Next week the famous Rugby Sevens kicks off in Hong Kong with the opening concert by UB40 on the 5th April. Here at Simplexity Travel, we wanted to step out of the rugby and instead step into an incredible city filled with art and culture by giving you our city guide. Hong Kong’s name translated simply means ‘fragrant harbour’ and it is one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. The Fragrance aspect of the word comes from the beautiful incense trees that line the water.
The stereotypical Hong Kong that most hold in their mind is actually representative of just a small area of it, yet admittedly the area that is most visited. The brightly lit, energetic metropolis of the city in the rampant streets of Kowloon is delicately balanced by pleasant island areas of great aesthetic and cultural interest.
Within Kowloon itself you will find the architecture is a curious mix of western buildings; imagine temple structures hidden away under the impassive glass windows of lofty skyscrapers. You can visit the futuristic Science Museum or lose yourself to times past in the Museum of History.
Away from the bustling city are calming green hideaways in the form of gardens and mountains offering tranquility and peace. Dragon’s Back Mountain is an easy-going hike that offers another mid-city green gem in Nan Lian Garden, a large park decorated by traditional buildings, waterfalls and an array of flowers.
Art
Hong Kong used to have a bad reputation for being all commerce and no culture, but that stereotype has outlived its usefulness. Today the city hosts an Art Basel show every spring and art is an increasingly important element of hotels and restaurants.
Focus on – Ben Browne Fine Arts
After establishing its original location in our home Mayfair, Ben Brown Fine Arts set up its second branch in Hong Kong in 2009. The first western gallery to open in the art hub that is the Pedder Building, Ben Brown has welcomed an impressive list of international artists including the like of Simon Birch and Miquel Barcelo.
Visit Disneyland
Following the traditional Disney story, Disneyland Hong Kong offers unique experiences through immersive attractions such as Mystic Manor – where an exotic museum springs to life before your eyes. Other themed areas include Fantasyland and Toy Story Land. Disneyland Hong Kong prides itself on offering a diverse and culturally distinctive Disney experience for guests of every age.
Stay at The InterContinental Hong Kong
InterContinental Hong Kong is renowned for its dramatic location on the Kowloon waterfront, with spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Located on the edge of Victoria Harbour in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, the hotel is convenient to Kowloon’s business, entertainment and shopping districts and all forms of transportation. Whether you’re gazing over the skyline from the infinity spa pools, contemplating the horizon from the Club InterContinental Lounge or landmark-spotting from your suite, all of Hong Kong is literally at your feet.
For all your high-end, bespoke leisure and corporate travel needs to Hong Kong, contact our Travel Managers on 0203 535 9290. You can also contact us on leisure@simplexitytravel.com or corporate@simplexitytravel.com today.