Hong Kong Rags to Riches Tour

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Hong Kong is a city like no other, and this tour will take you through Hong Kong’s rich history and fascinating transformation from humble fishing harbour to international financial leader. Experience the traditional and modern, with explorations into the old markets and antique shops, and a journey to the towering skyscrapers of tomorrow. On this Hong Kong tour, you’ll visit the Herbal Medicine Quarter to learn about traditional Chinese medicine, and juxtapose that with insight into Hong Kong’s illustrious trading houses, private clubs, global banks, and government institutions.

Highlights:

Immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s journey from traditional fishing harbour to international financial powerhouse
Learn about the influence of Feng Shui on the central business district’s art and architecture
Explore the pathways of Hong Kong’s historical transformation through its multicultural neighbourhoods
Experience Hong Kong’s unique juxtaposition of traditional and modern lifestyles and architectures
Take a ride on the world’s longest outdoor escalator

Tour style:Walking & Orientation, Local Life & Culture, Heritage & History Market Visits
Inclusion:

English Speaking Guide

Exclusion:

Items of a personal nature, tips & gratuities for your local guide.

Group size:Maximum 12
Schedule details:

Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Meeting point:
Sheung Wan MTR station Exit B (4 minutes from Central and 12 minutes from Tsim Sha Tsui by MTR)
Start time: 10.00 AM
Finish point:
Central MTR station

Additional information :

Voucher exchange details:
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour.
Confirmation of booking:
Please contact the local supplier to confirm your tour 24 hours prior to departure.
Language: English

Itinerary:

Markets are the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s history and present day identity, so it is only appropriate that this Hong Kong tour begins with an exploration of some of the city’s oldest and most unique markets.

The foundation of Hong Kong’s traditional trade and fishing harbour industry, markets are an excellent way to identify with Hong Kong’s humble, hardworking past, as we will see in the Western Market, the Ginseng and Bird Nest trading hubs, and the Herbal Medicine Quarter.

The tour follows the trail of traditional Hong Kong street shops, as we make our way to Hollywood Road, the centre of Chinese antiques trading. Over a hundred antiques shop line Hollywood Road selling everything from Ming vases to Han Dynasty war horse potteries. As we venture further into Hong Kong’s market history, we visit Cat Street, originally home to the city’s black market, now an open-air curio market.

Heading into Tai Ping Shan, it’s as though you’ve done a time warp – the shops and galleries are new and contemporary, and the culture is decidedly more Western and international, representing Hong Kong’s shift to an expat community led by international business. The combination of European style influences and traditional Hong Kong streetscapes has created some fascinating neighbourhoods in SoHo and NoHo, providing a unique narrative and experience for visitors.

A ride up the 800-metre long Central-Mid-Levels Escalators, the world’s longest outdoor escalator system, is a highlight on this Hong Kong tour, as it is for most visitors to the city. It transports you through a district known for being one of the best examples of traditional and modern life coming together in Hong Kong.

As we make our way to Central, we pass through Graham Street and its wet market that has been continuously operating for over 160 years. Counter that with our arrival in Central, which is dominated by modern skyscrapers that represent Hong Kong’s new life of riches, as an integral international financial hub. As a consequence, Hong Kong’s modern identity includes posh business clubs, swanky shopping malls, and impressively constructed office towers, yet retaining traditional elements, such as Feng Shui oriented art and architecture.

Hong Kong is a city in its own class, where tradition and culture have merged full speed with modernity and international influences. From Rags to Riches, this Hong Kong tour will excite your senses, pique your curiosity, and leave you fascinated at how it has transitioned so seamlessly.

Your trip:

For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.

Tipping:

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.

Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.

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Price range: USD

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