We’re not trying to brag here but with a whopping 34 million tourists flocking to its streets alone in 2023, it’s pretty clear that many folks are eager to explore our beloved city. 

So what is Hong Kong known for, you ask? Hong Kong is known for being a global business hub, being under the one-country-two-systems principle, iconic landmarks and attractions like Victoria Harbour, events like the Dragon Boat Festival, and a bustling shopping and entertainment scene.  

If you want to know the specifics, read on! We’ll note the most popular things that people associate with our city – and even list the top attractions and celebrities we have later on!

Status as a Global Business Hub

Hong Kong holds a prominent position among the leading global financial cities. With its free market economy and favorable tax system, marked by low tax rates, many business owners set up shop in the city. 

The attractive tax environment, effective seaport and commercial center, and limited government interference in the city draw many entrepreneurs and investors from all over the globe. 

Besides that, a significant number of professionals here are employed in key sectors, including trading and logistics, financial services, tourism, and professional services.  

A Melting Pot Culture   

Hong Kong’s history and culture is mainly a blend of Chinese and Western influences. The roots of the city’s cultural background can be traced back to its Lignan Cantonese heritage. This then forms Hong Kong’s foundation in terms of traditions, language, and cuisine. 

Meanwhile, the era of British colonialism brought about a significant fusion of cultures. Hong Kong became known as the Fragrant Harbor, and British influences helped shape the city’s architecture, legal system, education, and even some of its social customs. 

The One Country, Two Systems Principle 

The complex legal framework that makes Hong Kong a Special Administrative Region of mainland China is in relation to the One Country, Two Systems principle. All this basically means that Hong Kong is a legal part of China, but the city will retain its own systems and way of life. 

A Unique Vertical Cityscape 

Due to Hong Kong’s steep geography and lack of land, Hong Kong is mostly composed of massive skyscrapers and tons of stairs, bridges, elevators, and escalators – making it one of the most vertical cities in the world. 

Sadly, being a vertical city isn’t a good thing, especially for those who can’t afford a well-furnished apartment or a house and lot. You see, despite public housing allocations, around 200,000 Hongkongers are still living in “coffin homes.”

“Coffin homes” are hundreds of tiny subdivided units glued together in one high-rise building. On average, these units are no bigger than 20 square feet, and rent is around HK$ 1,800 to HK$ 2,500. 

You can typically find this type of residence in old urban districts, including Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Tai Kok  Tsui, and To Kwa Wan.   

An Efficient Transportation System 

Hong Kong’s public transport system is renowned worldwide for being one of the safest, most organized, and most efficient systems out there. 

Gliding through the districts and neighborhoods of the city is made easy through the extensive network of Mass Transit Railway (MTR), iconic Ding Ding Trams, and the ever-popular Star Ferry. 

The Internationally Acclaimed Cantonese Film Industry 

The Cantonese film industry, specifically martial arts films, is undoubtedly the biggest contribution Hong Kong has made in introducing Chinese-speaking films to the world. 

The genre of these films is mainly rooted in popular Chinese literature that tells tales of heroic warriors and skilled fighters. Hong Kong’s action films, also known as the “Kung Fu Craze,” gained widespread popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. 

Here are some popular Cantonese action films you might be familiar with:

• Fist of Fury (1972)
• Way of the Dragon (1972)
• Drunken Master (1978)
• The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
• The Magnificent Butcher (1979)
• Project A (1983)
• Police Story (1985)
• Shaolin Soccer (2001)
• Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
• Ip Man (2008)

Until now, the influence of martial arts cinema and the pioneer filmmakers of the city is still evident in the global film industry. 

Famous People from Hong Kong

The people of Hong Kong are what truly make our city more popular. Throughout its history, it has been home to countless individuals who left their mark on various fields like film, music, science, and even architecture.  

Here’s a list of world-renowned celebrities from Hong Kong:

• Bruce Lee
• Jackie Chan 
• Maggie Cheung 
• Anita Mui 
• Andy Lau 
• Tony Leung Chiu-wai 
• Donnie Yen 
• Leslie Cheung 
• Stephen Chow 
• Charles Kao
• I.M. Pei 

Iconic Landmarks and Attractions 

Hong Kong Disneyland 

There are only 12 Disney theme parks around the globe, and Hong Kong has its own slice of Disney magic. With a maximum capacity of 42,000 visitors, Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island is considered the smallest Disneyland Park in the world. 

But don’t let its size fool you! The fun rides, themed restaurants, and magical attractions here are definitely larger than life, so you can spend your whole day exploring this place. 

Hong Kong Disneyland even boasts eight immersive themed lands for people of all ages to enjoy – World of Frozen, Adventureland, Toy Story Land, Fantasyland, Grizzly Gulch, Main Street, U.S.A., Mystic Point, and Tomorrowland. 

Oh, and you can even stay in it, as it has three luxurious resort hotels to choose from: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney Explorers Lodge, and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. 

Victoria Peak/The Peak 

Standing tall with an elevation of 552 meters, Victoria Peak (or The Peak as we call it) is like the rockstar of all peaks in Hong Kong. It also boasts six different trails that offer different vantage points.  

The higher you go, the more epic the view gets! For example, if you take the Central Green Trail, you’ll be able to see the skyscrapers of Mid-Levels as well as the colonial-style structures and century-old trees in Central. 

For maximum sightseeing opportunities, we suggest you walk or hike one way and catch the Peak Tram the other way. 

Victoria Harbour 

If it’s your first time visiting Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour is an iconic attraction you shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the most beautiful harbors worldwide, and it’s the OG spot to get panoramic shots of the city’s skyline and the nightscape of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. 

Apart from that, the natural harbor is also one of the busiest ports in the world. It’s home to most of the city’s port facilities, so it plays a vital role in the economic development of the region. 

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a popular pick for tourists who just want a quiet and peaceful escape. It’s tucked away in the suburbs of the New Territories, so it’s like a world away from the usual crowded tourist traps in Central.

Just a heads up: if you’re planning to drop by, make sure to dress comfortably because you’ll have to hike a bit. To reach the temple, you have two options – take the paved pathway or tackle the staircase with 431 steps. Anyway, it will take roughly 20 minutes. 

Overall, the trip to the monastery is like a fun sightseeing opportunity with a dash of cardio. As you climb, you’ll meet a variety of statues depicting old monks and young ones, each striking different facial expressions and poses. 

And here’s the best part: you won’t have to pay a cent to explore this architectural marvel. That’s right, it’s completely free!

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade 

Have you heard about the nightly Symphony of Lights show? It’s a dazzling light and laser show that takes place every night at 8 PM. And guess what? The prime spot to watch it is at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. 

It’s set right next to other popular attractions like the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Avenue of Stars, so you can’t miss it. Aside from being steps away from popular shopping and dining spots in Kowloon, this waterfront promenade is also a go-to spot for a good jog. 

Tian Tian Buddha 

Tian Tian Buddha, popularly known as the Big Buddha, is the world’s tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. This majestic and iconic Buddha statue is perched at an altitude of 482 meters on Lantau Island, and it’s one of the most-visited attractions in Hong Kong.  

It took a span of 12 years for the Po Lin Monastery to plan and build this major landmark, by the way. 

Ocean Park Hong Kong 

Ocean Park is one of the oldest marine/amusement parks in the city because it opened in 1977. Here, the usual theme park offerings meet marine wonderland. 

This enormous park covers an area of 915,000 square meters. The main areas in Ocean Park are divided into the Waterfront Section (lowland) and Summit Section (headland). 

Besides that, it has eight themed zones with 59 indoor and outdoor attractions. From countless thrilling rides to a variety of marine encounters, one day might not be enough for you to explore everything here! 

Central-Mid-levels Escalator 

Central-Mid-levels Escalator is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. This is an 800-meter-long chain of various moving walkways and escalators ascending from Queen’s Road Central to Conduit Road that’s been whisking commuters in the city since 1993.  

It’s easy to see how it’s become a popular attraction in itself. Where else can you ride escalators that let you travel from one district to another? You see, it offers a one-way ride from Mid-levels to Central and vice versa. 

Vibrant Festivals and Events 

Dragon Boat Festival 

Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Tuen Ng Festival, is one of the most awaited annual festivals in the city. This traditional Chinese holiday happens on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar year, and it typically falls around late May or early June. 

During this thrilling event, many athletes from all over the world come together to participate in lively and colorful dragonboat races. 

This festival is celebrated to honor the life and legacy of the famous ancient poet Qu Yuan, and its theme is centered on warding off evil spirits and keeping pests, misfortunes, and diseases away. 

Chinese New Year 

The Chinese New Year festival isn’t just famous in Hong Kong. It’s also widely celebrated among the Chinese communities worldwide. This yearly event, popularly known as the Lunar New Year, marks the start of a new year based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar. 

This event is a grand 15-day party that starts on the first moon of the Lunar Year  (usually around January or February). During the Chinese New Year festivities, you can expect lots of red and gold decor, lively lion and dragon dances, and firecrackers. 

Chinese Lantern Festival / Mid-Autumn Festival 

The Chinese Lantern Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished tradition that is held each year (on the 15th day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar) to express gratitude to the god of harvest. 

During this festive event, Hongkongers adorn the streets with a wide array of lanterns that symbolize fortune and prosperity.  Of course, the festivities wouldn’t be complete without indulging in delectable mooncakes and watching colorful lantern displays!

Shopping and Entertainment Centres 

SoHo 

SoHo is a buzzing district that reflects Hong Kong’s urban living. As soon as you step out of your home or hotel, you’ll have access to dozens of world-renowned restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues. 

Moreover, it’s a prime destination for luxury shopping. Just head out to LANDMARK, IFC Mall, or Pacific Place if you wish to splurge on designer brands and rare collectibles. 

Mong Kok 

If you want to experience shopping like a local, Mong Kok is the place to be. Here, you can find local brands and labels, as well as check out a diverse range of street markets, night bazaars, flea markets, and even under-the-radar shops. 

Lan Kwai Fong 

Lan Kwai Fong is like the heartbeat of the city’s nightlife. Going bar-hopping or partying is part of the daily lives of locals and tourists here.

With over 100 bars and nightclubs, this district is the ultimate hotspot for party animals who want to mingle with locals, catch live music festivals, and, of course, dance the night away!