Hong Kong is known for many things -- its lights, sounds, views and shopping -- but it is hardly known as a romantic getaway.
Now it is time to put the city into the lexicon of romantic destinations.
Places like Paris and Venice will always hold the title as “the” romantic destinations but a weekend or weeklong trip to Hong Kong can be exactly that. From parks to trams and treks, the city has plenty to offer starry-eyed couples.
Hong Kong has everything from lavish 5-star hotels to more affordable places for travellers to rest their weary heads.
But a romantic excursion can only be done at an upscale hotel and the Island Shangri-la has an unsurpassed reputation for luxury and pampering.
The Island Shangri-la offers everything you expect from the chain but what makes it stand out from the rest is its views. From the mountain view to the view of the bay, looking out onto Hong Kong from this retreat will awe the senses.
What makes this hotel even more appealing is its location. Located on Hong Kong Island’s Central district, visitors are just a short walk, boat, subway or bus ride away from anywhere in the city.
If shopping is something a couple would like to do then there is no better place to start than in the Central district’s luxury brand stores and shopping malls. Also, they are only a stone’s throw from uncovering hidden bargains in quaint street markets.
Many leading international brands have specialty shops in the city selling the very latest fashions and leather goods.
If it is luxury brands you are interested in, check out Chater Road and Pedder Street where some of the world’s most beloved high-end designers are dotted one after another.
If the weather is a problem, a visit to the IFC Mall, Pacific Place, Times Square, Elements or Festival Walk will lower the body’s internal temperature while raking up the heat on the credit cards.
Adventurous travellers can head straight for funky markets and theme shopping streets that best illustrate Hong Kong’s living culture.
Each of these markets and streets has its own charm and contains hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.
The Ladies Market in Tung Choi Street is the place for bags, accessories and inexpensive women’s clothing. They are open from noon to 11:30pm and don’t be afraid to haggle. A tip: Drop 30 per cent from the listed price and go from there.
About a 15 minute walk away from the Ladies Market is the famous Temple Street Night Market. Go after sunset because that is when the market comes alive with lights that would make any fireworks display blush.
Temple Street offers an amazing range of inexpensive items especially for men. If you want to see the future there are also several fortune-tellers at hand and impromptu Chinese opera performances offer a good rest from the endless walking.
One stop that is a must on the shopping list is Stanley Street which is renowned for its relaxed ambience, sea environs and bargain buys.
Located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, the area around Stanley is an ideal place to soak up the romance of its seaside spots.
Aside from two separate stretches of beach, Stanley is bustling with restaurants and bars, nearly all offering al-fresco dining.
The best way to get there is to hop on Hong Kong’s quaint British style double-decker buses.
Getting around Hong Kong is as easy and hassle free as getting around in Seoul.
To make sure you don’t have to carry exact change for every trip on the transit system buy an Octopus Card at any subway station in the area.
The Octopus Card works much the same as Seoul’s T-Money cards and is accepted by all public transport and at many restaurants and stores. Any unspent value is refundable along with the HK$ 50 deposit.
If you would like to plan the height of romance then the best spot in the city would be the Peak.
The nighttime views from the Peak bring to life the city that sparkles as bright as a 10-carat diamond.
Besides the wide range of shops, there are several spectacular dining experiences at various restaurants which offer incredibly picturesque views of the world-famous harbor.
Be sure to drop by Madame Tussauds while there for an engrossing interactive entertainment experience.
There are several ways to get to the Peak. Buses are the fastest, but for a truly romantic mood, no better choice would be the Peak Tram. The tram has been operating since 1888 and takes people on an incline so steep that buildings look like they are leaning at a 45-degree angle.
For an even higher romantic experience, helicopter rides offer couples an adrenaline rush while viewing the breathtaking landscape.
Once you have seen Victoria Harbor from the Peak then you must see it from the ground.
Victoria Harbor has long been famous for its spectacular views and is a major tourist attraction.
Lying in the middle of the territory’s dense urban area, the harbor is the site of annual fireworks displays. Its promenades are popular gathering places for tourists and residents because of its stunning panoramic night views and skyline, especially toward Hong Kong Island where the skyscrapers are superimposed over the ridges behind.
Rides on the iconic Star Ferry to view the harbor are also a must.
Every night at 8pm, scenic Hong Kong comes to life with a spectacular multimedia event known as the Symphony of Lights which has been named the world’s largest permanent light and sound show by the Guinness World Records.
The dazzling display of lights covers more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Habor.
At the flick of a switch, the buildings and the harbor glow in a myriad of colors depicting Hong Kong’s vibrancy.
If you want to sail into someone’s heart then hire one of Hong Kong’s quintessential junks.
While there are several traditional, bat-winged wooden boats for rent, the Duk Ling is the last remaining authentic Chinese sailing junk in Hong Kong and a fantastic opportunity to experience the wind blowing through your hair with a loved one.
For antiques and handicrafts, there is no better place in Hong Kong than Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row (also known as “Cat Street”).
Crammed with antique shops and an open-air market, these quaint locales are ideal places for picking up souvenirs and gifts.
Everything is on sale here -- from Ming dynasty furniture and lotus lamps to Mao badges and dinosaur eggs -- at a fraction of auction house prices.
Nearby, Man Mo Temple is a photogenic tribute to the god of literature (Man) and the god of war (Mo). The temple is located about halfway along the road and a stop in its quiet, incense-shrouded interior makes a pleasant break. You can see giant incense coils hanging overhead.
Bargain hunters will also enjoy the stalls on Ladder Street, just a few meters downhill and bargaining over prices is all part of the game.
There is no better way to discover and learn about this area than with a guide who will walk you through the history, traditions and suggest the best places to eat and drink authentic Cantonese delicacies.
Dining in Hong Kong is an indulgence. Memorable experiences wait to be discovered, whether it’s a small mom and pop restaurant or a high-end restaurant.
One such restaurant is the Jumbo Kingdom in Aberdeen Harbor.
It is an internationally renowned tourist attraction that has been visited by everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Tom Cruise.
As a Hong Kong icon and a premier tourism and fine-dining establishment, Jumbo combines delectable cuisine with a theme park on the sea.
You know you have hit a new level of dining when a wing-tipped boat brings you to this gorgeous and exquisite replica of an ancient Chinese imperial palace.
The food is just as spectacular as the nighttime views, and you will be treated as royalty as dish after dish is brought to the table made from the freshest seafood.
As a city that never sleeps, Hong Kong offers lovers a plethora of after-dinner entertainment options.
There are great hotels with cozy bars and lounges to suit every mood, from live bands to karaoke sessions.
Other mainstays are the major touring shows and Hong Kong’s own acclaimed orchestras and dance companies. Traditional Chinese opera and cultural shows are also popular.
If you are looking for a perfect romantic vacation or getaway, Hong Kong has it all.
