In May 2018, after our short trip to Maldives, I and my husband went to the Philippines for a 2-week vacation through Cathay Pacific airlines. It was a 10-hour flight with a stopover at Hong Kong. Therefore, we took this opportunity to wander the city while waiting for our next flight.
Hong Kong is located in Southeast Asia along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. They have the biggest and best sights to offer which you can add to your itinerary.
Here are some of the attractions in the country:
- The Skyscraper Skyline
- Happy Valley Racecourse
- Ocean Park
- Historic LegCo Building
- Ping Shan Heritage Trail
- Mongkok Markets
- Dai Pai Dongs
- 10,000 Buddha’s Temple
- Ngong Ping Cable Car
- Macau
- The Peak
- The Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha)
- Lan Kwai Fong
- Man Mo Temple
- Avenue of Stars
- Temple Street Night Market
- sky100 Observation Deck
Hong Kong has so many wonderful places to offer as they are packed with several attractions, landmarks and sightseeing spots. How I wish we should have stayed longer, however, we only have 12 hours to consume minus the 2 hours which we spent for transportation from and to our flight at the airport.
How we spent our half-day in Hong Kong?
1. See the Che Kung Temple at Sha Tin
Che Kung Temple is one of Hong Kong’s most interesting temples to visit. It is located along Che Kung Miu Road in Sha Tin and is open from 7am to 6pm daily.
It is dedicated to a military commander of the SOuthern Song DYnasty (1127-1279) whose advantageous power for suppressing uprisings and plagues made him a household name. In popular folklore, it’s said that Che Kung escorted the Song Dynasty’s last emperor on his escape to Sai Kung in what is now called the New Territories. His achievements let to him eventually becoming revered as a god.
An interesting time to visit the place is during the Chinese New Year. Visiting in the month of May, we enjoyed the serenity and peacefulness of the place. Only few tourists and other local visitors are there to burn incense, pray and spin the fan-blade wheel for good luck. Within the large hall, there is a giant golden statue of Che Kung flanked by large drum and bell. There is also a fan-bladed wheel of fortune which worshipers believe will provide good luck if you spin it three times.
Going there, you may take the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), which is very accessible and cost efficient, and exit through Che Kung Temple Station Exit B, follow the signs and walk for around 10 minutes.
2. Visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden at the same time
Established in 1934 and renovated in Tang dynasty style (AD 618 – 907) in 1990, the Chi Lin Nunnery is a large temple complex of elegant wooden architecture, treasured Buddhist relics and soul-soothing lotus ponds. The complex also includes a series of temple halls, some of which contain gold, clay, wooden statues representing divinities such as the Sakyamuni Buddha and bodhisattvas.
Cutting through Diamond Hills’ myriad of high-rise apartments is the tranquil Nan Lian Garden, a public park also built in the style of the Tang dynasty. Its scenic garden is meticulously landscaped over an area of 3.5 hectares, in which every hill, rock, body of water, plant and timber structure has been placed according to specific rules and methods. There are permanent exhibitions of Chinese timber architecture, rocks and potted plants, while the hungry might want to try vegetarian restaurant or tea house.
The place is absolutely a paradise in the middle of the city since the garden is surrounded by residential and commercial buildings as well as a shopping mall nearby. It is such a magnificent and unimaginable view which you would definitely love as you experience Hong Kong. It is quite accessible through the MTR too by exiting through Diamond Hill Station Exit C2, follow the signs and walk for around five minutes.
3. Stroll at the Cat Street and Antique Market
Wandering in Hong Kong’s bustling street dotted with an array of vendors selling antiques, art & souvenirs is such a unique experience. It is a must for all tourists to explore and meet the local people while enjoying their native food and purchasing some of their handicrafts.
Trying out their local dishes will truly satisfy your hunger. We recommend their noodle soups which significantly overcomes satiety after a long walk from the temples to metro stations and to the streets. After which, you may enjoy shopping souvenirs at the vast street market where vendors are selling a variety of items from souvenir clothes to key chains to home decorations and furniture and a lot more!
A very welcoming street vendor selling Takoyaki 
The all-time favorite, Takoyaki 
Mouth-watering Shumai, a type of traditional Chinese dumpling 
Authentic Wonton Noodle Soup, a must try!
Reach there through the MTR and exiting at Sheung Wan station which is just beside the Central Station. Having a map handy will be very useful, therefore, keeping a soft copy on your mobile phone is really a good idea especially because the railway system of Hong Kong is quite expansive.
Don’t lose yourself! You have a very short span of time to explore Hong Kong. Make the most out of it! 🙂
If you have more time to spend, then there’s a lot more to traverse in Hong Kong. There is a travel site which offers tour packages including popular activities so you would be able to enjoy a hassle-free experience. They are called KLOOK and you may find them on the link below:
Due to our short layover we were not able to purchase a tour package from them but surely we would try it next time. Nevertheless, we are able to obtain an offer from them which is the Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets that costs AED 23 or USD 6 each.
With this ticket, we were able to:
- Experience secure travel from the Hong Kong International Airport to the city center
- Enter the gate conveniently with the Hong Kong Airport Express QR code found on the Klook mobile voucher
- Avoid hauling our luggage with the free in-town check-in services offered at the Hong Kong and Kowloon Station
- Get connected and avail the free WiFi and charging stations on board
Having a short trip in Hong Kong is amazingly gratifying to explore the beauty they can offer. What more if you have few days to stay?!?
We are very much looking forward to travel there again and hope to visit other remarkable places. How about you? Have you been to Hong Kong? Tell us your story and suggestions on where we could visit next.
Cheers! 🙂
Looks like you had a great time and Hong Kong has so much to do. The scenery was beautiful and the food looks yummy.
We did have a great time there, thank you Ashly! Wish we had some more time to spend, but hopefully next time.
Oh wow! I might actually enjoy a layover there! Usually, I’m just grumpy that I have to wait, but I’d love to explore Hong Kong.
Absolutely Brianne! You would surely love the place and enjoy your short layover there.
This looks like it would be so much fun! I love all the beautiful photos you shared of your layover at Hong Kong. I don’t get to do much traveling but I want to visit Hong Kong now!
Thank you for the appreciation Cynthia! We are actually expats from abroad, so when we go for vacation to our home country, we made the most out of our stopover in Hong Kong. It was indeed a really great experience.
I have wanted to visit Hong Kong for a very long time, such a beautiful and magical place. Thank you for sharing your experience, I will definitely take notes when I will go for a trip there. 💛
You’re welcome Sedija! The place is really amazing, I’m actually our of words now. Hope you enjoy your visit there someday! Good luck!
This looks like such an eventful itinerary, I wish I wasn’t so lazy on layovers!
I feel you Chaymaa, at times, I feel like just staying in the airport killing time. But sometimes, especially for layovers more than 8 hours, it is enough to spend some time exploring the country.
I have always wanted to go to Hong Kong!! It seems like you got so much done in less than 10 hours. You live exciting lives!
Indeed Jessie, we’ve done a lot of things for that short layover in Hong Kong. It was wonderful, joyful and memorable.
You definitely made the most of your time to get a glimpse of what Hong Kong has to offer and I’m sure you will want to return to do it more justice some day. I have always been a fan of Chinese and Japanese gardens and how this is created and blended in with paths, bridges and of course, the surrounding architecture. You captured this really well.
I agree with you Nicole, if ever we get the chance again to visit Hong Kong, we will try to allot more time to spend there since that place has a lot more to offer! I can say that we’ve only had a glimpse of it. The temples and gardens have one-of-a-kind structures and wonderful architectural designs. It was really amazing, it was like we’ve entered a different world! All in all, the place was great, maybe next time we’ll explore some other places, and hope you could visit and enjoy there too!
It’s been so long since we’ve traveled that I can’t imagine any type of layover. I’m sure I can get a lot done in 10 hours!
That’s true! There are lots of things you can do in such a short layover. Just make sure have enough travel time to and from the airport. Good luck!
This seems like an amazing experience! Hopefully one day I’ll be able to do something like this!
It was indeed an amazing experience for us! Hope you could experience the kind of rush and enjoyment someday too!
Wow such a great list that might take 10 days to complete! So many good places and suggestions and I am glad that you have a nice time in Hong Kong ~ it’s the best city. – Knyce journeying
I agree to that Kenny! My tip in order for you to make the most out pf your layover is to make a research before your trip and plan it well. I’ve spent some time Googling the places, the map and each of their locations and how we’ll be using the MTR in able to reach the destinations. Once you’ve done your research well, everything good will follow.
Gorgeous photos! Looks like you definitely made the most of your time there. Great tips for things to do in Hong Kong!
Thank you Britt! We have indeed had a wonderful experience there. Hope these tips could be helpful on your next travel.
This is such a detailed list. You did your research well. All the places look wonderful and worth visiting!
I definitely did a lot of research before our trip Nilakshi! How did you noticed that, thank you! I’ve studied our path, directions, mode of transportation, and of course, our budget so that we’ll be able to reach all our destinations without a hassle.
I love all your piccys and I could just do with some travel inspiration, so this is great timing x
Thank you Melanie! Happy to share travel information!
The nature and food just looks amazing. Wasn’t aware how green it was right by the city. Thanks for the in-depth guide. This will help a lot of people!
You’re welcome Travelmvmt! We are glad to share helpful information especially to travellers. Hope this helps!
I love authentic wonton noodles and visiting those places are a must. I’ve been to HK twice ad I would love to go back there again.
It is indeed a worthy place to visit several times, not only because of the foods they could offer, but also the beauty of the place itself. We would love to go back there again and hope to see you there!
Oh! I miss Hong Kong! I love their food offerings, too! I’d like to check the places that you’ve mentioned on my next visit.
You should check them out next time CA! Those places are worthy to visit, it would be a memorable travel for sure.
Hong Kong is very memorable to me. This is where my boyfriend proposed last year while we were aboard the Aqua Luna in Victoria Harbour. 🙂
Wow that sounds so sweet!!! Congratulations to both of you! That would be an amazing scene for the both of you, what a special experience!
There is so much to do in Hong Kong! I would feel like I wouldn’t want to get back to the airport because I would be feeling like I want to see and do more! This is a great list!
That’s right Marie, I couldn’t agree more to that! When it’s time to go back for our next flight, you would feel wanting to stay longer. Maybe we could visit again next time.
wow. you got all that done in 10 hours?! wow. you’re speedy. I always assumed a temple or such would take a full day in and of itself.
Absolutely Joy! It only took less than 10 hours for us, by using thorough research and a detailed schedule, you would be able to make that goal possible and achievable too.
It’s fascinating how many amazing places you can see in such a short time. The views are amazing and I really like your food photos as well.
Thank you for the appreciation Ivana! The place is so astonishing and we felt wonderful to experience it at least for such a short period of time.
Isn’t it amazing what you can do during a layover? I’m saving this in case I’m ever here and have a long layover. 🙂
Absolutely Brianna! There are lots of things to do, what more if you have a long layover, right? Good luck to yours!
10-Hour layover in Hong Kong is one of the best layovers you can have! I have to 2nd that visiting Chi Lin Nunnery is a must! It looks like you all had so much un.
Yes, it was definitely one of the best layover that we had! The temples are really fascinating. Hope you enjoy your visit there too soon!
HK’s train system is so efficient so it’s easy to roam around. It’s one of my favorite layovers and I usually do my food trips there!
Their train system is indeed stunning and very helpful at the same time, as you would be able to reach your destination anywhere in such a short period of time. Also, we bring a soft copy of their train map on our mobiles so we would not be able to miss anything or lose ourselves nowhere.
You packed a lot into your layover. Hong Kong is a wonderful place to visit isn’t it. Thanks for sharing, my head is back in Hong Kong now 😉
It is indeed an astonishing place to discover even in a short period of time. Good luck, hope you visit there too soon and indulge in the wonderful things they could offer.
Hong Kong is famed for its ability to maintain its connection to its traditional Chinese roots in the face of modernisation. The photos here are proof of this. The Wonton soup seems the yummiest of all the food photos.
Oh I really loved that authentic Wonton soup they had Yaswanth! You couldn’t imagine the excitement I’ve had while eating it. Hope you visit there too soon and enjoy their foods!
I probably would, considering my friend just moved to HK. My only problem would be that I eat only vegetarian food.
I really would love to explore Hong Kong as it has unique culture and sites!
You would definitely enjoy your experience there Aisasami, good luck!
Awesome! If I ever make it to Hong Kong one day ill be sure to reference this article!
Thank you Kelly! Glad to share valuable travel information here. 🙂
You did a great job at itemising the interesting places to visit. I really fancy visiting the Che Kung Temple. I like the history behind it.
Thank you for the appreciation Eze! Che Kung is one of the breathtaking temples in Hong Kong. Hope you visit there too soon!
you make 10 hour look like a week. I would really like to visit hong kong one day.
Thank you Steven! Hope you visit there too soon!
I have been craving for that wonton soup! What a beautiful place to visit.
-Nina-
Just the mention of it, made my mouth water. I miss that soup, hope I can make one for us. Thank you nina, hope you could visit there too soon!
The second pic of your post really made me yearn to visit Hong Kong , it conjured up all the wanderlust in me. Che Kung Temple definitely looked peaceful and positive vibes. Interesting to note that it is dedicated to a military personnel. The giant golden statue of Che Kung looks so imposing. Hong Kong I think has one of the best Mass Transit Railway (MTR), as bought out in your post. Truly wandering in a new city and looking at antiques, art & souvenirs is such a unique experience and definitely gets the wanderlust to go full throttle. Kudos to a great post
Thank you so much for the appreciation Sumit! I love to hear that you’ve enjoyed reading our travel blog. This place is indeed very stupefying and visiting such place just make life more enjoyable and interesting. The temples and statues were very astonishing, it was actually our first time to visit such temples and it felt really great! Their mode of transportation is amazing, it definitely made all the landmarks accessible, just make sure to be ready for some walking activity. Additionally, the time we went there is quite nice, it was in the month of May or June, if my memory serves me right, so the summer heat is not that pickling to the skin and it didn’t rain, so you might consider the weather when you go there. Good luck Sumit and hoping to hear from your travels too!
Wow it’s amazing what you can do in such a short time. Thanks for sharing this. I would love to visit Hong Kong one day.
You’re welcome Natalie! I was also astounded of the number of places we’ve visited. Hope you visit there too soon!
HK has a rich culture filled with decades of history and good food.
Last time I visited in 2016 I really enjoyed my stay
That is so great to hear Utaji! You must’ve made the most out of your visit there for sure! Such an astonishing place, wasn’t it?
I would have so much fun at that market and tasting a variety of food there. Probably also would have to buy another suitcase. LOL!
Absolutely PD! I wish I could have more time to explore that market as it was really amazing and has a lot to offer. You will definitely enjoy the sight of that and will be fascinated to the variety of shopping options too!
Hongkong is top of my “traveling list”. Hope this madness end soon!
Indeed Remo, hope this crisis goes away soon so we can continue our normal lives and indulge to travelling again.
This was such an a travel post! I loveHong Kong🎉 I would love to visit the Mongkong Markets! Adding to bucket list 👌
Indeed! You should absolutely visit that place! You will significantly enjoy there, I promise!
My father used to travel through Hong Kong on his way to and from Mainland China, and always had wonderful things to say about it. I hope I get to visit one day.
Wow! Thank you for sharing that Shelley! It is indeed a nice place to spend a layover. You wouldn’t get bored. Hope you visit there too!
I like longer layovers where you get a chance to explore. This would definitely be memorable!
Hope to spend a longer layover next time! I agree, there are a lot more things to explore and discover.
Hong Kong is always so fun place, especially in night time near water, listening to busking. Great place to visit.
Sounds great Shristi! It is indeed a great place with a lot of activities to offer!
Wow! So much can you do in 10 hours? Amazing!
That’s right Iris! There are so many things you can enjoy while having a layover at Hong Kong.