Is Hong Kong Tourist-Friendly?
Hong Kong is a city brimming with life and activity, serving up some of the most coveted attractions on the planet that rank it among top tourist destinations in the world. If you have some reservations about the pearl of the orient, we tackle those with answers to troubling questions that may be swirling in your mind.
1) What’s the public transport situation like?
The public transport system in Hong Kong is so good that many countries have embarked on benchmarking tours to see what they’re doing right. Unlike most urban cities around the planet that are rocked by nerve-wracking traffic jams, this city provides a comprehensive public transport network that is both efficient and convenient. At the heart of this world-class infrastructure, is the MTR that- like most of its other transport accessories including double-
deckers, minibusses, and ferries- relies on the cashless Octopus card. Tourists can easily travel back and forth between places of interest.
2) Is your safety assured?
Traveling to a new and unfamiliar city can be worrying, but you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands in one of the finest police forces in Asia and beyond. Fueled by a 24-hour economy and a population that’s always on the move, you can roam the streets and explore to your heart’s delight without worry about crime. Recent demonstrations may raise questions from visitors, but these have been largely peaceful with international news outlets
stating 2020 might just be the best time to visit, given how friendly the prices have gotten in recent months.
3) Are there enough places to see or things to do?
Hong Kong has a more than generous serving of tourist attractions, which makes it one of the leading lights in this regard. Nature lovers can ogle viridescent layouts at Victoria peak, get lost in the beautiful skyscraper sky at various observatories, and embark on scenic pilgrimages in unspoiled islands such as Lantau. Additionally, the city has plenty to offer in experiential packages, including traditional tea ceremonies, an authentic Hong Kong
massage, and many sessions uncovering the interesting craftsmanships of feudal China. You may run out of time, but you’ll never run of places to visit in one of the most touristy cities in the world!
4) So many shopping options!
If you’re like most of us, you factor in the shopping situation of a town before you set foot on it. Hong Kong has your back offering countless rows of fashion outlets, food markets, trinkets, and all other kinds of stores that are usually the mainstay of every traveler’s itinerary. Go to central for an upscale shopping adventure involving the best boutiques and eateries, or head on down to the always-up-and-running Causeway Bay, which has been
dubbed as the city’s shopping mecca. Additionally, Hong Kong’s soaring technology appeal is on full display at the electronic heaven that is Sham Shui Po, while the ladies will particularly appreciate the Ladies Market in Kowloon. All that is only scratching the surface of the city’s enormous shopping attractions.
Should you be worried about language barriers?
Communication shouldn’t pose too much of a problem, seeing that English is one of the country’s two official languages. You may need to learn a few niceties here and then, but getting about and talking with people should be a breeze. In a nutshell, cities rarely get any more tourist-friendly than Hong Kong. You’re sure to love your time in the city of Skyscrapers!