Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Hong Kong, China

Where in the World Are We?

In Hong Kong, China

HONG KONG
AN ENIGMA WRAPPED IN A MYSTERY
With a spectacular, serrated skyline of soaring towers and neon lights, Hong Kong is a vibrant, immersive metropolis and cultural hub. Dramatic harbor-front light shows transform the waterfront’s gleaming buildings into a colorful canvas – best seen from the Star Ferry when the Symphony of Lights blares into life each evening. A city where future and tradition collide – perhaps best illustrated by the skyscrapers that feature gaping holes designed to allow spirit dragons to soar from the hills to the waterfront unimpeded.

Wander flowing shopping streets, wade through sprawling markets, and soak up the neon glory of this one-of-a-kind city – which continues to reach for the sky. Hong Kong’s dense jumble of activity is one of its main appeals. Still, once you’ve felt the thrill of rising to tower observation decks to see the soaring city from above, it’s surprisingly easy to find peace among Hong Kong’s intense urban wonders. Victoria Peak is the highest point, offering staggering city and harbor views. The Peak Tram funicular can ferry you to the top, to the vantage point historically adored by the rich for the cooler air found here, away from the busy bustle of the city streets. Many elaborate temples add a tranquil element to Hong Kong’s whirr, and Tin Hau temple has a surprisingly urban location, considering its dedication to the Goddess of the Sea. It did once occupy the shorefront, but the city’s growth saw land reclaimed from the sea around it, leaving the temple marooned inland.

SIGHTS
• Avenue of Stars
• Big Bus Tour
• Central Ferry Pier
• Central Police Station
• Cheung Sha Beach
• Flower Market

SHOPPING
They say the only way to get to know a place is to do what the locals do. When in Hong Kong, shop. All shops are open until 7 or 8 pm; many don’t close their doors until midnight. You might find a bargain or two elbowing your way through a chaotic open-air market filled with haggling vendors selling designer knockoffs, the air reeking of the chou tofu (“stinky” tofu). But then you could find a designer number for half the usual price in a hushed marble-floor mall.

Today’s Excursion – The New Territories – Heritage & Tradition
We explored Hong Kong’s ancient past during this journey to the villages, temples, and ancestral homes outside the city. We departed the pier for the scenic drive out of the city and beyond the hills of Kowloon to a landscape dotted with ancient villages and historical sites. Highlights of our tour included visits to some of the area’s most notable landmarks.
Man Mo Temple
Located on Fu Shin Street, the temple was built in 1892 without windows. Part of the complex served as a market storehouse
and town hall whilst still providing a place for worshippers to this day. Additionally, we were delighted to see an open street market where people flocked to buy food and gifts before Chinese New Year’s in another two days. Hong Kong now has 17 tunnels…three land each way and will lighted. Plus can you guess what each of the street market stalls sell and what they sell?

Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall
Initially constructed in 1570 and rebuilt in the 18th century, this superb building is also a Historical Monument. The hall’s
elegant style and splendid décor include exquisite woodcarvings, moldings, and murals of auspicious motifs that reflect the
superb craftsmanship of ancient times. A remnant of more opulent days, TSANG TAI UK translates into ‘Mr. Tsang’s Big House.’ More accurately described as a walled village, it was a Tsang clan strong-hold built in the mid-19th Century. The architecture resembles Hakka Chinese settlements in Guangdong (Canton) Province.

Plus, we have added some of the skyscrapers from Hong Kong Harbor.

Our final stop was at the Tau Fu Tai Mansion and Man Lun Fung Ancestral Hall.

Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant