Hong Kong, China

Big Buddha

According to the builders’ design, this enormous bronze statue of Buddha, erected in 1993 on Lantau Island, helps maintain the balance between man and nature, society and religion, and gives all residents of Hong Kong a feeling of calm and harmony in the world. The height of Hong Kong’s Buddha is 34 meters, and it weighs 250 tons. To reach the very “lotus,” you need to climb 268 steps. Nearby there is the so-called “Path of Wisdom.” It looks like a series of wooden pillars arranged in the shape of the infinity symbol, with lines from the Heart Sutra written on them-one of the most revered prayers among Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist followers. People usually reach the Great Buddha by a scenic cable car. At the same time, you can choose a cabin with a transparent floor.

Bank of China Tower

This 70-storey skyscraper was built in 1989 and, until 1992, was considered the tallest in Asia. Today, it ranks only third in Hong Kong, behind the International Finance Centre and the Central Plaza high-rise. The original design was criticized by feng shui devotees, and the architects had to make changes to the building plan. The futuristic and unusual design became so popular with locals and tourists that this building was used in some computer games, such as SimCity 4. It was also digitally processed and featured in the TV series “Star Trek: Voyager” and the film “Battleship.” The skyscraper has an observation deck on the 43rd floor.

Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas

In fact, the monastery has 12,822 gilded statues, but the neat figure-ten thousand-looks far more impressive. That said, no one changed the main fact of the monastery’s story. Most of those thousands of mismatched figurines up to the mountain where the monastery stands was hauled there by a single monk. The work took him almost 10 years in the 1940s-50s. You can gauge the scale of this monastic feat by climbing the mountain on foot. About 450 steep steps lead to the summit, and even without a load, not every tourist can manage them.

Mid-levels escalator

Mid-Levels Escalator - a unique landmark in Hong Kong and the world’s longest escalator. Its length is 800 meters and it is listed in the Guinness World Records. This is not just a tourist attraction, but also a type of public transport that helps solve the city’s traffic problems. The escalator begins its journey on Des Voeux Road Central and ends on Conduit Road. The structure consists of 20 stairways and 3 moving walkways. The escalator operates daily for the descent from 6 to 10 a.m., and for the ascent from 10:30 a.m. to 24:00. Admission is free. Its route runs through the popular tourist area of Soho and Hollywood Road with numerous shops and restaurants.

Star Walk

The main Hong Kong filming location. In the sense that this is where all the photos with the textbook Hong Kong scenery are taken. The setting is just right: across the water there’s the forest of skyscrapers in the Central district; nearby, there’s a bronze Bruce Lee; and under your feet, there’s a concrete slab with Jackie Chan’s handprints and a dozen more “stars” from lesser-known Hong Kong action films. This is a local replica of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Of course, you can come here even in the dark. Every evening at eight, a 15-minute laser show is held here, with light projections onto the skyscrapers across the water.

Symphony of Fireworks

The world’s most spectacular light-and-sound show is best seen from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. From there, you get a panoramic view of the entire business district of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour. Every evening, without breaks for holidays and weekends, exactly at 20:00 Hong Kong’s skyscrapers begin their “dance.” To music that can be heard all across the city, the concrete giants one after another are lit in different colors, emit laser beams, and “sway” like underwater sea anemones. It seems as though all of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers are taking part in this “light performance,” but in reality there are only 23. And even that was enough to get “A Symphony of Lights” entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the largest light-and-sound show in the world.

Ocean Park Amusement Park

Ocean Park is a unique place and one of the best theme parks in China. Ocean Park consists of two levels. The upper level is home to attractions-towers, swings, carousels, roller coasters-as well as the “Atoll” aquarium and a marine lion reserve. On the lower level there is a zoo, as well as the Museum of Extinct Animals and the Oceanic Theatre. The main attraction of the park-two giant pandas An-An and Jia-Jia. You absolutely have to see them: these black-and-white bears simply delight both adults and children! The Oceanarium is considered one of the best entertainment parks of its kind in the world.

Museum of Optical Illusions

Museum of Optical Illusions in Hong Kong - an original interactive museum from the Trick Eye museum chain, which has already opened its doors to visitors of all ages in Seoul and Singapore. Going here, be ready to enjoy a sea of positive emotions and photo shots. Photography in the museum is not only not prohibited, but is also an essential part of getting to know the exhibits. The museum features more than 70 sculptures and paintings created using 3D technology, which makes the museum’s exhibits seem to come alive. All museum exhibits are divided into several galleries: “Mysterious Garden”, “Masterpieces of World Art”, “Heading for Adventure”, “Neverland”, “Hong Kong”. At the museum, you can take photos on Buddha’s palms, or ride in a paper boat across the waves of Victoria Harbour.

Lamma Island

A decade or so ago, the local beaches became known to European backpackers, and then more affluent tourists followed. The two most popular beaches on Lamma Island are Hung Shing Ye and Lo Sho Shing. They’re equipped with everything you need for a comfortable holiday and are rightfully considered the best in all of Hong Kong. The sand and water at the beaches are always clean, and besides the usual water activities, you can rent equipment for water sports there as well. In the traditional fishing village of Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island, there is a themed park called “Fisherman’s Village.” You can get from Hong Kong to Lamma Island by ferry or speedboat in 20-30 minutes.

City Beyond the Wall

Walled-off area of Kowloon was once densely populated, and the buildings were predominantly illegal. During the Second World War, after the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, the population surged dramatically. By 1987, 33,000 residents already lived in this fortress city-somehow managing to coexist in just 6.5 acres. By that time, the area was practically in complete chaos: drug addiction, prostitution, and other depraved phenomena were thriving. In January 1987, the Hong Kong authorities decided to demolish the slums. Two years later, the Municipal Park was opened here, featuring eight scenic themed zones, each developed according to a tailored plan.

Hong Kong Island Sightseeing Tour

The tour starts with a ride on the longest escalator in the world, Mid-levels. After taking the escalator, you will reach Hollywood Road, famous for its antique shops. On this same street, you will also see a temple dedicated to the gods of Man and Mo, the gods of literature and war. The small rooms are filled with furniture from the Ming dynasty and statues of the gods. Another attraction here is the giant incense sticks. By funicular, you will climb to Victoria Peak, where you can not only enjoy a magnificent view of Hong Kong, but also buy souvenirs and interesting toys. Here is the famous shop-restaurant from the history of Forrest Gump - Bubba Gump’s shrimp business. After ascending to the Peak, you will head to Stanley Bay, in the south of the island, where you will visit the Tin Hau Temple. The final part of the excursion is a walk in the fragrant Aberdeen Bay and a relaxed tour around the harbor on sampan boats.

Kowloon Peninsula Sightseeing Tour

Leaving the noisy streets of Hong Kong behind, you enter a park-museum-an oasis of calm and wisdom, the City Beyond the Wall. The tragic history of this park is told brilliantly through carefully selected displays, exhibits, and archaeological finds. Your next stop will be the Wong Tai Sin Temple. The temple was built according to the “five elements” rule of Chinese Feng Shui: the bronze pavilion-metal, the archives hall-wood, the Yuk Yik fountain-water, the Yue Heung rill-fire, and the Earth Wall-earth. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery will complete the chain of temples. This is not an easy climb up many hundreds of steps, but from the top you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of Kowloon and the green hills. The final part of the excursion will be a stroll along the waterfront of the Tsim Sha Tsui district and the Avenue of Stars.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can review them after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.