Hong Kong is the kingdom of colors, cuisine, and culture, where diverse religions and traditions combine to create a mesmerizing fusion. From the healing effects of Tai Chi to the drum beats emanating from the vibrant dragon boats, every corner of this city is a celebration of its rich and intriguing heritage. The charming neighborhoods, the mystical environment of the temples and the monasteries, and the old world architecture will transport you to the China of the yester years, Here are some of the most resplendent cultural gems of Hong Kong that you must explore when you set foot in this magical city.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is an apt representation of the multifaceted culture of the city. This spacious building houses replicas of traditional villages, interactive activity areas for children, as well as an Opera Hall to watch the famous operas of this region with English subtitles. Furthermore, the museum also displays several items of memorabilia associated with Bruce Lee, one of the most popular kung fu stars in the world. Nestled on the banks of the Shing Mun River, this museum is the perfect spot to soak in the art, history, and culture of this fascinating land.
Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
One of the most famous tourist attractions of Hong Kong, the Po Lin Monastery is a sprawling temple complex with a gigantic bronze statue of Gautam Buddha, often referred to as the Big Buddha. Looming over the landscape with a height of approximately 30 meters, this statue is the tallest sculpture of the seated Buddha in the world. The Buddhist monastery dates back to 1924, and some of the ancient buildings from that era can still be found tucked behind the newer additions. The designs of the Main Shrine Hall and the Hall of Bodhisattva Skanda are incredibly impressive and are bound to amaze the lovers of architecture.
The Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Each year, the island of Cheung Chau hosts the Bun Festival that attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe. What started out as a ritual for the fishermen to pray for safety against pirates has now been transformed into a weeklong festival of thanksgiving that showcases various Chinese traditions. As a part of the rituals, a majority of the population turns vegetarian for a few days and the local bun supplier makes more than sixty thousand buns for the event. There are colorful parades in which people dressed in traditional costumes perform the local dances, but the bun-snatching race to grab a bun from the edible towers always steals the show.
Wing Chun Martial Arts
China is the birthplace of some of the most inspiring forms of martial arts and Wing Chun is no exception. If the legend is to be believed, this system of martial arts was inspired by the fight between a snake and a crane and was taught by a nun to a young girl named Wing-Chun, who refused to marry a warlord unless he beat her in combat. In the present day, there are several training centers to learn this unique and effective martial art which is known to be excellent for self-defense. You can witness the students in action at the various clubs, as they gracefully strike and grapple to defeat their opponents.
Traditional Hong Kong Massage Therapy
Aromatic oils and soothing incense await you at the numerous spas that dot the city and offer an exhaustive menu of the traditional Hong Kong massage. These massage technics are not only meant to relax your body but also to calm your mind. They aim to create a harmonious flow of energy in your system and have been proven effective against various maladies and injuries. Massage therapy is the best way to unwind and destress while traveling and, powered by the wisdom of ancient Chinese medicine, these massage methods are ideal for feeling rejuvenated and recharged for more adventures.
These enthralling activities and glorious locations create the perfect itinerary to experience the true spirit of Hong Kong. They will allow you to witness the traditional flavors of this city and will make you realize that its core, Hong Kong is indeed a slice of ancient China.
