastal communities • Continue to Stanley Market, where a stroll past the historic Murray House and Queen’s Pier reveals the area’s colonial military and trading history • Explore Shek O Village and its scenic headland, offering stunning views of the South-East entrance to Victoria Harbour.

Begin with a walking tour of Central, exploring landmarks like the HSBC Headquarters, Bank of China Tower, and Statue Square • Hop on the iconic “Ding Ding” tram to Central Market and visit a historic pawnshop, uncovering Hong Kong’s economic and social history • Stroll through Gutzlaff Street Market and Lyndhurst Terrace, observing the blend of history, civil engineering, and daily life • Explore Tai Kwun, a former police station and prison transformed into a cultural hub • Visit the Hong Kong Police mini-museum, the Parade Ground, and the historic prison block, where Ho Chi Minh was once incarcerated • In the afternoon, visit Man Mo Temple, a spiritual sanctuary dedicated to the gods of literature and war, and learn about Taoism’s role in Hong Kong’s cultural fabric • Savor Hong Kong-style milk tea and snacks at a local “Cha Chaan Teng” or boutique coffee shop • Conclude the day at Western Market, Hong Kong’s oldest surviving market building. Explore its shops and learn about the city’s efforts to preserve its architectural heritage.

In the morning, take a breathtaking cable car ride to Ngong Ping, offering panoramic views of Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge • Explore the tranquil Po Lin Monastery, founded in 1906, and marvel at its treasured relics, including the rare Qianlong Tripitaka • Refuel at Ngong Ping Market, with local delights from a Hong Kong film-themed “Cha Chaan Teng” to local delicacies like tofu faa, made with water from nearby creeks • Next, journey to Tai O, one of Hong Kong’s oldest fishing villages. Wander through its charming promenade and bustling street market, where dried seafood and shrimp paste are still traded • Board a local boat to explore Tai O’s stilt homes and salt flats, with a chance to spot Chinese white dolphins, and hear firsthand stories of life in this historic fishing community in a villager’s stilt home • Walk along Kat Hing Street, where the Tai O Kwan Tai and Tin Hau Temples stand as enduring symbols of the village’s spiritual and social heritage.

Your WildChina guide will escort you to the airport for your departure flight.