First Timer’s Guide To Hong Kong

Over the last several decades tourism in Hong Kong has become explosive. I mean why wouldn’t travelers want to visit a futuristic metropolis tucked away on an island in the South China Sea? Hong Kong is home to both exotic jungle adventures and centuries worth of history. With a unique past and controversial present, Hong Kong has become one of Tripio’s favorite travel destinations. Here is why! Tripio created this list to help first time visitors to Hong Kong to know exactly what to see as they travel to this beautifully cultured city. Let’s get started!

Before we move on, did you know that every week we send out a newsletter featuring:

• New Destinations on the Tripio app
• Highlighted Itineraries on the Tripio app
• Articles from the Tripio blog

 Subscribe to Tripio’s Weekly Newsletter!

Tian Tan Buddha Statue

Photo by @islanderian on Unsplash

It is nearly impossible to say that you visited Hong Kong with a picture in front of the famous Tian Tan Buddha. The world famous Tian Tan Buddha is the largest seated Buddha statue in the world. Buddhist and tourists travel the world to see this majestic and spiritual work of art. Visiting the Tian Tan Buddha includes a journey up a massive set of stairs. Make the trip all the more worth it. The experience of journeying up to see this exotic spiritual relic is indescribable through words. You simply cannot create your travel itinerary without adding this cultural adventure in Hong Kong!

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery 

Photo by Nicholas Chester-Adams on Unsplash

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a staple in the historic and arts scene of Hong Kong. This mid-20th-century Buddhist temple attracts a vast number of tourists every day of the year. While the term “monastery” actually doesn’t apply to this landmark. There are no actual Buddhist monks that maintain the temple. The name given to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is no joke. Walk through thousands of Buddhist statues, busts, and paintings. This is always a hit destination with first time visitors to Hong Kong and one of Tripio’s favorites. A bucket list destination for sure! 

Whampao Cruise Ship Market

Photo by SHUJA OFFICIAL on Unsplash

Whether you stumble upon it by accident, or are seeking it out with your custom itinerary, the Whampao Cruise Ship is hard to miss! This massive cruise ship rests in the middle of a metropolitan area of downtown Hong Kong. The ship was placed into the city and renovated to incorporate a massive shopping center within it. Whampao is one of the most interesting and unique sites to see for a first time traveler visiting Hong Kong. Where else in the world will you find a massive cruiseliner resting amongst skyscrapers?! 

Shek O Beach

Photo by Devam Jhabak on Unsplash

Now for some of the South China Sea’s treasured beaches. Shek O Beach is where tourists will find an abundance of locals getting out to soak up the sunrays and join in on all of the fun. Stroll through the coastal villages and then embark on your own adventure along the two part beach of Shek O. Golden sandy beaches surrounded by scenic landscapes and Hong Kong vegetation. A great way to detox and ease the travel brains. If you are looking for a comfortable laid back vacation to Hong Kong, don’t forget to add Shek O Beach to your custom itinerary on the Tripio App.

Clear Water Bay First Beach

Photo by Ran Zhao on Unsplash

Another one of Tripio’s favorite beaches in Hong Kong is Clear Water First Beach. The name Clear Water doesn’t come from nothing. The waters here are truly magical and produce a greenish blue hue. Locals and tourists gather here at First Beach for all sorts of activities. The swimming at Clear Water Bay is incredible. Hangout on the beach and soak up the sun with a good book, and when you are ready jump into the ocean for a cool off. Clear Water Bay Boasts one of Hong Kong’s finest casual adventures. No matter what kind of traveler you are, this is one activity that you should not miss out on adding to your custom travel itinerary created using the Tripio App. 

Repulse Bay

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

To close out Tripio’s rant of beaches in Hong Kong we have Repulse Bay. This shoreline is a fantastic getaway for surfers, swimmers, sunshine absorbers and all around outdoors people. If you are looking for a way to sink your toes in the sand and maybe dip your feet in the sweet ocean, there is no better place in Hong Kong to do so. Repulse Bay is a popular local spot for hangouts and having a good time. The bay is commonly filled by locals and tourists. Great spots for photography. Take a dip in the water!

Victoria Peak 

Photo by John O’Nolan on Unsplash

Victoria Park is one of the coolest spots to check out during your vacation to Hong Kong. Not only does Victoria Park offer a blast of an outdoor adventure, but it also grasps perhaps the best view of downtown that you can find anywhere else in Hong Kong. Victoria Peak is a park lookout over the city. This is the highest point in all of Hong Kong. Every hour of the day holds a different form of beauty at Victoria Park. Tripio’s favorite times of day to visit this attraction are early in the morning to see the city before it wakes, and under the stars to watch the pretty city light put the townspeople to sleep. An iconic destination for photography and a must see destination during your vacation to Hong Kong. 

Dragon’s Back Trail

Photo by Emma Lin on Unsplash

For all of the thrill seeking adventure enthusiasts travelers, this activity was created for you. Trekking the Dragon’s Back Trail is by far one of the best adventures to be had in the nation. This trail takes hikers through the lush green mountaintops of Hong Kong. Incredible view of the landscape from 360 degrees.  Hiking the ridgeline at 284m high you get great views of both downtown Hong Kong and the forests of its outskirts. Along the way you will come across a small secluded beach as well as many more fantastic surprises only to be found while trekking the Dragon’s Back Trail. If you are looking to add just a little bit of thrilling adventure to your travel vacation to Hong Kong, do not forget to add this activity to your custom itinerary that you personalize on the Tripio App.

Po Lin Monastery

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

This fantastic piece of art history and culture dates back more than a century. The golden roofs and artistry can be spotted from miles away! The Po Lin Monastery is a wildly popular tourist attraction. It is known colloquially as “The Big Hut”. The monastery was founded in 1906 by three buddhist monks. What’s great about the Po Lin Monastery is its convenient location, super close to the more famous Tian Tan Buddha statue! For lovers of art history and travelers looking to completely immerse themselves into the culture of their vacation destination, check out the Po Lin Monastery for a little extra spice. 

Monster Building

Photo by Hidenori Sato on Unsplash

To conclude Tripio’s bucket list destinations for a first time traveler to Hong Kong, we have what is known as the Monster Building. You may be asking yourself right about now, “where have I seen this?”. The Monster Building has been featured in several blockbuster Hollywood films such as Transformers: Age of Extinction and more. The giant array of apartments and condominiums has become a huge hit with tourists. Western travelers find it flabbergasting to see such a massive complex of residences. Without a doubt one of the coolest attractions (that really was not meant to be a tourist attraction) in Hong Kong. 

All of these activities and more can be discovered using the Tripio App!

Interested in more of Hong Kong? Check out Hong Kong: Best Thrill Seeking Adventures

or discover Japan: Top 10 Hiroshima Activities For Local History

and Discovering Taiwan: Blending Cultural Highlights With Outdoor Adventures

-Matthew Knotek, Tripio Guru

Download the free Tripio app on iOS and Android!