Hong KongPersonal travel impressions in stories and pictures from Hong Kong. Click on the pictures to enlarge, send as a free e-card, or download for personal use. You can locate Hong Kong and navigate the world using Google Earth Show on map
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Imagining Hong Kong, almost anyone will have images of enormous skyscrapers, millions of people and an absolute lack of space. And, for sure, when staying in Kowloon or the northern side of Hong Kong Island, reality is even more impressive than the expectation. However, it is possible to find, in short distance from the overpopulated areas, islands and islets which are almost uninhabited. Take a ferry to Cheung Chau island and within 30 minutes you will find yourself walking the quay of a picturesque village on the waterfront with a Mediterranean atmosphere, small fishing boats and outside cafes.
For those willing to do some extra effort, there are even beaches in walking distance where one can enjoy absolute solitude and silence. On the way, an old Chinese graveyard can be seen, as well as vistas over the South Chinese Sea. On one side of the small harbour there is an over 200 year old Chinese temple. Every now and then it is possible to meet someone on your way, although it is equally possible that you do not meet anyone at all. Wandering around this island (or most of the others) you quickly forget the nearness of the vast bustling city of Hong Kong. What's more, you tend to forget that you are in Asia because the scenery of these islands is very classical: hills covered with low bush, small paths leading anywhere and nowhere, with always the eternally moving sea in the background. It is when you get back to the quay, in search of a place to eat, that you realize that you are in China. People strolling down the boulevard are definitely not European in complexion.
During my last visit, it was even possible to be at one of the most beautiful beaches completely alone, without being seen by anyone. Although it surely does not give the feeling of being on an uninhabited island, it surely gives a feeling of freedom! Returning to the city, you can once more appreciate its enormousness when your boat enters the harbour, other boats in many sizes scattered around the sea, and the colossal buildings right behind the quay where your boat docks.
