Our first trip to Hong Kong was meant to be a quick city escape. Instead, it became four full days of exploration, sweat, and discovery. The kind of trip that leaves you with stories instead of souvenirs.
Back in 2016, we arrived in the middle of summer, greeted by that signature Hong Kong humidity. The city hit us immediately. Bold, modern, alive. Skyscrapers stood shoulder to shoulder with century-old shophouses, neon signs flickered in narrow lanes, and everything seemed to move with rhythm and purpose. A bit too busy for our liking but those are typical modern city vibes.
The Garden, the Ferry, and the Flow of the City
We started our morning to say hi to “Sammo Hung” at the Garden of Stars, a revamped version of the Avenue of Stars, where handprints of Hong Kong’s film icons line the promenade. The harbour breeze cut through the heat as we took in the skyline stretching across Victoria Harbour. Tourists posed, joggers weaved through the crowd, and street performers filled the air with music. Across the water, Hong Kong Island shimmered in the sun, a view that never really gets old.
From there, we boarded the Star Ferry to cross the harbour. It’s a short ride, barely ten minutes, but it’s easily one of the most beautiful things you can do in Hong Kong. Standing by the railing, the skyline came alive, glass towers, mountain backdrops, and the steady hum of ferries cutting through the waves. It’s impossible not to be moved by that view, even if you’ve seen it a hundred times in photos.
Next, we found ourselves at the Mid-Levels Escalator, the world’s longest outdoor escalator system. It sounds mundane until you’re on it. Gliding through layers of the city that shift from chaotic street markets to quiet residential corners. Every level reveals a new face of Hong Kong. It’s like watching the city breathe.
The Tram, the Food, and the Unexpected Heat
From the escalators, we hopped on the ding ding, Hong Kong’s iconic double-decker tram. We climbed to the top deck, grabbed the front seat, and let the city roll by. There’s something poetic about watching life from above — the clatter of the tracks below, the flash of neon signs, the quiet rhythm of a city that never slows down.
Our next stop was food. Specifically, Wai Kee Duck Rice in Bowrington Market. It’s one of those meals that sticks with you for life. The smell hit us before the plate arrived — roasted duck with crisp skin, tender meat, and rich gravy poured over rice. The first bite said everything. Years later, it still stands as the best duck rice I’ve ever had.
But not all adventures go smoothly. Determined to squeeze in one last challenge, we tackled the Dragon’s Back Hike the following day. It started easy, with cool breezes and panoramic views of the coast. By midday, it turned brutal. We ran out of water, the sun was merciless, and there was nowhere to hide. My wife and I kept going, each step slower than the last, until we finally reached the end and found the sweetest thing in Hong Kong — a cold bottle of water. That moment taught me that even in travel, knowing when to slow down matters.
Nights That Shine
We ended our trip the way many do — by heading up to Victoria Peak. The view from the top was breathtaking, the city lights glittering like a sea of stars below. It’s one of those places that makes you stop talking for a moment. Just you, the skyline, and silence.
Back on the streets, we wandered through a night market, soaking in the energy. Vendors called out, lights flickered, the air smelled of grilled snacks and souvenirs. Hong Kong, even at midnight, felt alive.
A City That Lingers
Hong Kong wasn’t just a city break; it was a reminder that travel can be both exhausting and exhilarating at once. From the calm of the Garden of Stars to the chaos of the tram, from that perfect plate of duck rice to the punishing Dragon’s Back heat — every moment had its place.
It’s a city that moves fast but rewards those who take it slow. And that balance, between motion and meaning, is why Hong Kong will always stay with me.
