Skip to main content

What to See and Do in Hong Kong: A South Carolinian's Guide

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Hong Kong as a destination from South Carolina

Hong Kong is a densely packed harbor city on China's southern coast where British colonial architecture sits next to gleaming skyscrapers, and where you can eat dim sum in a centuries-old teahouse or ride the world's longest covered escalator system. Most visitors from South Carolina fly into Hong Kong International Airport, which sits on an island connected to the mainland by bridge and tunnel—you'll land about 13 miles from the city center. The city itself spreads across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories, connected by ferries, the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, and an extensive subway system called the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) that runs in English and Cantonese.

The city operates on Hong Kong Dollar currency (not mainland Chinese yuan), and English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, though Cantonese is the primary language. Hong Kong has its own immigration system separate from mainland China, so you'll clear customs when you arrive—your U.S. passport gets you a 180-day visitor stamp. The city sits on the edge of the South China Sea with a subtropical climate: hot and humid May through September, mild and dry October through April, and typhoon season peaks August through October.

Key Takeaways

  • The Star Ferry crossing Victoria Harbour costs about 3 Hong Kong Dollars and takes 10 minutes, offering views of the harbor and skyline that define the city's character.
  • Peak Tram takes you to Victoria Peak, where the Observation Deck provides 360-degree views of the harbor, islands, and mountains—the most visited paid attraction in Hong Kong.
  • The MTR subway system is fast, clean, and uses an Octopus Card (a rechargeable transit pass) that also works at convenience stores and restaurants throughout the city.
  • Dim sum restaurants in areas like Central and Mong Kok serve small plates of dumplings, buns, and seafood from carts or order sheets—a meal typically costs 50 to 100 Hong Kong Dollars per person.
  • Day trips by ferry reach outlying islands like Lantau (home to the Giant Buddha statue) and Cheung Chau, where you can hike, swim, and eat seafood at waterfront restaurants.

Getting around the harbor and islands

The Star Ferry is the most iconic way to cross Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The green-and-white ferries have run the same route since 1888, and the 10-minute crossing costs 2.70 to 3.70 Hong Kong Dollars depending on which deck you choose. Sit on the upper deck at sunset for views of the harbor's neon-lit skyline and the mountains beyond. The ferry runs every 6 to 12 minutes from early morning until late evening.

For day trips, the Star Ferry Company also operates ferries to outlying islands. Lantau Island, home to the 34-meter bronze Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), is reachable by ferry from Central Pier in about 60 minutes. The ferry costs around 11 to 17 Hong Kong Dollars. From the ferry pier, you can take a cable car up to the Buddha statue or hike the surrounding trails. Cheung Chau Island, a smaller fishing village island, takes 35 to 50 minutes by ferry and costs about 5 to 6 Hong Kong Dollars; the island has beaches, hiking trails, and seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the fastest way to move around the city itself. Stations are marked with clear English signage, and trains run from around 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Buy an Octopus Card at any MTR station (deposit 150 Hong Kong Dollars, of which 100 is usable credit) and tap it at gates and on buses. The card works on all public transport and at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K, where you can also buy snacks and drinks.

Museums, temples, and colonial landmarks

The Hong Kong Museum of History, located in Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side, traces the city from its earliest settlements through the handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The museum occupies a modern building and uses artifacts, photographs, and video to show how Hong Kong became a trading port, a British colony, and a global financial center. Admission is around 10 Hong Kong Dollars, and the museum is closed Thursdays.

Man Mo Temple, built in 1847 in the Central district, is one of Hong Kong's oldest temples and remains an active place of worship. The temple is dedicated to the gods of literature and war, and visitors can watch locals burn incense and make offerings. The temple is free to enter and sits on a quiet street lined with antique shops and traditional Chinese medicine stores—a pocket of old Hong Kong surrounded by modern office towers.

Victoria Peak offers the most comprehensive views of the city. The Peak Tram, a funicular railway that has run since 1888, climbs from Central to the Peak in about 8 minutes; the ride costs around 33 Hong Kong Dollars round-trip. At the top, the Peak Observation Deck (admission around 60 Hong Kong Dollars) provides 360-degree views of Victoria Harbour, the surrounding islands, and the mountains. On clear days you can see across to mainland China. The Peak is also reachable by hiking trails if you prefer to walk.

Food and markets

Dim sum is the most iconic Hong Kong meal: small portions of dumplings, buns, seafood, and vegetables served from carts or ordered from a menu. Restaurants in Central, Mong Kok, and Causeway Bay serve dim sum from late morning through early afternoon. A typical meal costs 50 to 100 Hong Kong Dollars per person depending on what you order. Luk Yu Tea House in Central, opened in 1933, is one of the oldest dim sum restaurants and retains its wood-paneled interior and vintage atmosphere.

Street food markets are scattered throughout the city. Temple Street Night Market in Mong Kok opens in the evening and sells clothing, electronics, and food from stalls. Ladies' Market on Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok runs during the day and sells clothing and accessories. Both markets are free to walk through, and food stalls sell noodles, skewers, and seafood for 20 to 50 Hong Kong Dollars per item.

For sit-down meals, dai pai dong (open-air food stalls with communal seating) serve noodles, rice dishes, and soups quickly and cheaply—meals typically cost 30 to 60 Hong Kong Dollars. These stalls are found in older neighborhoods like Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po and offer a glimpse of how working-class Hong Kong eats. Many dai pai dong have no English menus, so pointing at what other diners are eating is an acceptable way to order.

Shopping and neighborhoods to explore

Central is the financial and colonial heart of Hong Kong. The neighborhood has high-end shops, galleries, and restaurants, but also older streets like Cat Street (Upper Lascar Row) where antique dealers and vintage shops occupy narrow storefronts. The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, the world's longest covered escalator system, climbs from Central uphill toward residential areas—it's free to ride and offers views of the neighborhood as you ascend.

Mong Kok in Kowloon is the densest, most chaotic neighborhood in Hong Kong. Neon signs hang low over narrow streets, and shops sell everything from electronics to toys to clothing. The neighborhood has no single "sight" but rather the experience of being surrounded by commerce, crowds, and the sensory overload that defines old Hong Kong. It's also where many of the cheapest meals and markets are located.

Stanley, on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, is a quieter beach town with a colonial feel. The Stanley Market sells clothing and souvenirs, and the waterfront has seafood restaurants and bars. It's reachable by bus from Central in about 30 to 40 minutes and offers a break from the city's intensity.

When to visit and what to bring

October through November and March through April are the best months to visit Hong Kong. The weather is mild, humidity is lower, and skies are clearer for views from Victoria Peak. December through February is cool and dry but can be crowded with holiday travelers. May through September is hot, humid, and typhoon season—storms can disrupt ferries and outdoor plans, though they rarely last more than a day.

Pack light, breathable clothing for the warm months and a light jacket for the cooler season. Comfortable walking shoes are essential because the city is hilly and you'll spend time on stairs and escalators. Bring a small umbrella or rain jacket year-round. Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but some smaller shops and dai pai dong stalls are cash-only, so withdraw Hong Kong Dollars at an ATM when you arrive.

Practical information for travelers from South Carolina

Direct flights from major U.S. airports to Hong Kong International Airport take about 16 to 18 hours. From South Carolina, you'll likely connect through a hub like San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Dallas. The flight time and jet lag (Hong Kong is 12 to 13 hours ahead of South Carolina depending on daylight saving time) mean most travelers spend at least 3 to 4 days in the city to adjust and see the main sights.

Hotels range from budget guesthouses (around 300 to 500 Hong Kong Dollars per night) to mid-range hotels (800 to 1,500 Hong Kong Dollars) to luxury properties (2,000 Hong Kong Dollars and up). Neighborhoods like Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po have cheaper options, while Central and Tsim Sha Tsui are more expensive. Book accommodations in advance, especially during October through November and December through February.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board website (discoverhongkong.com) has maps, event listings, and information about transportation passes. The MTR website has an interactive map showing all subway lines and stations. Most restaurants and attractions have websites in English, and Google Maps works well for navigation once you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong from the United States?

No. U.S. citizens can enter Hong Kong visa-free with a valid passport and receive a 180-day visitor stamp upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If you plan to visit mainland China during the same trip, you will need a separate Chinese visa.

What's the best way to get from the airport to the city center?

The Airport Express train is the fastest and most reliable option. It takes 24 minutes to reach Central Station and costs around 100 Hong Kong Dollars. Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes from early morning until late evening. Taxis are also available but cost 300 to 400 Hong Kong Dollars depending on traffic, and the ride takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Can I use my U.S. cell phone in Hong Kong?

Yes, if your plan includes international roaming, though rates can be expensive. A cheaper option is to buy a local SIM card at the airport or at convenience stores—companies like CSL, 3, and Vodafone offer prepaid plans with data for 50 to 100 Hong Kong Dollars. You'll need an unlocked phone. Most hotels and restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi.

Is Hong Kong safe for tourists?

Hong Kong is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and the city has a visible police presence. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets and on public transport, so keep valuables secure. Avoid large political gatherings or protests, which occasionally occur but are usually announced in advance.

What should I know about tipping in Hong Kong?

Tipping is not expected or customary in Hong Kong. Most restaurants include a 10 percent service charge on the bill, and you don't need to add more. Taxis, hotels, and tour guides do not expect tips. This is different from the United States and can feel unusual, but it's the standard practice.