Neon Nights & Timeless Traditions

With the Christmas day festivities behind us our two families—mine and my sister’s—set off together for the airport, ready for a new adventure. Between us, there were four excited cousins, aged between 11 and 17, buzzing with energy despite the late hour. Melbourne Airport was busy with the usual holiday rush, but within our little group, the mood was light and full of anticipation. Laughter, last-minute snacks, and a few tired yawns carried us through the wait as we prepared to board our midnight flight to Hong Kong.

This trip offered a mix of natural beauty and urban energy. Iconic sights included the panoramic views from Victoria Peak, the Symphony of Lights across Victoria Harbour, and the bustling streets of Mong Kok. We rode the historic Star Ferry, explored the vibrant temples of Wong Tai Sin and Man Mo. Outside the city, Lantau Island offered the majestic Big Buddha and Aberdeen revealed a slower, traditional side of Hong Kong.

For the kids, Hong Kong offered a treasure trove of excitement, from the enchanting realms of Hong Kong Disneyland to the thrilling adventures at Ocean Park, there was something for every young adventurer in the family. Hong Kong was an unforgettable experience for the kids, blending entertainment, education, and adventure in a way that appealed to their diverse interests and ages.

This trip also provided me with the opportunity to tick something off my personal bucket list – spending New Year’s Eve in a different country. As the final night of 2016 unfolded, we joined the crowds in the heart of Hong Kong, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the electric energy of celebration. Spending New Year’s Eve at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong was an unforgettable experience, marked by dazzling fireworks, spectacular city lights, and a vibrant crowd celebrating against one of the world’s most iconic skylines. The highlight of the night is the midnight fireworks display, launched from rooftops and barges in the harbour. It’s synchronized with music and lasers, creating a massive 360-degree spectacle.

Kowloon

Kowloon is the energetic, densely packed heart of Hong Kong where tradition and modernity collide. Located just across Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island, it’s known for its neon-lit streets, bustling markets, and a gritty charm that reflects the city’s soul. Neighborhoods like Tsim Sha Tsui are hubs for shopping, museums, and waterfront views, while Mong Kok buzzes with life through its street food stalls, sneaker stores, and lively night markets like Temple Street.

Temple Street Night Market is one of Hong Kong’s most famous and atmospheric street markets, located in the Jordan and Yau Ma Tei area of Kowloon. As the sun sets, the street comes alive with colorful stalls selling everything from inexpensive clothes, accessories, gadgets, and antiques to jade and traditional Chinese medicine. The market is also known for its open-air street food stalls, where you can enjoy local dishes like claypot rice, seafood, and skewers alongside locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to soak in authentic Hong Kong street culture, especially in the evening when the buzz peaks.

Ladies Market is another of Hong Kong’s iconic street markets, located in the vibrant Mong Kok district of Kowloon. Stretching over a kilometer along Tung Choi Street, it’s a bustling maze of colorful stalls selling everything from clothes, accessories, and souvenirs to electronics and quirky trinkets. Despite its name, it offers goods for all genders, and haggling is part of the fun. The market is especially lively in the evening, when crowds flood in and the neon lights add to the electric atmosphere. It’s not just a shopping destination—it’s a cultural experience that captures the fast-paced, street-level charm of Hong Kong.

Victoria Harbor

Victoria Harbour is the centerpiece of Hong Kong, a natural deep-water harbor that separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon. It’s world-famous for its stunning skyline views—especially at night when the city lights up for the Symphony of Lights, a nightly multimedia show with lasers and music. The harbor is best experienced from the historic Star Ferry, offering a scenic ride between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui for just a few Hong Kong dollars.

Hong Kong Island

Exploring Hong Kong Island via the Big Bus Tours’ Red Route offers a convenient and scenic way to experience the city’s top attractions. Key Stops & Attractions include Central Star Ferry Pier 7 which is where we boarded the bus. Man Mo Temple a serene 19th-century Taoist temple dedicated to the gods of literature and war. Mid-Levels Escalator the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, providing a unique way to explore the hilly terrain. Hong Kong Park a tranquil oasis featuring a conservatory, aviary, and the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware. The Peak (Victoria Peak) ascend to the highest point on Hong Kong Island for breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and harbor.

We rode a double-decker tram fondly known as a “ding ding” for the sound of its bell. It is a charming, nostalgic experience that offers a slow, scenic way to explore the city. These vintage trams have been running since 1904 and are unique to Hong Kong.

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak—commonly known as The Peak—is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Rising 552 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline, Victoria Harbour, and even the distant hills of the New Territories on clear days.

We started our journey on the Peak Tram. The historic funicular railway (in operation since 1888) climbs steeply through the jungle-clad hillside, offering a thrilling ride with increasingly dramatic views as you ascend. Once at the top we headed to Sky Terrace 428. The viewing platform at the top of the Peak Tower provides the highest 360-degree viewing point in Hong Kong—ideal for photos, especially at sunset or night. There is Shopping & Dining including the Peak Galleria and Peak Tower house shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can relax while enjoying the view. We choose to stop and enjoy the views at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, a popular seafood restaurant chain inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump.

Aberdeen Sampan Tour

This tour offered a unique glimpse into Hong Kong’s maritime heritage, allowing us to explore the historic fishing village of Aberdeen from the water. These traditional wooden boats, known as sampans, have been integral to the local fishing community for centuries. We embarked on a leisurely cruise through the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, observing the floating village and traditional fishing boats. We passed landmarks like the Tai Pak Floating Restaurant and the Aberdeen Shipyards. We learnt about the history and culture of Aberdeen through audio commentary offering insights into the daily life of local fishermen.

Together, modern buildings and historical landmarks create a unique, dynamic skyline, where past and present coexist in harmony, each telling a different yet interconnected story. It’s a fascinating journey of contrasts, where progress and preservation come together to form a narrative that’s both timeless and ever-evolving.

Lantua Island

Lantau Island is a must do day trip when visiting Hong Kong. The largest of Hong Kong’s 261 islands, it offers a serene escape from the bustling city, blending natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures. Taking the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car to Lantau Island was one of the most scenic and thrilling ways to reach the island. The journey took around 25 minutes where you take in the stunning aerial views of Hong Kong’s coastline, lush landscapes, and the South China Sea.

Ngong Ping Village is a cultural and tourist destination located near the top of Lantau Island, and it’s a must-visit stop when taking the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. This charming village blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern facilities and is a perfect spot for both cultural exploration and relaxation. As you enter, you’ll immediately notice the village’s traditional design, complete with Chinese-style buildings, red lanterns, and beautifully landscaped areas. The village is built around a central square, and the architecture complements the spiritual atmosphere of the nearby Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.

The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see attraction on Lantau Island. It stands as a symbol of peace, spirituality, and harmony and is one of the largest seated bronze Buddha statues in the world. Standing at a massive 34 meters tall, the Buddha is a towering figure made of bronze. It sits atop a lotus-shaped throne, symbolizing purity, and is surrounded by smaller bronze statues of attendants, each with its own significance. The statue is inspired by the Tian Tan Buddha in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven. To reach the Buddha, you must climb 268 steps, which can be a bit of a challenge but offers a rewarding experience. The ascent allows visitors to reflect on their journey, and the higher you go, the better the views of the surrounding mountains and Po Lin Monastery. It’s a serene, almost meditative experience as you move closer to the statue. The Buddha’s right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing, while the left hand rests in his lap, symbolizing the gesture of meditation. The serene face of the Buddha radiates a sense of peace and calmness.

Ocean Park Hong Kong

This is a must-visit destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. Nestled on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, this expansive marine-themed amusement park seamlessly blends exhilarating rides, captivating animal exhibits, and immersive cultural experiences. Ocean Park is divided into two main areas: Marine World home to diverse marine life exhibits, including the Grand Aquarium and Shark Mystique and Rainforest & Adventure Land featuring thrilling rides like the Hair Raiser roller coaster and the Ocean Express funicular train. A highlight for many visitors is the Giant Panda Adventure, where you can observe the park’s resident pandas.

The birdcage-like cable car is part of the Ocean Park Cable Car system, one of the most iconic and thrilling features of the park.The cable cars themselves are colorful, rounded, and cage-like, evoking the look of vintage birdcages or space-age pods from the 70s. Their design enhances the retro charm and adds a touch of nostalgic adventure to the ride. As you ascend or descend, the cable car glides along the rugged coastline, offering stunning vistas of the South China Sea, tree-covered slopes, and the thrilling rides at the Summit far below or above. Because the cars are suspended at such heights and travel right next to the cliff face, the experience is both peaceful and exhilarating, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles. Unlike enclosed gondolas, the relatively open design adds to the sensation of floating in the air, with the gentle breeze and soft creaking of the cables creating a real sense of awe or fear with the later better describing what I felt!

Disneyland Hong Kong

Arriving at Hong Kong Disneyland during Christmas is like stepping into a fairy tale. As you enter the park, you’re greeted by the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle adorned with twinkling lights and a towering Christmas tree. Main Street, U.S.A. is lined with garlands, wreaths, and sparkling ornaments, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The air is filled with the sounds of classic Christmas carols, enhancing the festive mood.

Excitedly, we made our way to the souvenir shop, where rows of colorful Mickey ears and character hats awaited us. We each chose our favorites – The girls instantly picked out Minnie ears, each adorned with a bright pink bow that shimmered in the lights. Vin, with his playful spirit, chose a fun Goofy hat, its floppy ears adding to the charm. Zac picked the Mickey magician hat, complete with sparkling yellow lights. With our new ears and hats in place, we were ready to dive into the holiday magic that surrounded us.

Main Street, U.S.A. was transformed into a festive wonderland, bursting with holiday spirit. The entire street was lined with gleaming garlands, wreaths, and sparkling ornaments that hung from every lamppost. Meeting some of our favorite Disney characters, is always my favorite part of visiting Disneyland and Santa Goofy was the highlight.

Breakfast with the characters is always my favorite part of a trip to Disneyland. As we settled into our seats, the characters began to arrive, each one dressed in their holiday finest. Mickey and Minnie were the first to greet us, their cheerful faces lighting up as they posed for photos and shared a few playful moments with the kids. Throughout the meal, the characters made their rounds, stopping by each table to take pictures, and share some hugs. The breakfast buffet was delicious, offering a variety of treats, from fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fresh fruit and festive pastries. As we enjoyed our meal, it was impossible not to feel the warmth of the holiday spirit and the joy of being surrounded by the magic of Disney, all while sharing the moment with some beloved characters. It was the perfect way to start our day at the park.

Toy Story Land at Hong Kong Disneyland was a unique experience, we had visited other Disney parks like Disneyland in California before it was added there. When it opened in 2011, this version of Toy Story Land was exclusive to Hong Kong.  What makes it special is that the entire land is designed to feel like you’ve been shrunk down to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard. Oversized grass, massive toy blocks, game pieces, and beloved characters tower over you, immersing guests in a vibrant, playful world.

Fantasyland, home to iconic attractions like It’s a Small World and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; Adventureland, where guests can enjoy the Jungle River Cruise; and Tomorrowland, offering futuristic fun with rides like Hyperspace Mountain. Like the original Disneyland, the park combines beloved characters, immersive storytelling, and thrilling rides to create unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.

At Hong Kong Disneyland, the “Disney Paint the Night” parade is a spectacular nighttime experience that dazzles with cutting-edge LED technology, upbeat music, and beloved Disney characters brought to life in glowing, electric color. It’s a modern twist on the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, featuring vibrant floats that pulse with millions of lights and synchronized effects.

But the most magical moment comes at the very end of the night—especially during the holiday season —when snow begins to fall on Main Street. Gentle flakes drift down from above, catching the light from the parade and surrounding buildings, turning the street into a winter wonderland. This snowfall, though artificial, feels incredibly real and adds an emotional, storybook ending to the night.