Hong Kong is for healing

Written By Maja Šoštarić

Pack your bags and prepare to Hong Kong-it-out if:

  • Begin with a confidence-boosting view from Victoria Peak, sail across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, and dive into the whirlwind of Mong Kok for retail therapy. Recharge your spirit with delectable dim sum, climb Lion Rock for a dose of determination, and toast to new beginnings in the vibrant Lan Kwai Fong.

  • When heartbreak hits in Hong Kong, you can't just stick to dim sum, because this vibrant city has a diverse heart-healing menu. Sing your blues away in Tsim Sha Tsui's karaoke bars, devour street food delights in Sham Shui Po, or paint the town with the colors of Lan Kwai Fong's nightlife. Seek solace in the serenity of Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, and find strength by hiking the awe-inspiring Dragon's Back.

  • Well, if you're looking to reflect on your life in Hong Kong, you're in for a treat! With its serene parks, contemplative temples, and the mesmerizing chaos of its streets, this city can make you ponder life's mysteries while trying to cross the road without getting run over. It's like a game of real-life chess, where every move counts! So, take a stroll along Victoria Harbour, meditate in a hidden garden, or simply watch the world go by from a bustling street corner - you'll find that Hong Kong has a way of making you both philosophical and slightly anxious about crossing the road at the same time.

We've all got our very own 'Eat, Pray, Love' hideaways, and trust me, they don't always involve Rome, Bali, and India. As for me, one scorching summer, my magical haven was none other than Hong Kong, the Asian New York, a place that dished out the kind of healing, clarity, and zen that even Elizabeth Gilbert would envy.

Now, why, you may ask, was I wallowing so dramatically? Well, it's a tale as old as time: my heart had been stomped on, twirled around, and generally mishandled. So off I went, with my heart in tatters, a shiny new resume ahead of a job-hunting season, as well as a fervent wish to be anywhere but the same continent as my troubles.

With the grace of a panda but generally full of optimism, I embarked on an exploration of Hong Kong and its many delights. And by the time that sweltering summer came to an end, I had not only misplaced my woes but had also stumbled upon a shiny new job, to boot. So believe me when I tell you: the healing process in Hong Kong is just like dim sum - just take it one bite at a time, and you will leave with a full heart.

Life can throw lemons, oranges, and the occasional banana peel our way, but nothing to worry about. In the sprawling urban wonderland of Hong Kong, there's a secret potion of tranquility and self-discovery hidden amidst the chaos. Explore how, with its mesmerizing nature, wild cultural adventures, and soul-satisfying activities, Hong Kong can help you find your zen, no matter what life has thrown your way. 

Remember, in Hong Kong, healing comes with a side of adventure, contemplation, laughter, and plenty of delicious bites (my suggestions here). 

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Since we're talking about a city of 7.5 million people scattered across different islands, it's good to know the main areas and neighborhoods in Hong Kong. Also, you can prepare for your trip by consulting these books and movies set in the city.

Hong Kong Island is the most urbanized and densely populated part of Hong Kong. Its key neighborhoods include:

  • Central: The financial center of Hong Kong, home to numerous corporate offices, luxury shopping districts, and a bustling nightlife.

  • Causeway Bay: Known for shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the massive Times Square shopping mall.

  • Wan Chai: A mix of commercial and residential areas with a vibrant nightlife scene.

  • Aberdeen: Famous for its harbor and floating seafood restaurants.

  • Stanley: A relaxed coastal area with a famous market and beautiful beaches.

Kowloon Peninsula is located across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island. Key neighborhoods are:

  • Tsim Sha Tsui: A major shopping and tourist district, known for the Avenue of Stars, Harbor City Mall, and great views of the Hong Kong skyline.

  • Mong Kok: A bustling area with street markets, shopping, and a lively atmosphere.

  • Yau Ma Tei: Known for its night market and cultural attractions.

  • Kwun Tong: An emerging district with a mix of industry and creative enterprises.

Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong and home to the Hong Kong International Airport. It's known for Tung Chung, a growing residential area and the gateway to Lantau, known for its cable car to Ngong Ping and the Big Buddha.

New Territories is the region between Kowloon and mainland China, and it includes various towns and areas, such as:

  • Sha Tin: Known for its new town developments and the Sha Tin Racecourse.

  • Tuen Mun: A coastal town with beautiful beaches.

  • Tai Po: A picturesque town with parks and historic sites.

Hong Kong also includes numerous smaller islands, such as Lamma Island or Cheung Chau. These islands offer a more relaxed and natural environment, with hiking trails, beaches, and small fishing villages.

Views from Victoria Peak

Begin your exploration with breathtaking views of Hong Kong's skyline from Victoria Peak. The Peak Tram offers a fun way to reach the top, and you can explore the surrounding gardens and trails.

Take a ride on the iconic Star Ferry to cross Victoria Harbour. The short journey offers fantastic views of the city's skyscrapers and is a quintessential Hong Kong experience. You can also stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for picturesque views of Victoria Harbour, especially beautiful at sunset. Witness the dazzling Symphony of Lights show, a nightly light and sound extravaganza involving Hong Kong's skyscrapers along the Victoria Harbour. 

Streets of Hong Kong

Explore the lively Temple Street Night Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, electronics, clothing, and sample delicious street food.

Experience the cultural side of Hong Kong by visiting Wong Tai Sin Temple, where you can make a wish or get your fortune told by a local practitioner. You can also visit the atmospheric Man Mo Temple, where coils of burning incense fill the air, and you can experience a moment of calm in the city's hustle and bustle.

Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Chi Lin Nunnery and the adjoining Nan Lian Garden, both exquisitely landscaped and perfect for quiet contemplation. If you're interested in Hong Kong's history, Hong Kong Museum of History offers a fascinating look at the city's evolution over the years.

Chi Lin Nunnery

Explore Lantau Island further to discover natural beauty, hiking trails, and even a tranquil fishing village, Tai O. Visit Ngong Ping Village and take a cable car ride to visit the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, the 34-meter-tall statue that dominates the landscape. You can climb the 268 steps to get a closer look and enjoy panoramic views.

Tian Tan Buddha

And for the sake of your inner child, head to Hong Kong Disneyland, where East meets Mickey Mouse! Nestled in the heart of Asia, this magical kingdom boasts all the enchantment of its American cousins, but with a spicy twist. Pack your chopsticks and mouse ears and get ready for a wild ride that's part Disney, part dim sum, and all kinds of delightful!

Hong Kong Disneyland

Got your very own 'Eat Pray Love' spot? You know, that place that flipped your life around and spat you back out as a whole new version of yourself? Share your thoughts on Hong Kong while you're at it! Leave a comment below, and don't forget, every single day, make sure to exhale a heap of troubles and inhale a world of awesomeness.

Maja Šoštarić
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