Hong Kong’s story is a fascinating blend of East and West. Once a quiet collection of fishing villages, it became a British colony in the mid-1800s and quickly grew into a major global port and financial hub. Waves of migrants, traders, and entrepreneurs shaped its fast-paced, multicultural character.
In 1997, Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework, preserving much of its distinct identity. Today, it remains a dazzling mix of tradition and modernity — dim sum and skyscrapers, temples and neon — full of history yet always in motion.
I’ve always found Hong Kong to be a fascinating mystery. I remember reading a Time magazine article in the ’90s about Britain returning Hong Kong to China and wondering how it would all unfold. Many residents were anxious about the transition, and at that point the idea of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ had not yet taken shape.
Since we had so little time to plan or prepare, we dove into our Hong Kong day excursion with absolutely no expectations.
We hopped on a StarLux flight and arrived mid-morning. I had read enough to know that there was a 30-minute high-speed AirPort Express train that went to Hong Kong City and Victoria Harbor area.
It was surprisingly easy … without luggage we just wandered onto the AirPort Express, found the promenade. We ferried across the harbor to Central Pier and were having lunch on the rooftop of the Maritime museum next to the giant Ferris wheel in a full sun 80-degree day … just a little over an hour after our flight had landed. I don’t think we could have planned it any better.
The contrast between Hong Kong and Taipei was striking. Hong Kong felt surprisingly similar to London — with double-decker buses, traffic on the opposite side of the road and plenty of English spoken. Unlike Taipei, we didn’t see a single motor scooter. Between the heavier traffic and the heat, it makes sense that people prefer air-conditioned cars and public transport over scooters.
The walk from the Express Train to the promenade was a narrow gauntlet of shops, selling everything from herbal remedies to Gucci and high-end fashion.
Victoria Harbour is stunning from every angle, its shoreline framed by skyscrapers from major companies all competing for a spot along the water’s edge.
On an 80-degree afternoon, the waterfront is unbeatable — sun on your skin, breezes off the harbor and sweeping views in every direction.
A tall bronze sculpture of a female film star holding a glowing pearl-like orb above her head symbolizes the glamour, artistry and global influence of Hong Kong cinema, especially during its golden age from the 1970s through the 1990s.
It stands at the entrance of the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On our way back to the airport, we managed to fit in plenty of shopping — still a bit hard to believe we were really in Hong Kong.
We arrived back in Taipei around 9:00 pm, having pulled off a whirlwind day in Hong Kong — equal parts electric, surprising and unforgettable.
Jane in Spain 