The High and Low of Hong Kong
Whilst in Hong Kong, my Chinese friend had told me about Lee Tung Avenue to visit to look at the Chinese lanterns and have a cup of tea. On my last day I decided to walk from my hotel and try and find it without a map of any sorts ie paper or smart phone. I knew the general area so I set off.
I walked for about forty-minutes and then felt I should turn off the main street in Wan Chai, which proved to be a good choice as after another turn into a smaller street, I saw many [many] Chinese lanterns.
The shops along this tree-lined pedestrian avenue sell everything from cosmetics, cakes, toys, jewellery and fashions to ice-cream. The avenue was once called Lee Tung Street with a nickname of ‘wedding card street‘ because almost all the shops were related to bridal services and products. There are still many shops selling wedding paraphernalia.Walking along and looking up, I loved the juxtaposition of the old apartments on the next street and the brand new shops along the avenue.There are also some pretty cool people just sitting around enjoying the lanterns…The cafes are quaint with beautiful displays of gorgeous pastries, (over priced) jams and other beautifully wrapped and bottled items. It didn’t take long to walk along this avenue but its so pretty that it is definitely worth a visit.And of course one of the the ‘must’ do’ things in Hong Kong is a visit to The Peak. One very warm afternoon, my friend Naomi and I walked to the tram station but as it was 2pm there was a huge line for the tram so we decided we would return the next day when the tram first opened and miss the lengthy queues.
I love the little tram; it’s a very steep ride both up and down the mountain. Great views each way over Victoria Harbour; both to Kowloon, over Hong Kong Island and the very expensive homes and apartments.
We arrived at The Peak and did the circle walk which is so lovely as it’s shaded by overhanging trees.
It’s not a long walk but along the way you get panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, those amazing apartment blocks and the waterfall near Mount Austin playground. It started off a little cloudy but towards the end of our walk we were fortunate to have clear views of Hong Kong Island…but foggy views of Kowloon.If you are wealthy enough, then a home on The Peak is for you. The more privileged residents of Hong Kong not only have the great views but also an escape from the scorching summer heat. When I lived in Hong Kong I was lucky enough to get invited to the home of the Australian Consulate General which is on The Peak; beautiful home with stunning gardens…wow I would have loved to live there!
But for Naomi and me it was just a visit to see those spectacular views.
JohnRH said:
I remember the peak view from 49 years ago. Are there still a lot of sampans in the harbor?
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Emma Cownie said:
The sculptures and the Chinese lanterns make a great photo.
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Gaz said:
Beautiful photographs Sue 👍
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Little Miss Traveller said:
I always like to take a ride up the peak and enjoy the same circular walk as you. We usually do this on our first morning as for once we are awake really early with the time adjustment. I’m not familiar with Lee Tung Avenue so I might add it to my list for our upcoming trip! Hope you have a good weekend Sue!
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Emily said:
I love the lanterns, so simple but so beautiful 😍
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kasiawrites said:
Love the lanterns! We visited the Peak at night so the views were of the shimmering lights everywhere! I would have loved to have gone during the day!
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Isabelle said:
Have only been to Hong Kong once, it’s been many years now. Such fabulous pictures Sue! They brought back some distant memories.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Not really John. Only ones for tourism and not many of them.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you Emma.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thanks very much Gaz.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hi M. Isn’t the walk just so lovely. Out of the hustle and bustle of HK. Yes please do go to the Avenue – small but lovely.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thanks so much Emily.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you. It’s funny I would loved to have seen the Peak at night. Must do that next time.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Hi Isabelle. Thanks so much. And glad to have brought back distant memories for you.
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kasiawrites said:
It is quite the view 😍
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Amy said:
These Chinese lanterns are beautiful. Buildings are packed like NYC.
Thank you for the fabulous tour, Sue! 🙂
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JohnRH said:
Ah. Larger population when I visited, ’69-70. Wikipedia: The harbour contains approximately 600 junks, which house an estimated 6,000 people. The total population of boat dwellers in Hong Kong was estimated at 2,000 in 1841,[6] 150,000 in 1963[7] and at 40,000 in 1982.[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdeen_floating_village
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Lignum Draco said:
I agree about The Peak. I’ll look for Lee Tung Ave next time.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you Amy.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Wow…thanks John.
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vinneve said:
I like the colourful lanterns too! last time I was in HK my boy was just 2, I think haha!
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Ana Rocha 🌱🌍 said:
Wow great post, I would love to go to Hong Kong one day, seems like a great place
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Wow Vinneve a little while ago.
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you Ana. Do hope you get there. It’s def worth a visit.
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sidran said:
Gorgeous pics.
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Sophie said:
Lovely ! I never did the circular walk at the Peak. I realize through your post how little I actually know HKG’s best spots… I must return to check those out………!!! It’s funny you mentioned Le Pain Quotidien, it’s a French chain store, which we of course have in Nice in the Old Town. One of the locals favorite places to have Sunday brunch… 😉
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thanks as always!!
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Oh how interesting about the chain store. I went inside it was so lovely. So very French. Xx
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twobrownfeet said:
Wow! Those views are gorgeous. I’ve heard about HK’s wonderful hiking trails, but couldn’t visit any. 🙂
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Thank you so very much.
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Edward Tan said:
Glad to know that you had some great time in HK. I have been to the peak for 10+ years! I should go there one day
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Yes it’s still beautiful Edward.
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reocochran said:
The Peak walk, the red Chinese lanterns, shops and views downtown were all treasures, Sue! Thank you for also the foggy photos. I will be checking posts but since I am trying to do Instagram, as well as FB now my comments will be brief. 🌟
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SueT唐 梦 琇 said:
Well thank you for taking the time to comment. Very kind.
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