Looking for a holiday where relaxation is at the top of your to-do list? Hong Kong isn’t it. It’s a bustling destination that moves quickly with an energy that is infectious. It appeals to travelers who love the vibrant energy that comes with urban life. The shopping, the nightlife, the food (especially dim sum) and the culture rev it up to a near fever pitch that has won Hong Kong many loyal return visitors.

 

Shopping is one of the top draws for tourists. Here it’s more than just a pastime. It’s a way of life. An annual shopping festival sees already discounted prices dropped even more and elegant shopping malls that resemble the lobby of a five-star hotel are abundant. Still, there are great open markets in Kowloon – some are famous for electronics, others for food, and yet others for jewelry, antiques, flowers, goldfish, birds, jade and designer goods. Haggling is expected in markets and independent stores. You may get a discount for paying cash too.

 

But there is more to Hong Kong than shopping. It has a strong cultural heart that is worth exploring. Multiple festivals are cause for celebration. Some popular ones include: Chinese New Year, Spring Lantern Festival in Victoria Park, Hungry Ghost Festival (featuring Chinese opera performances), and the Moon Festival, where moon cakes made with lotus seed paste and duck egg yolks are gobbled up, celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month. Do go to sites, such as the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas and Che Kung Temple, where traditional culture can be experienced, deepening your appreciation of Hong Kong.

 

It’s almost impossible to resist: Visit Hong Kong Disneyland.

 

Beaches are never too far away from the frantic pace. Relax at Shek O, Repulse Bay or Big Wave Bay.

 

Try teatime Hong Kong-style. The brew is extra strong and not for the faint of heart.