Hong Kong Cruises

Written by Beth Garrett

Hong Kong is a city that has experienced its share of trials and tribulations, but it is also a city that has persevered. Hong Kong is a city full of contradictions. Although it is surrounded on three sides by the South China Sea, the terrain is mostly rugged because the majority of the land consists of folded mountains. In 1842, China was forced to hand Hong Kong over to the British as a consequence of the First Opium War. Hong Kong was attractive to the British because of its convenient trading location. Hong Historic Tiger Balm Gardens in Hong Kong

Historic Tiger Balm Gardens in Hong Kong

Kong appeared to be no more than a barren rock until mainland Chinese fled to the city in order to escape Communist rule. The influx of Chinese immigrants brought many wealthy businessmen to the area. At this point Hong Kong became a major financial force to be reckoned with. Under the Sino-British joint declaration that was signed between Britain and China in 1984, Hong Kong was to be returned to China in 1997. Today, Hong Kong can be divided into three parts: Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and Kowloon.

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island has everything to offer from wondrous skyscrapers and museums to shopping and outdoor recreation. The area known as Aberdeen offers vacationers a sight that would be hard to find in most places throughout the world. Aberdeen is a neighborhood on Chinese Junk Boat in Hong Kong

water. Thousand of people live on dilapidated boats in the harbor. There are also two highly acclaimed floating restaurants that serve fresh local seafood. Just across from Aberdeen is Lamma Island. Ferries run tourists back and forth throughout the day. This is a great place to enjoy a picnic or a leisurely hike. Shopahalics will love Causeway Bay and the Stanley Market. Causeway Bay is home to exclusive shops and trend-setting fashion houses. The Stanley Market offers a wide variety of wares. Vacationers will find everything from leather clothing to porcelain. Kids will be begging to go to Ocean Park/Waterworld. The shark tunnel, butterfly house, Dinosaur Trail and roller coaster will please kids of all ages. Architect lovers will revel in the enormous skyscrapers that fill the city's skyline. There are also over 200 islands surrounding Hong Kong. Cruise Ship in Hong Kong Harbor

To escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, various ferry companies provide transportation to and from many islands.

Kowloon

Across from Hong Kong Island lies the peninsula Kowloon. The Hong Kong Museum of Art is bursting with Chinese artifacts including beautiful bronze, jade, bamboo and ceramic pieces. In China, jade is thought to have immense spiritual powers. Head over to the Jade Market and take home a souvenir. Over 400 stalls are set up selling this precious stone in various shapes. The Temple Street Night Market is a fascinating place. Fortune tellers read the future and venders hock their wares. There is even a Chinese opera performance. The Waterfront Promenade is Kowloon's cultural epicenter. Located in this area is the Hong Kong Cultural Center, the New World Complex, the Clock Tower and the Space Museum and Theatre. The Planetarium Sky Show is located next to the Cultural Center complex at the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui. This is one of the largest planetariums in the world. The New Territories are 200 square miles in size and remain predominantly undeveloped.

Vacation Cruises

Everyday throughout the year cruise ships deposit throngs of vacationers on the shores of Hong Kong. Numerous cruise lines have ships that not only make stops in this intriguing city, but have ships departing from it as well. To visit Hong Kong and other exotic cities such as Fiji, Bangkok and Singapore, book a vacation cruise today. Before vacationers have even left this enchanting city, they will already be planning their next trip back.