48 hours in Hong Kong: panoramic city vistas, beach sunsets and delicious dim sum

Hong Kong lies in the southeast of China. Known for its vast skyscrapers, hikes, star ferries and Dim Sum, the special autonomous region (SAR) is filled to the brim with things to do even away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

As a SAR of China, UK passport holders do not need to trawl through the extensive visa applications required for mainland China, a definite plus to visiting the city.

City sights

Hong Kong is a sightseer's paradise with impressive neon-lit streets and many opportunities for challenging but rewarding hikes. If like me, you visit the city in September or October, the weather will be satisfyingly summery but not overwhelmingly hot, ideal conditions for hiking.

Image credit: Julia Tet on Unsplash

Victoria Peak is an unmissable viewpoint in Hong Kong. Whether you take the Peak Tram or climb to the top, you will be met with panoramic views of the city, the bay and beyond.

Image credit: Daniel Clark

For night-time views of the city's flashing lights, hop across Victoria Harbour on the cheap Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui. While there, you can walk down Nathan Road in all its neon glory or to the Ladies' Market in Mong Kok for some cheap retail therapy.

Nearby Kowloon Park offers bright greenery, turtles and so many Pokemon Go players.

Island sights

For island sights, take a day trip to Lamma Island, a short ferry ride from mainland Hong Kong, for more luscious greenery and scenic beaches.

Image credit: blazejosh on Pixabay

Lamma Island still hangs onto its fishing heritage, home to fishing villages with all the fresh seafood restaurants you could hope for. There are absolutely no cars on the island; you either walk or rent a bike, a welcome change of pace from the charged-up city life.

Lamma’s beaches are also remote (which means there is quite a trek to reach them) and mostly quiet although they are included on the "Lamma Island Family Walk" trail.

On my trip to Lamma Island, I ended up at Hung Shing Yeh beach. After the long, hot trek there, the water made for a refreshing dip with the sunset as our backdrop. Bliss.

Lamma Island, Hung Shing Yeh beach. Image credit: Daniel Clark

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Next up is Lantau Island. To get there, you must take a relatively expensive 25-minute cable car ride to the top of the island from Ngong Ping 360.

The journey itself provides excellent views but the most impressive sight is at the top where you will encounter a huge Buddha statue. Named the Tian Tan Buddha, it is the second largest bronze Buddha, situated amongst a picturesque mountain vista.

Image credit: Daniel Clark

However, be prepared to scale the 268 steps it takes to reach him.

Lantau also houses Po Lin Monastery, great if you want a slice of history and regal architecture.

Image credit: Daniel Clark

Food

Hong Kong’s renowned food scene does not disappoint.

Dim Sum is a staple in Hong Kong. If you want to try the super cheap but delicious Michelin-starred Dim Sum, look no further than Tim Ho Wan. Char Siu Bao (buns filled with BBQ Beef) is the dish to look out for there.

Image credit: Daniel Clark

It costs approximately 100 Hong Kong dollars (£9.80) to eat multiple dishes, desserts and a drink (including unlimited Hong-Kong style tea), so it is incredibly cheap.

Other stunning dishes Hong Kong has to offer include Lo Mai Gai (steamed glutinous rice, normally with pork or chicken), a whole range of roasted meats including pork or duck, Wonton noodles and, of course, the famous egg tarts.

Museums

If you are the museum type, Hong Kong has one of the best. At the Museum of History, entrance is free and they run special exhibits from time-to-time.

The permanent exhibition The Hong Kong Story tracks the region’s political, social, economic and legal history from the pre-historic period to the contemporary period. What makes the museum special is they have constructed buildings and sets for you to walk into, making you feel truly immersed in history. The exhibit displays information on the various Chinese dynasties, Japanese occupation, colonial rule and contemporary Chinese culture.

Hong Kong is also home to various science and space museums, as well as maritime, art and heritage galleries.

Whether you are looking to become one with the neon-lit sights or simply relax and sample the local cuisine, Hong Kong has something to offer for everyone, even in the space of 48 hours.