Whenever I chat to fellow travellers who have visited Hong Kong, I’m always amazed at the variety and difference of each experience shared with me. They all seem to have one thing in common though, agreeing that Hong Kong is one of the best family holidays you could ever take.
We explore some of Hong Kong’s fantastic locations that the whole family will love.
The Peak
“If there is only one thing you can do in Hong Kong, go to The Peak. If you have many things to do here, still go to The Peak.” – www.discoverhongkong.com
Great advice. The Peak, as its name suggest, perched high above Hong Kong Island and shows you the city as you could never imagine.
By day the views stretch across the skyscrapers to beautiful Victoria Harbour, and right out to the green hills of the New Territories. In the early evening, the horizon melts from orange to pink, before revealing the dazzling night sky and illuminated city below.
Ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. Operating since 1888, the Peak Tram rises gradually on a 50 degree angle, and is a fun way to climb the hill. Once you reach the top, and before you race out to see the view, you can also grab something to eat, or have a quick shop at the Peak Galleria.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
The kids will love Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. The waxworks museum is located in The Peak Tower and contains over 110 wax figures featuring uncanny likenesses of famous celebrities and historic figures from all over the world. A wax representation of Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo was unveiled just this week as he joined other world leaders featured in the famous museum.
Pose for photos with your favourite artists in 11 themed areas. Re-enact your favourite Korean drama scene with Kim Soo Hyun, practice your kung fu poses with Jackie Chan, pal it up with US President Barack Obama or go glam with Lady Gaga on stage.
The kids can get up close with life size superheroes such as the Hulk, Ironman or Doraemon.
Image courtesy of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
The Avenue of Stars
The Avenue of Stars pays tribute to the talented names that helped make Hong Kong the ‘Hollywood of the East’. Some of Hong Kong’s most famous exports, Bruce Lee and Anita Mui, have statues built in their honour that sit alongside the beauty of Victoria Harbour.
In the evening enjoy the spectacle of a multimedia show which incorporates over 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour.
Note: The Avenue of Stars is closed for renovation until July 2017.
Noah’s Ark Hong Kong
For animal lovers, and for just a bit of fun, visit Noah’s Ark. Housing the world’s only full-size replica of the giant Ark, complete with 67 pairs of life-sized animals, families of all ages can’t help but be impressed. Enjoy lots of themed interactive games, and learn more about Noah’s story and how he saved the animal kingdom from disaster.
Located on Ma Wan Island, Noah’s Ark Hong Kong in an atmosphere that promotes life, family, the environment and other very positive values.
Stop for a bite to eat at the restaurant, or stay a bit longer at the on site resort which offers comfortable family accommodation, beside the sea.
Ani-Com Park@Harbour”FUN”
If you love comic books, anime and cartoon characters then pay a visit to Ani-Com Park@Harbour “FUN”. Over 30 classic anime characters are displayed, all who reflect Hong Kong’s unique culture and way of life.
Located near the Golden Bauhinia Square, the park features Old Master Q, Cloud, Wong Xiao Hu, On On & Guy Guy and Ding Ding Penguin. Pose for photos with the characters as they ‘play’ mahjong, hopscotch and more.
Image courtesy Discover Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel
Slowly rise up into the city skyline in the 60 metre high Hong Kong Observation Wheel with clear views of Kowloon and the ferries as they cross Victoria Harbour.
The 42 gondolas are quite luxurious in design, and you can splash out even more in a VIP gondola that comfortably seats eight and equipped with Wi-Fi so you can share your amazing snaps straight away on social media.
During December and February, The Great European Carnival sets up at the foot of the Wheel for more family fun.
Hong Kong Science Museum
Be fascinated as you wander through 17 galleries over four floors and 500 exhibits within the Hong Kong Science Museum. It’s a great educational experience, while still extremely fun.
Over 70 percent of the Museum’s exhibits are interactive, so you and the kids can entertain yourself while learning about a huge range of cool topics including robotics, virtual reality and futuristic transportation.
Ngong Ping 360 and The Giant Buddha
Carry yourself across the treetops on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. It’s the longest cable car ride in Asia and you can choose from two types of cabin; a standard cabin or crystal cabin which is completely transparent with windows all around, and even a see through floor.
The ride takes 25 minutes over a stunning 5.7 kilometres beginning from Tung Chung on Lantau Island, to Ngong Ping Village. Once you arrive take a walk up the steps to the Po Lin Monastery, walk the Wisdom Path and see the second largest seated Buddha statue in the world – the Tian Tan Buddha.
Note: Ngong Ping Cable Car is under renovation, to reopen July 2017.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
This mesmerising marine-life theme park will open the underwater world to you in ways you haven’t imagined. The park is divided between two major areas (the Waterfront and the Summit) connected by the Cable Car and the Ocean Express funicular train.
Check out Adventures in Australia, Shark Mystique, Polar Adventure, Old Hong Kong, Thrill Mountain and more. Some of the city’s best seasonal events take here including Asia’s biggest Halloween party (Halloween Bash), and Summer Splash.
Hong Kong Disneyland
The ‘happiest place on earth’ is a must visit for any family. The kids dreams become a reality and you will be taken back to your childhood. Disney’s famous characters are there to welcome you, and the rides are packed with fun.
Don’t miss the first Marvel themed attraction at a Disney theme park – Iron Man Experience. View the latest Stark innovations with your own eyes at the Stark Expo, take flight with Iron Man above Hong Kong at Expo Edition Iron Wing, and meet the man himself at the Iron Man Tech Showcase.
Stay longer and catch the amazing evening fireworks show to complete your magical day with state-of-the-art pyrotechnic technology, lighting effects and video projection.
So pack up the kids and find the best flights and hotels in Hong Kong, and have a family adventure of a lifetime!
