DRMumbai: Monsoon will soon be upon us and the change in season usually signals the end of the vacation period. But don’t let the rains dampen your plans to go on a holiday because there are plenty of places you can actually plan a quick getaway. The one place you should definitely not give a miss this June is Hong Kong!
Hong Kong is blessed with mild to moderate weather making it a popular destination year round. With the city coming alive with festivities, June is the perfect time to plan a mix of outdoor and indoor experiences when visiting Hong Kong. While we are all familiar with Disneyland and Ocean Park, it is the offbeat experiences that will provide a bigger thrill of discovery. Here are a few suggestions that make for the perfect way to explore and to discover Hong Kong like a local.
Chant prayers at the Chi Lin Nunnery
Established in 1934 and renovated in Tang Dynasty style, the Chi Lin Nunnery is a large temple complex of elegant wooden architecture, treasured buddhist relics and soul soothing lotus ponds. The architecture is intended to demonstrate the harmony of humans with nature. You will witness silent nuns chanting prayers and offering fruit and rice to Buddha. Chi Lin Nunnery is considered as one of the most beautiful shrines in Hong Kong, and if you love Chinese Culture, it is definitely worth exploring.
While you’re at Chi Lin Nunnery, a walk across the bridge will land you at the tranquil Nan Lian Garden. This lovely park has been designed with artificial hillocks, ornamental rocks, waterfalls and koi ponds.
Hike up the Dragon’s Back
One of the most accessible hikes to the bustling city center is the Dragon’s Back – a trail that follows an undulating ridge on the southern end of Hong Kong island, much like, well, walking on a Dragon’s Back. The five-mile Dragon’s Back hike affords spectacular views of fishing villages and pristine beaches. Once you have hiked up to the Dragon’s Back, paraglide your way down to the island. It will give you the best view of the endless ocean horizons and boats on the bright blue sea.
Celebrate like a local at the Dragon Boat Festival
Colorful, dramatic, exciting and unforgettable, Dragon Boat Racing is celebrated every year in the month of June, attracting people from all over the world. The international race at Victoria Harbour is where the hottest Dragon Boat action takes place followed by a massive party in the waterfront with gorgeous skylines. Teams race the fierce looking dragon boats to the beats of heavy drums. There are live entertainers, marching bands, lion dances and food trucks that will keep you busy and happy throughout the day.
Hong Kong Global Geopark
Despite popularly being known as the concrete jungle, over 60 per cent of Hong Kong is categorized as ‘natural terrain’ and millions of years ago, the area was filled with volcanoes. The UNESCO listed Hong Kong Global Geopark is the crowning glory of the city’s natural spaces and consists of two geological regions: the widely distributed hexagonal rock columns in Sai Kung and of northeast New Territories region which comprises sedimentary rocks formed in different geological periods. For adventure seekers, hiking along the MacLehose trail offers unobstructed views of the columns.
Play with your food with some Cartoon dimsums
Celebrated culinary festivals, cozy eateries to international and local flavors, Hong Kong gives a different gastronomic experience for every type of travellers. Dim sums are a must try when you’re in Hong Kong, but if you want to have a meal to remember, visit Yum Cha. Yum Cha and a few other eateries serve Cartoon Dim Sums, one of a kind, fun and alternative take on the most quintessentially Hong Kong tradition. The delicious char sui bao (BBQ pork buns) look like three little pigs and they are famous for their “vomiting” custard buns.
