By Athena Kung, third year Geography student
If you ever find yourself thinking about what to do for your next holiday, let me persuade you to come to Hong Kong. With 7-11s around every corner, shops that never seem to close, and taxis to hop into at any hour, it’s no surprise Hong Kong is often regarded as a city that never sleeps. While it may seem like it’s all skyscrapers here, there’s actually a lot more to offer – 75% of Hong Kong is countryside. So, whether it be hikes, water sports or cycling you’re interested in, there’s something for everyone in Hong Kong.
1. The Food
Can I just start by saying there are so many restaurants, it’s hard to pick where to go for meals? Whether it be traditional Chinese dimsum, Swiss fondue, or Korean BBQ, the cuisine you’re craving will probably be right at your doorstep, or a five-minute walk away.
aqua, Hong Kong
Who doesn’t love brunch? But dimsum in Hong Kong just takes it to a whole new level. Dumplings, steamed buns, spring rolls… I’m getting so hungry just thinking about it. If you head to Maxim’s, you’ll find staff pushing carts of freshly-made food (and me running after them to get those warm egg tarts!), a sight reminiscent of dimsum in the 1960s.
Dimsum
If it’s something a bit more contemporary you’re after, YUM CHA might be the place for you. Traditional dimsum completely reimagined, it’s definitely a place to check out. You might find it hard to eat some of the dishes though – they’re just too cute!
Dimsum at YUM CHA
2. The skyline
Who says it’s bedtime at night? Hong Kong wakes up once it’s dark, and Symphony of Lights, the light show at Victoria Harbour, only reiterates this (if you’re feeling fancy, hop on a junk and watch the show while cruising along the harbour).
Victoria Harbour skyline.
3. Endless hiking trails
Whether it be an escape from the city you’re after, or just to see the skyline from above, there’s a trail to suit any ability.
Lion Rock hike 
On a hike passing Tai Tam Reservoir
4. Neighbouring islands
Escape the craziness of the city for a day, and head to one of Hong Kong’s many neighbouring islands! Visit an old fishing village in Tai O, amazing seafood in Cheung Chau, wakeboard in Sai Kung… and if you’re feeling super adventurous, we’ve got rock pools to dive into as well!
Sai Kung: Watersports 
Cheung Chau 
Tai O: Fishing village
5. Transportation
It’s so cheap and efficient here (trains are 99% reliable!). Taxis are everywhere and start at $20 HKD (£2). The Star Ferry also offers scenic views of the city when crossing from one side of Hong Kong to the other, and only costs $2.20 HKD (22p)! Oh, and it takes only 24 minutes to get from the airport to Central, where all the skyscrapers are.
6. Shopping
Shopping malls, night markets, local shops…
7. Theme parks
We have a Disneyland!! And Ocean Park: a theme park and aquarium all rolled into one.
Hong Kong Disneyland
8. Nearby cities
Macau is just an hour-long ferry ride away. And Shenzhen is just across the border from Hong Kong. Make the most of your trip to Hong Kong by crossing off more places from your scratch map.
Ferry to Macau
9. It’s safe
Ranked the 9th safest city in the world – going home at 5am after a night out doesn’t feel scary at all.
Hong Kong at 5am
10. Sunsets
Wow
With endless food options, and so much to do, I hope Hong Kong is now on your list of places to visit! And if you’ve been here before, comment your favourite things about Hong Kong below!
John's Chronicle 