Sure, Hong Kong’s International Airport is big enough that you could conceivably spend eight hours wandering around and leave reasonably happy. But you didn’t start travelling to spend all your time at the airport. Though getting out and back in takes a piece of time, there’s plenty to do in that window. Intrepid (and rapid) explorers might be able to hit every single thing on this list. The rest of us should choose three or four and enjoy them fully.
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Getting in and out
You’ll have to pass through immigration and customs on your way in and out of the airport, a process taking about 45 minutes each way. Plan your trip accordingly so you don’t miss your flight while waiting in line. You can check your bags at the airport for 55HKD. The Airport Express light rail train connects to Hong Kong proper, with trains leaving every 10 minutes during regular business hours. It’s a 24 minute ride. All told, give yourself 90 minutes to get to Hong Kong from leaving your plane, and get back on the Airport Express 2-3 hours before your next flight leaves.
Visit the Big Buddha
If you only do one thing in Hong Kong, do this. Take the S1 bus from the airport to Tung Chung and follow the signs to the NP360 Cable Car. You’ll ride for half an hour, crossing Tung Chung Bay with a jaw-dropping view of the city, regional parks and even the South China Sea.
At the top is one of the world’s largest Buddha statues, sitting at the top of a hill offering a full view of the entire Ngong Ping plateau. If you do just this, you can honestly say you’ve “Seen Hong Kong”. If it’s your first stop of the day, you can use the birds-eye view to orient yourself for the rest of your visit.
Hit the Art and Space Museums
With its combination of Chinese and British Imperial influences, Hong Kong art is some of the most emotionally and historically interesting art in the world. Art lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Hong Kong Museum of Art – pay special attention to their collection of tea pots and assorted tea paraphernalia.
Visible from the Museum of Art is the Hong Kong Space Museum. This more family-friendly option includes interactive exhibits about space, technology and China’s burgeoning space program. Its Stanley Ho Space Theatre offers an air-conditioned space to rest during your mad rush through Hong Kong.
Note: The Space Museum is closed through “Late 2016” for renovations.
Get star struck on the Avenue of Stars
Even without this Hollywood nod, the walk along the Victoria Harbour waterfront is worth it for the views, food and people watching. The Avenue itself is exactly what it sounds like: a collection of statues and pavement insets celebrating the kings and queens of Hong Kong cinema. Besides legends like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and director John Woo, you’ll see stars for everything from singer Lam Kar Sing, to action star Chow Yun-fat, to choreographer Yuen Wo Ping.
Take the Star Ferry
National Geographic magazine says taking the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour is one of the 50 things you should do before you die. If you’re already in Hong Kong, you might as well put a check in that box. You’ll find the pier near the Hong Kong Cultural Center.
You can choose between a 10-minute crossing (20 minutes round trip), or one of several tours lasting up to half a day including dinner. Everybody says to spend the extra money for an upper deck seat, which offers better viewing and is generally cooler.
Shop the business district
There’s shopping, and then there’s shopping in Hong Kong. Lose yourself in miles of multi-level shopping malls connected via skyways and an array of stairs and escalators that may well have been designed by M.C. Escher. You’ll find international brands like Nike and Victoria’s Secret nestled next to local shops and souvenir stands, with plenty of places to grab an adventurous bite in between. In the midst of your shopping extravaganza, find the IFC building and experience an ascent on the “Mid-Levels Escalator”. It’s the longest covered outdoor escalator anywhere.
Relax at the IMAX and Aviation Discovery Center
If you like to live dangerously, stay in the city until the last possible moment and cram in as much Hong Kong as you possibly can. Those who prefer safe to sorry can get back earlier than necessary, and kill an hour or two at the Aviation Discovery Center inside the airport. This interactive exhibit displays the history of aviation worldwide, and Hong Kong’s unique role and contribution to the effort. It also includes an IMAX theater, where you can rest legs tired from the trip and relax before your flight.
Of course, getting to or through Hong Kong starts with booking your flights and hotel room.
