Hong Kong has long been something of a hotspot for tourism, and the unification between the nation and the mainland People’s Republic of China has not dampened the appeal in the slightest. Hong Kong is seen by many as a bridge between east and west, combining eastern sensibilities, customs and style with the brash, capitalist free market ethos taken from the west. The country is a popular stop off point both for those on the way to China and those too nervous to take the full plunge into the relatively alien People’s Republic.

Hong Kong Island is the commercial centre of the country and as such sees a great deal of through traffic each year. The region offers up such experiences as the country’s oldest temple of Man Mo, the hip nightlife of Lang Kwai Fong, Hong Kong Park, the tallest building in Hong Kong Central, Plaza, and many other sights and sounds, along with the fantastic shopping, cafes, restaurants and bars. The influence of the British is also on show for all, with places such as St John’s Cathedral and Government House.

Kowloon is home to the majority of tourists visiting Hong Kong, and as such is full of hotels, shops and the like – all geared towards making the region one of the best for visitors in Asia. Tsim Sha Tsui is first port of call for many arriving in the country, and elsewhere are attractions such as Kowloon Park, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the markets of Mong Kok. The New Territories offer up a number of wildlife reserves, beautiful beaches and bustling markets, with draws such as Tsui Shing Lau Pagoda, Tolo Harbour and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. Elsewhere in the Outlying Islands, a more sedate pace is offered up for those visiting, with many of the 250-plus islands uninhabited and open for visit – for those that can reach them. The attractions on offer include Lantau Island’s Giant Buddha and the Shek Pik Reservoir Dam.

It isn’t the first country a lot of people think of for an enjoyable touristic experience, but the sheer amount of variation on offer throughout Hong Kong makes the country ideal for most people to pay a visit – there is sure to be something for anyone in and around the islands, from bustling markets and interesting local cuisine to relaxing deserted beaches in the sun. Popularity is rising with each year, and though not an ‘undiscovered gem’ as such, it is still possible to visit before the real rush comes in the next few years!