If you ever doubted the powers of Feng Shui, a visit to Hong Kong is enough to put all those thoughts to rest. Right from the moment that you set foot into Hong Kong, the gush of positive energy is overwhelming. This ancient Chinese art of positioning objects and buildings in harmony with nature to bring good fortune is almost embodied in the natural existence of Hong Kong.
Its geographical positioning in relation to Mainland China symbolises a place where things come to fruition. The way it gazes back to the ancient heartland and its many mountain ranges bringing forth divine blessings, the mountains of Kowloon seem to bow down to the Hong Kong Island symbolising the mutual harmony between these two places, the water of Victoria Harbour is in visual harmony with the skies, which brings stability and prosperity. Perhaps the best place to experience all of it together is from The Peak, a vantage point right at the heart of Hong Kong, helps you get a peek at all of it and lot more.
It is perhaps one of the best known attractions in Hong Kong along with Ocean Park, Disneyland and the Big Buddha or the Tian Tan Buddha. But this is not your regular travel diary and while any Lonely Planet will give you a lot more information about all of this and lot more, I would like to delve a bit deeper on the cultural ethos of one of the best landmarks of South East Asia and a peep into the melting pot that Hong Kong is.
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy aspect is the way the old and the new, quaint and the contemporary, oriental and occidental elements cohabit in absolute harmony. The British era Fire Hydrants, the tram cars in their modern avatar as much part of Hong Kong’s uniqueness as the Bronze Lions in front of HSBC Building considered to be the harbinger of good fortune. Yes if concrete has ever help compose constructive human dreams, there is no better place than Hong Kong that bears testimony of this. It has about 7,800 high-rise buildings, with 1,268 skyscrapers taller than 100 m (328 ft) and at least 308 buildings over 150 m (492 ft) in height. Not only do they together make up for one of the most appealing skylines in the world but about 44 of these buildings spanning on both sides of the Victoria Harbour light up every evening in a synchronised show called A Symphony of Lights. A remarkable symphony of light and music, it has been named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest permanent light and sound festival in the world. So as the clock strikes 8 in the evening, get prepared to be wowed by one of the most beautiful light shows in the world.
Well that is not all! How can a travelogue be complete without a mention of food. Hong Kong in that aspect is an absolute hotpot. You are almost spoilt for choice, be it the authentic Hong Kong cuisine, the Taiwanese fare, the Hainese delicacy, the Singaporean treats or the many million other South East Asian preparations, the exclusive Japanese Ramen shops, the authentic European pubs, the many British era Beer-Chips joint, food is celebrated in every hue and texture in Hong Kong.
So just make your plan this holiday season, buy your tickets and explore the wonders of Hong Kong first hand. One aspect that will overwhelm you above all are the hospitable residents of Hong Kong. From the friendly co-passenger at the MTR to the rather strict looking traffic officer, almost everyone is happy to help.
A big salute to the spirit of Hong Kong!
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