Ports of Call: Hong Kong, China

For this series on iconic ports of call, we’re highlighting nine cities that have leveraged their more industrial past to flourish into world-renowned, waterfront destinations. Several travel professionals share suggestions on where to go, what to see and what to do in order to fully appreciate these maritime metropolises.

The British colonized Hong Kong and left many legacies behind. It wasn’t until 1997 that the British handed back the reigns to China, which has since changed and shaped the city. “Situated along the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong draws travelers from around the world who view the island as the gateway to China,” says Donald Wong with The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. “The efficiency of the city has given it world-class status and offers an insight into modern day China.” Offering sophistication, culture, heritage, the arts and the natural beauty of parks, beaches and one of the world’s most dramatic harbors, Wong describes Hong Kong as Asia’s world city.

Hong Kong Bucket List

• Star Ferry: View Hong Kong from Victoria Harbor to witness how the city has evolved into the 21st century.

• Local Cuisine: If you can’t make it to one of the city’s Michelin-star restaurants for every meal, Wong suggests “slurping on a bowl of noodles and dumplings at a sidewalk café.”

• The Peak: Victoria Peak, also known as Mount Austin, is the island’s highest mountain and provides sweeping views of Hong Kong and Kowloon.

• Natural Beauty: If you want to spend time in the great outdoors while in Hong Kong, visit the outlaying islands, which are ideal for hiking and admiring the natural scenic beauty, says Wong.

• Old to New: Meander through the narrow laneways of once bustling warehouses and storage facilities that have since been re-imagined into cafes, bars and local designer shops.

This article is an excerpt from the July, August, September edition of the Traveler magazine. Click here to access the full issue.