Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a city in the south of the People’s Republic of China, capital of the province of Guangdong.

It has an international airport and communicates with Hong Kong (at a distance of 120 km) by trains, buses and a ferry service.

Easily accessible if you fly to Shenzhen or Hong Kong since it has trains every 15-20 minutes and it takes about 30-40 minutes from Shenzhen and about 1 hour from Hong Kong

What to see in this overcrowded city?

Although almost all cities in China look similar except for large cities, Guangzhou has its peculiarity. Likewise, I would not recommend staying more than 4 days unless you’re visiting the surroundings. A good area to choose hotel is the Kecun area, since it is central and moving around is not very expensive via taxi or didi

1. Canton Tower

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YsLkzyGPgbLKUJ6K6

If you have chosen the Kecun area to spend your nights, Canton Tower is just few minutes walking distance away. Recommended to visit during night time since this tower is the emblem of the city

2. Nightlife at Party Pier Plaza

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gvgRdF4Ro244foLm7

Both for nightlife and for enjoying its views or for a walk, this area is highly recommended. Great views of the city from the bars entrance area next to the taxi stops

3. Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vvf9A15bwKtBzb7M9

Soaring 1888 Catholic cathedral, one of only a few in the world constructed completely of granite.

Open from 8.30-11.30 and 14.30-1700 on Tue-Fri. 8.30-17.00 on Sat-Sun. Monday closed

4. Visit the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dKfo15h2yQFxHVPP6

A few minutes walking distance from the cathedral is this temple. Recommended to stop by!

Open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm

Entry fees: 5RMB

5. Visit the Guangxiao Temple

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7ifdUPGCkNyi5Bwq7

Ancient Buddhist temple complex known for its numerous iron towers, statues, gardens & bodhi tree

Also just a few minutes walking distance from the temple mentioned above is this temple. Perfect for families!

Entry fees: 5RMB

6. Stroll at Xiaozhou Ancient Village 霞洲村

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cNevxeRTM9umwJwR9

This ancient town is located on the outskirts of the city about 40 minutes by car. Highly recommended to spend half a day and enjoy of its traditional alleys and complexes.

To locate this site once arrived to the area, simply enter the market area or follow the signs. It is also easy to find since the difference between modern and old streets is obvious

7. Explore the Huangpu Village 黄埔村

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/P7QMfHuMq5TuG7kX9

One of the most beautiful traditional villages of Guangzhou. Perfect to spend a day among its alleys. Full of markets, restaurants, temples, shops … and is not very popular yet!

The town is located on the outskirts but easily accessible by car. Taxis in Canton are not relatively expensive and will save us a lot of time that could be used to visit new sites

8. Stroll at TIT Creative Industry Zone

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BMaCK8GJody53hCC8

Industrial zone transformed into business, coffee shops and art. Perfect place to walk, relax, have breakfast, night photography…

9. Walk by Zhujiang River Promenade

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/u9a2tGph6NrrrAmC6

Great promenade that goes along the river with views of the city. The end of this promenade leads to the party area

10. Hike up to Baiyunshan

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZxkbDgbzNth7suKa9

This mountain has several entrances and routes. The roads are usually through the road, so there is no difficulty at all. Within the area there are food stalls and restaurants. The views from the top are decent but unfortunately the pollution usually covers the views a bit.

Along the way there are several points of interest, such as temples and monuments

 

Yangshuo

Yangshuo, a county and resort town in southern China’s Guangxi region, is known for its dramatic karst mountain landscape and outdoor recreation. The town is set amid pinnacles like Bilian Feng (Green Lotus Peak), which has a hiking trail to the top. Tour boats offer cruises on the Li River past picturesque countryside from the town of Guilin to the north.

What to see in Yangshuo? Endless activities. These are the ones that I have been able to enjoy so far

Before starting it should be clarified that to get here there are two train stations and can be somewhat confusing:
-Guilin train station
–Xingping train station (known as Yangshuo station)
If you arrive at Guilin, you would have to take a bus to Yangshuo and it would take approximately 2 hours.
If you arrive at Xingping, just take a taxi to Yangshuo as it is 30 minutes away. The advantage of getting to Xingping is that once you arrive, you can take advantage of it and go to Li River for a bamboo ride, climb to Laozhaishan peak for an incredible view of the area and visit the old town. If you carrying a lot of stuffs, a taxi to Yangshuo is approximately 80 yuan

1. Li River boat ride

Li River is located in Xingping on the outskirts of Yangshuo.
The boat ride is one of the most popular tourist attractions. To get a ticket it is possible from the ticket window just at the entrance of the river or in an office located in the town near the selected area in the image below. Xingping also offers countless hikes along the river

2. Hike up to Laozhaishan

Also located in Xingping, Laozhaishan is located next to the entrance to the river. Just go through the market on the left side facing the river to get there (follow the toilet direction but once you find the crossing, turn left).

The top of the mountain offers stunning views of Xingping
The climb is slightly hard in several sections but its duration is about 35-40 minutes

3. Stroll at Yangshuo town

Visit Yangshuo town is another of the most recommended activities. For shopping, food or just to see its old town transformed into a tourist attraction

4. Nighlife at Yangshuo town

Being increasingly popular, the nightlife in Yangshuo calls the attention in some of its bars. Nothing else to say…

5. Hike up to the TV Tower

This is not one of the most popular hikes but it is worth its 45 minute climb. This mountain is located just at the entrance of the town about 15 minutes away walking from the old town and offers stunning views of Yangshuo. To get here is a bit confusing since there are no updated maps of this area. The entrance is right in one of the alleys that I mark in the image below (as reference, you could see the TV Tower right in front of the alley up to the mountain peak). Then just follow the streets up. As soon as you enter the alley, turn left and keep going up all the streets, always going up.

You will have to continue walking up through the streets until you see the entrance to the hike as shows the image below

Highly recommended to climb during sunset

6. Hike up to the Moon Hill

This mountain is located on the outskirts of Yangshuo, at the South. To get here you have to take a taxi / didi or rent a motorcycle/bicycle. Didi/Taxi here is quite affordable and let us save a lot of time. The address here in chinese is 月亮山景区 or if using Didi english version, just type Moon Hill
Once arrived, there are two routes: Moon Palace and Dresser
-Direction to Moon Palace reaches up to the hill
-Direction Dresser reaches to a kind of picnic area that personally has better views of the hill than from any other place around, being perfect for photographs

Moon Palace

Dresser

If you visit the Moon Palace area, don’t forget to help the locals by buying them a drink. They hike up here daily to make a living

There are hundreds of activities to do here. Countless hikes, bike routes, towns to see, … but it takes a lot of time to do them all!

Ma On Shan: a world away

Ma On Shan 馬鞍山 is a saddle-shaped peak in east of Tolo Harbour in the New Territories of Hong Kong. With a height of 702 metres, it stands among the ten highest mountains in Hong Kong. The mountain borders Sha Tin and Tai Po districts.

This hike is one of the most challenging and reach to the peak has a great reward: AMAZING landscapes. But actually, no need to reach to the top of the mountain to really enjoy of these panoramic views. All the trail offers stunning views of the area: Ma On, Sai Kung, Sharp Island,…so all the effort on this hike will be rewarded with different panoramic views, breathtaking panoramic views…

Recommended for this hike a comfortable shoes with good grip, sun block, a lot of water and long pants.

HOW TO GET THERE

To get there take MTR to Ma On Shan Station exit B. The fastest way is to take a taxi from there to the BBQ site. Walk up to the BBQ site from MTR will take more than an hour and is all way up. Save energy for this hike would be essential.

HIKING AROUND

From the BBQ site find the indications to the Family Walk. Below is the route chosen for this hike:

Family Walk > Tiu Shau Ngam > 馬鞍山(馬鞍頭) > MacLehose Trail sec. 4 > Ngong Ping viewpoint > Ma On Shan Country trail > Tai Shui Tseng > Walk to Sai Kung Pier & take a bus back.

–The beginning:

A tough section up to the first peaks before the highest. All the hike up has a steep slope and only the last part of the section is sheltered. Narrow trail full of branches and trees. A section with a climbing part & a rope attached to the rocks (easy, no need the rope unless is wet with slippery slope)

Views up to the first little peak. From here can see Ma On Shan town, the Plover Cove Reservoir (right side), Pat Sin Leng Country Park (just in front), Tai Mo  Shan (left side)

–Continuing to the highest peak:

Leaving behind these amazing views, the highest peak is visible after. There is a shortcut and the next peak can be bypassed through a bushy trail on the right side. I didn’t notice of this bypass, just once I saw other hikers taking it instead of climbing up. But worth to climb all the peaks for stunning views like these and the most important reason, we are hikers not tourists

–The highest peak:

The highest peak is not so tough as the first peaks. The views of Sai Kung on the left side encourage you to the summit.

Views ahead from the top:

The way down is through MacLehose Trail sec. 4. The views along the trail are simply gorgeous.

Reaching to the Ngong Ping viewpoint

From this point to Tai Shui Tseng is all way down and just need to follow the indications.

 

Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a major city in Guangdong Province, China; it forms part of the Pearl River Delta megalopolis, bordering Hong Kong to the south, Huizhou to the northeast, and Dongguan to the northwest.

So if your a planning a short trip to Shenzhen (no need more than a week unless planning to move around), I’d recommend you visit these particular places:

1. Walk in Shenzhen Bay Park 深圳湾公园

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Shenzhen Bay Park 深圳湾公园 is the longest coastal park of Shenzhen (China). If you really love cycling or long walks this place will be perfect with great views of Hong Kong New Territories on the other side of the bay and Nanshan & Futian districts. Ideal for night!

To get there take metro Line 9 at Shenzhen Bay Park station (深圳湾公园站) exit C.

2. Explore Shenzhen Central Park 深圳中心公园

Central Park 深圳中心公园 is located in the heart of the Commercial Business District (CBD) of Futian, Shenzhen (China). It is free entry and considered one of the most underrated parks of the city

To get there take the subway to Huaqiang North Station and Exit A on the orange line and then straight ahead for almost 400 meters

3. Walk & chill at OCT Loft

OCT Loft 华侨城创意园 offers a different side of Shenzhen with its green paths, areas and parks. In additional, OCT Loft is one of the main points of interest for art and photography lovers, yet for coffee lovers as this place offers plenty of cafeshops

To get there take metro Line 1 to Windows of the World 世界之窗 and then transfer to Line 2 to Qiaocheng North Station 侨城北 and take exit B. The easiest way is following the OCT Hospital indications, since is near to the area.

4. Visit the Phoenix Mountain 凤凰山公园

Phoenix Mountain (凤凰山公园)  is located in Bao’an district of Shenzhen (China). This place is a great option for a walk and see a small nature side of Shenzhen with its lake surrounded of mountains and trees. A walk to the top you’ll have views of Bao’an district and a temple with its little pagoda

To get there can take Didi, the bus M433 or metro to 塘尾 Tangwei and walk or grab taxi from here to the mountain

5. Explore Nantou Village 南头

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Nantou Ancient Village 南头 is a historical monument in Shenzhen, China. It was the former administrative centre of Xin’an County. This place is perfect if you want to see the traditional side of China within a small neighborhood despite this places has been renewed and became commercial. Stroll through its narrow streets gives you the chance to see how the locals are living here.

To get there take metro to Taoyuan exit B and walk for 10-15 minutes or grab a taxi

6. Drop by Tulip Streets 荷兰花卉小镇

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Tulip streets or Netherlands Flower Town 荷兰花卉小镇 is an European-styled town located at Nanshan district in Shenzhen (China) which has been re-opened on 2011.

This little town offers a strange combination of plants, flowers, pets & cafe shops near a park, which makes it a good place to visit if you want to spend few hours of chilling

To get there you can walk for about 10 minutes from Nantou Village or by bus. The bus station is Xinghai Mingcheng (星海名城站), many buses can take you there, such as 42, 201, 223, 324, b623, b688, b699, b702, b813, m364, m370, m375.

The nearest metro station is Daxin Station at Line 1, take exit B and walk for few minutes to the north.

Alternatively, can grab a taxi/didi. By typing in Didi app (English version) “flower”, you may see that the first option is this little town to select

Address: 3008, Yueliangwan Avenue, Nanshan, Shenzhen

地址： 南山区月亮湾大道3008号

7. Walk through Shenzhen Bay Park promenade 

Shenzhen Bay Park Bridge may be an alternative to Shenzhen Bay Park. Both places are connected through the same promenade but the starting point are located in different sides. Through this walk you can see a little port in Sea World, the bridge that connects to Hong Kong and Talent Park. The walk takes roughly more than an hour

To get there take metro to Sea World and walk towards the sea passing by Nanhai Rose Garden, keep walking to Shekou Fishing Harbor and keep coasting to Shenzhen Bay Park Bridge or Talent Park farther ahead. Then you can come back by metro in Wanxia or Haiyue Stations

8. Visit Dafen Painting Village 大芬

Dafen Painting Village 大芬 is a suburb of Buji in Shenzhen, China. The area is an artist village for the production of replicas of masterworks and outsourcing of original art creation. Great place for a stroll and enjoy the traditional art of China

To get there take metro to Dafen Station exit A1 and walk straight away until finding the neighborhood

9. Hike up to Nanshan Mountain

Nanshan mountain also known as Nanshan Park, is one of the most popular mountains in Shenzhen. Great place for an amazing cityscape of Shenzhen. From the top of the mountain you will see mostly all Shenzhen. Highly recommended to visit or stay at night. The “hike” is paved with stairs and lights so is basically a walk to the top and safe to visit or back at night

To get there take metro yo Sea World exit D and head towards the mountain and then follow the indications to Nanshan Park.

10. Day/Night Hike to TanglangShan 塘朗山 郊野公园

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Tanglang Mountain 塘朗山 郊野公园 is located in Nanshan District, Shenzhen (China). With an elevation of 430m, Tanglang Mountain is the third highest peak in Shenzhen.

This mountain has two routes to reach the summit: road and paved stones trail. The climbing takes about 1-2 hours in relax rate or 45 minutes in good rate.

The hike is pretty easy and safe what makes it is perfect for a night hike by following the road. The night views from the top are pretty amazing

To get there take metro to Taoyuancun Line 7 and Exit D. Walk forward until seeing the mountain in the right side. Then walk towards the mountain and will be visible the Trail starting point

11. Watch the Lights Night Show at Lianhuashan Park 莲花山公园

Lianhuashan Park 莲花山公园 is a hill and urban park in Shenzhen, China. It is located at the northern end of the Futian Central Business District and covers an area of 150 hectares. Atop the 106-metre hill is a large bronze statue of Deng Xiaoping and views of Futian Central Business District. This park is very popular for its night lights shows, so is highly recommended to come before night and find a spot at the top to have a look to the night show. It usually starts at 8pm and last about one hour

To get there take metro to Children’s Palace exit F2, cross the park until finding the stairs up to the top

12. Hike at Yangtaishan 羊台山

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Located in Bao’an district of Shenzhen (China), Yangtaishan 羊台山 is a mountain of about 587 meters in height. It’s not as high as Wutong mountain but the summit will surprise you with its stunning views of Bao’an, Nanshan & Longgang districts.

To get there take the bus 769 or 635. If you take the bus 635, you may transfer bus at Shiyan Bus General Station and grab the bus 769 to Yangtai Mountain Station.

Otherwise, you may take Didi or taxi to get there. We grabbed a taxi from Shenzhen North Station to Shiyan entrance and costs 45RMB

13. Escape to Dapeng Old Town 

is a well-preserved town located at the east of Longgang District in Shenzhen (China). Through its narrow streets can get to the Fortress and at 5-10 minutes driving distance can get easily to Dongshan temple. By walking distance should be about 30-40 minutes though

To get there:

CAR

This is the way how I got there since is the easiest and recommended way. The journey takes about one hour departing from Louhu/Longgang district. Find a friend with car or rent it totally worth it.

BUS

This is the slowest and the last alternative. Usually takes about 2 hours or more

-From Yinghu Bus Station: Bus E11 to Dapeng -> Bus B756 to Dapeng Suocheng

-From Futian Bus Station: Bus H92 to Dapeng -> Bus B756 to Dapeng Suocheng

-From Longgang: Bus 833 to Dapeng -> Bus B756 to Dapeng Suocheng

-From Longgang Bus Terminal: Bus 818 to Dapeng -> Bus B756 to Dapeng Suocheng

 

Macau

Macau was formerly a colony of the Portuguese Empire, after Ming China leased the territory as a trading post in 1557. Macau is the gambling capital of the world. Its economy is heavily dependent on gambling and tourism, with the largest gambling revenue since 2006

Since Macau is the gambling capital of the world, the whole place is full of Casinos & Hotels which provide FREE shuttle buses to different destinations. So if you are not in the rush, this transportation system may make you save a lot of money

1. The Venetian

One of the most popular hotels & casinos, people visit this place especially for The Grand Canal Shoppes

To go there, take The Venetian Shuttle Bus from the Ferry Terminal directly

2. Taipa Village

Taipa Village is a well-preserved non-gaming destination which offers a perfect alternative to the city’s casino resorts. Perfect for dining & souvenirs shopping.

Through its streets you can easily find a lot of Portuguese restaurants with a really great food quality. Try there bacalhau à brás is a must!

To go there you can walk from The Venetian. The journey takes about 20 minutes and there are indications along the way

3. Taipa Houses-Museum

At the East of Taipa Village is located these colonial houses. Along the path to the south is located Our Lady of Carmel church & the Wetland

4. Senado

Senado Square is a paved town square in Sé and part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. Worth to have a look since it is on the way to the Ruins of St. Paul

To go there walk from Taipa Village to City of Dreams and take a shuttle bus to Grand Emperor Hotel & walk

5. Ruins of St. Paul

The Ruins of St. Paul are the ruins of a 17th-century complex in Santo António. This place is a must too see but is often packed with thousand of tourists. However, worth to have a look

To go there walk from Senado to the Ruins. The journey takes about 10 minutes and there are a lot of shops along the way

6. Monte Fort

On the right side of the ruins is located the Fort. The top of the fort offers great views of the north of Macau

Hong Kong

As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China and offers plenty of places to visit inland and city outskirts

For nature & hiker lovers, Hong Kong is surprisingly amazing for these purposes despite is really an overcrowded city.

What to see in HK? I will number some recommended places accordingly to my own criteria and experience. I’m still exploring Hong Kong nowadays and I will continue updating my list

Please note that the list below is not sorted by relevance 🙂

1. The Peak

Victoria Peak is a mountain on the western half of Hong Kong island. Highly recommended for stunning views of Hong Kong, especially at night! To get there take the bus 15C from Central Pier 8 or take the Peak Tram from MTR Central Station exit J2. Alternatives, bus 15 from Exchange Square bus terminus near MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D or Minibus 1 from the public transport interchange at MTR Hong Kong Station Exit E

2. Quarry Bay

One of the most popular places in Hong Kong for photography lovers, worth to take a look! To get there take the MTR to Quarry Bay Station and walk along King’s road towards Tai Koo until finding Montane Mansion (left side of the road). Further ahead on the road is located the other mansion with the red & yellow colors.

3. Ngong Ping

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Ngong Ping is a highland in the western part of Lantau Island. It hosts Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha. Besides these 2 popular places, Ngong Ping Village is worthy to see and several meters away The Wisdom Path.

To get to the Big Buddha platform you have to climb its 270 stairs!

To get there take the MTR to Tung Chung Station. Once you reach to Tung Chung Station, take the exit B towards the bus station and grab the Bus 23. You will see some indications along the way to the bus station. The journey will take around 40 minutes and it costs around 17.20HKD (during holidays 27HKD). Alternative is by cable car on the way to the bus station (exit B and walk straight ahead)

More info here

4. Explore Tai O

Located in Lantau Island, Tai O is a fishing village in the western coast of Lantau island. With its unique design and traditional stilt houses, is one of the last authentic places in Hong Kong that still remaining.

To get there take the metro to Tung Chung Station. Once you reach to Tung Chung Station, take the exit B towards the bus station and grab the Bus 11. You will see some indications along the way to the bus station (Tai O direction). The journey will take around 50 minutes

More info here

5. Hike Lantau Peak

Lantau Peak or Fung Wong Shan is the second highest peak in Hong Kong and the highest point on Lantau Island, with a height of 934 meters above sea level.

The hike takes about 5 hours to complete and starts at Pak Kung Au and ends in Ngong Ping. To get there take MTR to Tung Chung Station exit B and grab the bus 3M. The bus station is passing by the cable car station. You have to get off at Pak Kung Au after 15-20 minutes of bus ride.

More info here

6. Hike Sunset Peak

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Sunset Peak (Tai Tung Shan 大東山) is the third highest peak in Hong Kong located in Lantau Island and stands at a height of 869 metres (2,851 ft) above the sea level. The second highest peak is Lantau Peak located right in front of this mountain.

The hike takes about 4 hours to complete and starts at Pak Kung Au and ends at Nam Shan. To get there take MTR to Tung Chung Station exit B and grab the bus 3M. The bus station is passing by the cable car station. You have to get off at Pak Kung Au.

More info here

7. Visit Lamma Island

Lamma Island or Pok Liu Chau (博寮洲) is located to the southwest of Hong Kong and it is the third largest island. The main village is Yung Shue Wan with plenty of shops and restaurants. This village is perfect to spend few hours strolling around, to enjoy the local food or just to walk from Pak Kok San Tsuen 北角新村, Pak Kok Kau Tsuen 北角舊村 to Yung Shue Wan crossing by Tai Peng San Chuen. This walk is really pleasant and easy to finish within 1.5h hours

To get there take the MTR to Central pier 4, and grab a boat to Yung Shue Wan. The other side of the island is Sok Kwu Wan which is so far unexplored for me. There is a boat every half an hour and costs about 16HKD. The ride takes about 30 minutes and the approaching views of the island are really nice

More info here

8. Visit Sharp Island

One of the most popular island and famous for the BBQ activities, fishing, swimming and kayaking. There is a hiking trail from Kiu Tsui Port that cross the whole island to Hap Mun Bay Beach

To get there take MTR to Diamond Hill Exit C2 and then take the bus 92 to Sai Kung town. Once arrived, take a boat at the Public Pier to the island. Alternative, from Sha Tin Bus Terminus take the bus 299X to Sai Kung Town and then take a boat. Alternative B, from MTR Choi Hung Exit B take the bus 1 to Sai Kung town and then the boat to the island

9. Visit Cheung Chau island

Little island full of seafood restaurants and a good beach. The streets are packed with little shops, stalls and souvenirs. Worth to have a look and try its famous Mango Mochi!

To get there take the MTR to Central and get a ferry from Central Pier 5. The fast ferry takes about 40 minutes and the slow one takes about 1 hour

10. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park 中山紀念公園 is located in Hong Kong Island, facing Victoria Harbour. This Park is one of the main checkpoints for many locals and foreigners to enjoy peacefulness. Great pace to read a book or do outdoor exercises

To get there take the MTR to Sheung Wan Station Exit D. Turn right and walk about 5-10 minutes.

More info here

11. Nan Lian Garden

This garden was designed with hills, water features, trees, rocks and wooden structures and it’s an ideal place for a walk, photography and relax. Its design is really beautiful and well conserved, surrounded of greenery and peace.

To get there take MTR to Diamond Hill exit C1. Then simply follow the indications towards Nan Lian Garden.

More info here

12. Hike to Lion’s Rock Hill

Lion Rock Hill is a mountain located between Kowloon Tong and Tai Wan of the New Territories in Hong Kong

If you want to have one of the best views of Hong Kong island, can’t miss to hike this mountain! To get there take the MTR to Won Tai Sin Station exit B. From there, you can start the trail towards Sha Tin Pass Rd until reaching to Lion’s Pavilion.

More info here

13. Hike Kowloon Peak

Kowloon Peak or Fei Ngo Shan 飛鵝山 is a mountain in the northeast of New Kowloon, Hong Kong. The height of the mountain is about 600 meters and it’s situated in Ma On Shan Country Park

The ascent is pretty easy and the path is rocky with steps. The hike takes no more than 2-3 hours and from the top you will have stunning views of Hong Kong

To get there take the MTR to Choi Hung Station exit C1/C2. From Choi Hung Station there is a long way to the starting point of the ascent, so you can grab a taxi to Fei Ngo Shan 飛鵝山, which costs about 35HKD and 10 minutes.

More infor here

14. Hike Plover Cove Reservoir

Within this reservoir there is a hiking trail that starts at Wu Kau Tang Village next to Bride’s Pool Nature Trail and ends at Tai Mei Tuk village. There are several sections within Wu Kau Tang but the longest trail is thru Ma Tau Fund > Tai Tung > Luk Wu Tung > Tai Mei with a total duration of 7-8 hours and 18km though uphills & downhills. The last 5km are on road and takes about 2 hours, so basically are 13km of uphills and downhills. So if you are fit, this hiking trail is really great with stunning views of the Reservoir and Sai Kung

To get there take MTR to Tai Po Market and exit B to Tai Po Market Station Public Minibus Terminus. Take minibus 20R for around 20 minutes to Bride’s Pool Nature Trail on Bride’s Pool Road. It is the last stop
Also from Tai Po Market Station Bus Terminus, take 275R to Bride’s Pool Bus Terminus on Sunday and public holidays.

Return: In Tai Mei Tuk can take the minibus 20C or bus 75K to Tai Po Market

More info here

15. Hike Dragon’s Back

The difficulty of this hike is pretty low and may take about 3-4 hours, so is not a bad choice to spend a day in family here and enjoy of one of the most stunning views of Shek O, Tai Long Wan, Stanley, Tai Tam, and the South China Sea.

To get there take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan exit A3. Right in front of the exit there is a bus terminal. Take the bus 9 towards Shek O Road. The cost of the journey is about 7HKD and takes 20 minutes. Once you can see the people alighting, just follow them!

More info here

16. Victoria Harbor

Victoria Harbor is the most popular attraction in Hong Kong where you can enjoy the views of the harbor, skyscrapers and the avenue of stars. Highly recommended at night with the price of overcrowding.

To get there take MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui exit E and follow the indications to Victoria Harbor

17. Walk up to Gardens Hill

Located in Shek Kip Mei, the top of this little hills offers you stunning views of this neighborhood as the image above. Highly recommended to walk up during sunset time and wait for night views

To get there take the MTR to Shek Kip Mei exit A or Sham Shio Po exit D1 and find the indications to Gardens Hill

Enjoy your time in Hong Kong! 🙂

Jiufen 九份: a Golden Village

Jiufen is a mountain town in northeastern Taiwan, east of Taipei. It’s known for the narrow alleyways of its old town, packed with teahouses, street-food and souvenir shops.

This village is quite popular so it’s not a surprise to find crowds and waits to take decent photos. As suggestion, the best to visit this area is during weekdays to don’t get stuck into the crowds and have a decent walk through its narrow streets. Although during weekdays still a bit crowded but is bearable

The easiest way to get there from Taipei is by taking the bus 1062 (Keelung Bus) to Jinguashi and alight at Jiufen. The bus station is located outside of MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (忠孝復興), Brown Line BR and Blue Line BL interchange at Exit 2. The ride is about 1 hour and the fare is NT$98

The other way is by train north to Ruifang Station and once there take the Keelung Transit bus towards Jiufen/Jinguashi. You can use EasyCard for both ways!

Which places can visit in Jiufen? I did the following!

1. Jiufen Old Streets

The most popular place that can’t be missed! Walk through its streets, try its food, snacks, bubble milk tea…stinky tofu..!

2. Hike Keelung Mountain

Hike Keelung mountain for a stunning landscapes of Jiufen and its surroundings. The Keelung Trail is about 10 minutes walking distance from the Old Streets and the hike takes about 30-45 minutes

3. Golden waterfalls 黃金瀑布

Since you are here, worth to have a look to these waterfalls. There is a shuttle bus from Jiufen to these waterfall every hour. Another way is by walking to this place. The walk takes about 40 minutes road down

4. YingYang Sea

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Continuing road down you will pass by an old village and abandoned factories. The Yingyang Sea is about 5-10 minutes walking distance from the Golden Waterfalls and also worth to have a look since you are there! There is a bus station next to the road and the shuttle bus pass by there every hour. Please note that the bus has to be taken on the road way up! Can use EasyCard!

Enjoy your trip! 🙂

Note: As told by Taiwanese friends, this place is really beautiful at night, so if you have the chance to stay till late night, find a spot for landscape views and walk through the streets!

Lamma Island: Yung Shue Wan

Lamma Island or Pok Liu Chau (博寮洲) is located to the southwest of Hong Kong and it is the third largest island. The northern village is called Yung Shue Wan and the eastern village is called Sok Kwu Wan

Most people visit this island because is a quiet and pleasant place with its walking trails at one end that leads to the fishing village of Sok Kwu Wan, and the other end is the village of Yung Shue Wan

The main village is Yung Shue Wan with plenty of shops and restaurants. This village is perfect to spend few hours strolling around, to enjoy the local food or just to walk from Pak Kok San Tsuen 北角新村, Pak Kok Kau Tsuen 北角舊村 to Yung Shue Wan crossing by Tai Peng San Chuen. This walk is really pleasant and easy to finish within 1.5h hours

HOW TO GET THERE

From Central pier 4, grab a boat to Yung Shue Wan. The other side of the island is Sok Kwu Wan which is so far unexplored for me. There is a boat every half an hour and costs about 16HKD. The ride takes about 30 minutes.

 

EXPLORING AROUND

Arrived to Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier, on the right side is located the town with restaurants, shops and little markets. The views of the port are great and a walk through the town is a must. The town is kind of tourist made, so I don’t think is the best place to buy groceries or maybe get a perfect meal.

Views of the port & town

For a pleasant walk and if the time is tight, I would recommend to walk through the paved Family Walk which may start at the entry of the town.

From the port to West Lamma Channel

From West Lamma Channel to Pak Kok Tsuen Pier

Continuing walking from the Pier there are 2 villages: Pak Kok San Tsuen 北角新村, Pak Kok Kau Tsuen 北角舊村

These 2 villages are very close one with each other, just within 10 minutes

The path splits into 2 at this point: turn to Luk Chau Wan or walk to Yung Shue Wan through Tai Peng San Chuen village to back to the main town

The walk back through Tai Peng San Chuen takes about 1 hour and is pretty relaxing

The island is pretty big just to spend few hours. There are many places to visit and hikes to do.

If you are looking for hiking, there is a recommended trail from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan. The trail takes about 1.5-2 hours