I have been staying in Hong Kong for about a week. I am here to find new business partners and hold a couple of meetings. And I think I know it is not the best time to visit this subtropical metropolis, former British colony, or China’s special administrative region or whatever. The Asia’s world city yet always offers you unique experiences and adventure.
I would like to document my experiences in the city called perl of the Orient.
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Night Hike on Hong Kong Island
As a cycling enthusiast, I often climb hills on a racing road bicycle. I like climbing uphill. Wherever I go, I search for steep slopes and climb them on my bike or walk them up. Hence there is no wonder Mount Austin was a main highlight of my week.
Hong Kong is a city comprising of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and New Territories that includes more than 260 islands. As cycling enthusiasts may know, East Asian islands and peninsulas in general are hilly or mountainous.
Clearly HKI is no exception. There are a countless numbers of stairs out there. Sloping drives and inclined railway connect the city centre and upper levels. And you can even find scenic walking trails.
During my short stay on the island, I have spent most of my free time searching for hiking routes with wonderful views.
Stroll around a historical area of Kowloon
Apart from going to the mountain, I have traveled by foot to explore downtown Kowloon. This is my third time coming here but I have always spent most of my time on HKI, where our partner companies are headquartered. So one day I decided to sail across Victoria Harbour and visit the opposite shore.
I landed at the southernmost point in Kowloon peninsula and soon found that the area is filled with colonial-era architecture and historical sites as well as luxury stores and shopping malls. Pedestrians varied widely by age and nationality and sidewalks were crowded with travelers who took selfie pictures. I must have arrived at one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire region!
Passing through the lively, hectic and attention-grabbing shopping area, I came across a large park covered with tropical trees.
This urban green space seems to offer many recreational amenities and attracts not only overseas tourists but also local adults, families and children. There I found centuries-old banyan trees, life-size character statues, Chinese garden and even a flamingo pond.
I however had just little time to see the rest of the region. Unfortunately enough, I had to terminate my excursion to the continental part soon after visiting Kowloon Park.
Waterfront Run
Despite visibly poor air quality, high density and many stairs and stop lights, I encounter a handful of runners enjoying themselves every morning and evening. A few days after my arrival, I eventually joined them and jogged along side the harbor. Because the area was well-lit and drew countless visitors day and night, I felt safe and comfortable exercising there.
Although my week was almost filled with discussions and confrontations, I could at least push my boundaries and get to know this region a little better than before.
