Hong Kong Flights And Sights

Hong Kong is such a feast for the senses, it reminds me of a movie set. Maybe I'm an incurable romantic, but when I stand at the railing of the famous Star Ferry as it glides across the harbor, ride a rickety old tram as it winds its way across Hong Kong Island, or marvel at the stunning views afforded from atop Victoria Peak, I can't help but think I must have somehow landed in the middle of an epic drama where the past has melted into the present. So many images float by -- wooden boats bobbing up and down in the harbor beside huge ocean liners; crumbling tenements next to ultramodern high-rises; squalid alleys behind luxury hotels; elderly people pushing wheelbarrows as Rolls-Royces glide by; market vendors selling chicken feet and dried squid while talking on cellphones.

In fact, one of the most striking characteristics of Hong Kong is this interweaving of seeming contradictions and the interplay of the exotic and the technically advanced. There are as many skyscrapers here as you're likely to see anywhere, but they're built with bamboo scaffolding and in accordance with the principles of feng shui. Historic trams rumble through Central, while below ground is one of the most efficient subways in the world, complete with the world's first "contactless" tickets, cards that can be waved over a scanner without even taking them out of your purse or wallet. The city has some of the best and most sophisticated restaurants in the world, but it also has dai pai dong, street-side food stalls. Hong Kong is home to one of the world's largest shopping malls, but lively makeshift street markets are virtually everywhere.

The more you search for in Hong Kong, the more you'll find. Before long, you, too, may find yourself swept up in the drama.

With flights to Hong Kong, you can discover this captivating, unique place firsthand. Let yourself be dazzled by its history, culture and vibrancy. Plan an unforgettable experience with our tips on the best things to do in Hong Kong, from exploring The Peak and Victoria Harbour to witnessing the awe-inspiring Giant Buddha.

One of the most popular activities in Hong Kong is visiting The Peak, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the city, water and mountains. The best way to get there is by taking the Peak Tram, which will take you on a steep climb to the top. Once there, you'll relish the views of the city's skyline, Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and green mountainsides. Take the Peak Circle Walk and have your camera ready.

After you've seen Victoria Harbour from above, you'll want to get a closer view. Walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for wonderful views of the water. However, this brilliant, sparkling jewel truly comes alive at night, when more than 40 skyscrapers are lit up during a multimedia presentation. Of all the exciting things to do in Hong Kong, this might be the most striking. A Symphony of Lights Hong Kong Harbor Night Cruise is a wonderful way to see it from the water -- the best vantage point. You'll have uninterrupted views of the nightly show from aboard a traditional Chinese sightseeing junk.

Another one of our favorite activities in Hong Kong is just outside the city itself, and that's a visit to the Giant Buddha atop Ngong Ping plateau on Lantau Island. A convenient and educational way to get there is with a Lantau Island and Giant Buddha Day Trip, which will take about eight hours. The island is Hong Kong's largest, featuring beautiful beaches, traditional villages and verdant hillsides. The Giant Buddha, which took a dozen years to complete, is part of the deeply reverent Po Lin Monastery. While there, take a walk along the Wisdom Path.

American Airlines can help you fly to Hong Kong and experience everything from pulse-tingling modern design to time-honored traditions. Rest assured that with the refreshing variety of things to do in Hong Kong, there's not one minute you'll wish you were anywhere else.