High Rise Hong Kong
So I have been lucky enough to have had one last trip abroad this year thanks to my cousin getting married in Hong Kong where she lives. A place I last visited 19 years ago! Unsurprisingly my memories of it were vague, but I can remember being amused by my family residing in flats as opposed to houses, something my then ten-year old self had not experienced before. I thought flats were for singletons not entire families! Being a modern city situated on an island where space is obviously at a premium, there was only ever one direction this city could have gone - upwards! Hong Kong has definitely cemented itself as one of the world's must-see high rise landscapes, especially at night where a spectacular laser light display shows off all the shiny giants of Hong Kong island. This was definitely one of my holiday highlights but even this city-girl enjoyed escaping from very busy downtown into the more relaxing parts, such as Lantau Island where a 26m bronze statue of Buddha sits proudly.
See below for my guide to the best views of Hong Kong:
Head to Victoria Peak on Hong Kong island particularly after a windy day after the smog and clouds have blown away for a breath-taking view. If you can hang around for dusk then even better since the lights start to be switched on and you'll be able to spot all the famous towers!
Then get the funicular tram down the peak and board the star ferry (approximately 25p) over to Kowloon in time for the 8pm laser light show. Bag a space on Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade for an uninterrupted stunning view.
Take the lift to the 43rd floor of the Bank of China Tower for a panoramic view, just remember to take some photo ID with you to complete security checks. It's angular design by Chinese American architect I.M. Pei was rather controversial since the feng shui belief is that these sharp points direct bad energy on the surrounding buildings.
Use the Ngong Ping cable car to Lantau Island for a wonderful mix of city and mountainscape views and if you're feeling brave pay a little more for the 'crystal cabins' which have a glass floor.
Use the high speed lift to the observation deck on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon for unspoilt 360 degree view.
Sarah King, Raynes Architecture
See below for my guide to the best views of Hong Kong:
Head to Victoria Peak on Hong Kong island particularly after a windy day after the smog and clouds have blown away for a breath-taking view. If you can hang around for dusk then even better since the lights start to be switched on and you'll be able to spot all the famous towers!
Then get the funicular tram down the peak and board the star ferry (approximately 25p) over to Kowloon in time for the 8pm laser light show. Bag a space on Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade for an uninterrupted stunning view.
Take the lift to the 43rd floor of the Bank of China Tower for a panoramic view, just remember to take some photo ID with you to complete security checks. It's angular design by Chinese American architect I.M. Pei was rather controversial since the feng shui belief is that these sharp points direct bad energy on the surrounding buildings.
Use the Ngong Ping cable car to Lantau Island for a wonderful mix of city and mountainscape views and if you're feeling brave pay a little more for the 'crystal cabins' which have a glass floor.
Use the high speed lift to the observation deck on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon for unspoilt 360 degree view.
Sarah King, Raynes Architecture