A place with so many faces, Hong Kong, a former British colony, is now a major tourism destination and one of the most beautiful multicultural cities in Asia. Well connected with the rest of the world through its airport and harbor, Hong Kong might be the best place to start your visit in Asia.

In Hong Kong, most of its 7 million inhabitants are Cantonese Chinese, but on the streets of the city you can also meet some Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese, Filipinos, Indonesians and Thais. The best time in the year for enjoying Hong Kong’s beautiful sights are spring (March – May) and autumn (September – December), when the skies are clear and the sun shines. If you enjoy cold breezes, visiting the city in November or December is also a good option.

Once you get there, make sure you get an Octopus card, which offers you instant access to Hong Kong’s impressive transit system. You’ll get a series of discounts on all means of public transportation and also in selected stores. Once you’re assured from this point of view, make your way to the most famous place in the city – Victoria Peak. Here, you can admire a stunning view over the island or enjoy some of the city’s finest dining, shopping or museums. After visiting this hotspot, don’t miss Aberdeen area close by, on the same island.

Next, take the ferry to Kowloon to reach a paradise of antique and clothing shops, bars and hotels. Get around Nathan Road for the best shops and markets (the Golden Mile) and try some of the bars and cafes in the Mong Kok areas. If you’re not that kind, simply visit the famous temple of Wong Tai to get a valuable insight into ancient Chinese culture.

If you enjoy Buddhist temples, set aside some time to visit the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas – with more than 12,000 Buddha, monkeys, a pagoda to climb and some delicious hot pot restaurants. Hong Kong hosts over 600 monasteries, temples and shrines and each one has something special, so don’t miss them.

Still, Hong Kong is not just about skyscrapers; tourists can visit the beautiful countryside not so far away from the city. Lantau Island is one of the most famous islands, having some of the best secluded beaches and several unique fishing villages and monasteries. Po Lin Monastery and the huge Tien Tan Buddha Statue can now be accessed by a cable car. All in all, Hong Kong is a city teeming with people of different cultures, where modernity meets traditional China.

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