Hong Kong might be sweltering in the summer, but there are plenty of cool activities to keep you entertained. Plus, as it’s low season, you can take advantage of cut-price hotels and flights too.
Here’s why you should pick summer for your Eastern adventure and our top picks for things to do…
Enjoy downtime on the beach
Bet you didn’t know that Hong Kong has some amazing white-sand beaches. It’s easy to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for some downtime on the beach. And, when the weather’s hot, it’s the perfect opportunity to cool down in the sea and enjoy that fresh sea breeze. Silvermine Bay Beach and Lo So Shing are two popular options, both with long stretches of soft golden sand and a beautiful mountain backdrop. The waters here are shallow, paddle friendly making it perfect for families too.
Take to the ice
There’s no better way to fend off the heat than heading to an ice rink. Hong Kong’s ice rinks are open throughout summer and are the perfect place to spend an afternoon - if only for the novelty of going skating in the heat. Take your pick from Cityplaza Ice Palace, Hong Kong’s oldest and perfect for family fun, or Mega Ice, the largest ice rink in the city located in the MegaBox mall. This ring is right next to a huge food court and has an IMAX cinema nearby, so you’ll have plenty of entertainment within walking distance.
Have fun at the festivals
The best thing about visiting Hong Kong in summer is the events, festivals and concerts. Don’t miss the Dragon Boat Festival in May and June every year, where hundreds of colourful dragon boats and international competitors take to the river. There’s also the International Arts Carnival, the Hong Kong Food Expo and the Chinese Opera Festival to keep you entertained.
If you’re travelling with the kids in tow and looking for a fun way to stay cool, take them to the Water Play Summer Party at Hong Kong Disneyland. The event lasts for almost the whole of summer and involves Pixar characters taking to streets and starting huge water fights across the park.
Bargain hard at the night market
Temple Night Street Market is Hong Kong’s best night market, and it’s a huge one too, extending over three blocks. It’s open from 6pm to 11pm every night, when the temperatures drop to reasonable measures. And, this place is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the shopping. The locals are friendly and up for a chat, Cantonese opera singers do impromptu performances in the streets, and fortune-tellers offer to predict your future. When it comes to goods, you can nab bargains on handmade souvenirs, clothes and fake Rolexes. There are plenty of street food stalls serving everything from noodles to curry too.
Kowloon Tour – Blue Route, Stop – Temple Street
Drink and dine with a view
When it’s too hot to hike up to Victoria Peak, you’ll want to take a more laid back approach to sightseeing. Enter the Sky100 observation deck on the 100th floor of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where you’ll get 360 degree views of the city. It’s not just about window views here, there are futuristic augmented reality exhibits and artistic projections to experience. And, there’s a café and gourmet restaurant onsite so you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying your surroundings.
Afterwards, nip up to the 118th floor to enjoy a cocktail at the Ozone bar. It’s officially the highest bar in the world and the perfect place to enjoy a drink after sunset. Be sure to try Ozone’s signature cocktail made with green tea cachaça, lime and lemongrass syrup, and served in a stick of bamboo.
Sky100 Observation deck Tickets
Kowloon Tour – Blue Route, Stop – Sky100
Hong Kong is a great year-round destination. But, summer is when you get take part in loads of events and celebrations, and enjoy fewer tourists in the city. If you don’t mind the heat, you’ll love exploring this energetic Eastern delight. Book your bus tour and must-visit attractions now.
