To understand Hong Kong, you have to know some history. After a 99-year lease to the United Kingdom, the port was handed back over to China in 1997. While the Brits are long gone, Hong Kong's singular appeal still lies in the intersection—and juxtaposition—of British and Chinese cultures. Equally dramatic is the contrast between the peninsula's famous skyline and surrounding lush peaks. Though it thrives as a hub for expats, Hong Kong remains true to its Cantonese roots, perhaps best embodied in its world-famous cuisine and lively street markets.
Amanda Kho
Hong Kong
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33 Best Hotels in Hong Kong
Luxury in the clouds.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Regent Hong Kong$$ | Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road RegentRead full reviewTake in astonishing views in every direction.
Hot List - Rosewood Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, No18, Salisbury RdRead full reviewAs much of a stake in the ground marking the Kowloon waterfront as the place to be as another flawless hotel from Rosewood.
Readers Choice Awards
Hot List 
Gold List - Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Rd.Read full reviewThe location alone is reason enough to book this historic Hong Kong hotel, but the luxurious spa, excellent restaurants, and cool Captain’s Bar keep guests coming back.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Rd. WRead full reviewThe Ritz-Carlton's Hong Kong location doesn't disappoint: Expect Michelin-starred restaurants, spacious rooms, panoramic harbor views, and superlative service from start to finish.Readers Choice Awards
- The Upper House$$$ | China, Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 QueenswayRead full reviewThe Upper House leaves guests wanting for nothing.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - The Langham, Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, 8 Peking Rd.Read full reviewCombining British heritage (afternoon high tea at Palm Court) with Art Deco-inspired decor (chandelier- and marble-clad lobby), The Langham balances convenience and glamour for both business travelers and families.Readers Choice Awards
- JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong,Read full reviewThe excellent location (atop Pacific Place mall and the MTR) is ideal for zipping around Hong Kong. Add to that the health facilities, diverse restaurants, and comprehensive services and you have a favorite among the business set.Readers Choice Awards
- The Peninsula Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, Salisbury Rd.Read full reviewCombining an old-school Hong Kong feel with contemporary comfort, The Peninsula specializes in world-class service—whether your mission is business or pleasure.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Conrad Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 QueenswayRead full reviewAfter a day of meetings, the Conrad feels like a refuge. The convenient location near Hong Kong’s top offices and restaurants is a selling point, and the harbor views seal the deal.Readers Choice Awards
- The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, 15 Queen's Road CentralRead full reviewWellness travelers, style mavens, and creative types will love the hotel’s spa-like vibe, contemporary design, and attention to detail. The central location—with shops and corporate offices at your doorstep—is just icing on the cake.Readers Choice Awards
- Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, 8 Finance St.Read full reviewTake excellent service, splurge-worthy restaurants, and a convenient location near the MTR and ferry piers and you have one of Hong Kong’s top hotels.Readers Choice Awards
- Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, Supreme Court Rd.Read full reviewConveniently located in the heart of Admiralty, right by Hong Kong’s major fashion and finance centers, the hotel promises a fantastic location, great views, personable staff, and classic European elegance.Readers Choice Awards
- InterContinental Hong Kong$$$ | China, Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha TsuiRead full reviewWith its harbor views, all-star restaurants, and convenient location in Tsim Sha Tsui, InterContinental Hong Kong lives up to its world-class reputation.Readers Choice Awards
The Best Things to Do in Hong Kong
- 24 Best Things to Do in Hong KongIf you’re wondering where to begin amid the action and energy, here's our list of what to do in this buzzing city.
- 22 Best Shops in Hong KongLoosen those purse strings—this city is a shopper’s paradise.
- 5 Best Day Trips from Hong KongOur favorite quick getaways from the cosmopolitan city.
- 19 Best Beaches in Hong KongHong Kong might be best known for its densely packed skyscrapers, crowded streets, and luxury shopping—but its beaches are equally enticing.
- 10 Best Markets in Hong KongThe city's markets offer equal parts cultural experience and retail therapy.
Editor Recommendations
- Chi Lin NunneryHong Kong, Hong Kong, 5 Chi Lin DriveRead full reviewAt this Buddhist monastery complex, you'll stumble into a world of chanting nuns and meticulously pruned bonsai trees.
- Blue HouseHong Kong, Hong Kong, Stone Nullah Ln, 72A 號街 4 號地舖地舖及慶雲Read full reviewThis cobalt house has played host to all kinds of businesses—a hospital, temple, and even a kung fu studio.
- Lamma IslandHong Kong, Hong Kong,Read full reviewYou've got the best of everything: seafood, nature trails, chill cafes, bars, local markets, and quirky characters.
- Tai KwunHong Kong, Hong Kong, 10 Hollywood RdRead full reviewOn any given day, you’ll find rotating exhibitions, permanent installations, concerts, performances, screenings, regular tours and storytelling spaces.
Walking Around in Hong Kong
In this episode of Walking Around In, @wildchinatravel co-founder Albert Ng shows us what a day in Hong Kong looks like, taking us through Causeway Bay to Victoria Peak, the tallest point in Hong Kong. "Despite Hong Kong being one of the densest places in the world, around 40 percent is made of countryside," says Ng. "Join me to see how the countryside is developing into a key pastime of people during COVID-19."
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Hong Kong
- 30 Best Restaurants in Hong KongThe draw here is global pulling in not just the best of traditional Chinese, but also of Japan, Europe, even Scandinavia.
- 20 Best Bars in Hong KongThe best drinking dens in a city packed with hidden whiskey retreats, dive bars, colonial classics, and low-key gastropubs.
- 19 Best Dim Sum in Hong KongDumplings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- 10 Best Markets in Hong KongThe city's markets offer equal parts cultural experience and retail therapy.
- 19 Best Hotel Brunch Buffets in Hong KongResidents in this town love a buffet. It's a thing.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Hing Kee$ | Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 15號 Temple St
- Duddell's$$ | China, Hong Kong, 3/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell StCome to Duddell’s for the heartfelt Cantonese dishes, stay for the surprising wine pairings and revolving art exhibitions.
- Maxim's Palace$ | China, Hong Kong, 2/F, Low Block, City HallEstablished in 1980, Maxim’s is among Hong Kong’s most famous dim sum halls.
- The Lobby, The Peninsula$$ | Hong Kong,The Lobby at the Peninsula sets the scene for Hong Kong’s most famous afternoon tea.
- Yan Toh Heen$$$ | Hong Kong,This classic Cantonese restaurant on the edge of Victoria Harbour, inside the InterContinental Hong Kong, has a front-row seat to the city's iconic skyline.
- Zen Chinese Cuisine$$ | Hong Kong,The boutique setting and crowd-pleasing menu of Cantonese favorites have kept locals coming back to Zen over the years.
- Yum Cha$$ | Hong Kong,Instagrammable dim sum (molten custard buns look like emoji faces) make this Chinese restaurant stand out from the rest in Central.
- Dragon Noodles Academy$$ | Hong Kong,Dragon Noodles Academy offers fresh, fun takes on dim sum classics that look as good as they taste (rice paper rolls look like fancy doughnuts).
- Ming Court$$$ | Hong Kong,Ming Court is known for its highly creative, award-winning dishes inspired by TCM along with old-school classics like suckling pig.
- Spring Moon$$$ | Hong Kong,Set inside the Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong, Spring Moon is perhaps the city's best example of Cantonese fine dining.
- Jade Garden$ | Hong Kong,This Hong Kong classic, located beside the Star Ferry terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, still serves consistently executed dim sum (at the right price), which is why locals love it.
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The Woman About Town Sandra Choi on Hong Kong Photos
To accompany the March 19 print story.
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