Hong Kong Islands

There are many islands located at the foot of Hong Kong's Kowloon peninsula. These islands offer beautiful scenery and a look at the culture of Hong Kong locals. There are many walking tours available on the islands that allow you to get a good look at the true culture of the people. There are many islands and many offer a look at Hong Kong and its culture.

Before heading off to the islands you should visit The Peak first. The Peak allows you to get an overview look of the city and the islands. From The Peak you can see the city's skyscrapers, ships in harbor, islands and the lush green mountains. The Peak is a Hong Kong Signature Tourist Spot. The Peak also offers great dining, shopping and theme attractions. The restaurants and shops are open late; until about 10 or 11pm.

Central and Hollywood Road will also give you a good overlook of the Hong Kong culture. The Central and Sheung Wan neighborhoods explore the modern financial district of Hong Kong to the traditional Chinese shops and restaurants. These shops feature unique Chinese antiques, curio shops and handicrafts.

Stanley is a small seashore town that features colonial housing and restaurants. There are street markets that are very popular and lined with alfresco restaurants. In 1846, the town restored their colonial landmark building, which offers great dining and drinks. Stanley is also the home of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.

Lama Island is an escape from the city life. Lama Island is very rural with a small town and miles of hiking trails. The island features international restaurants, bars and New Age boutiques. Sok Kwu Wan is a small fishing town on Lama Island and allows visitors to get a good look at the Hong Kong fishing industry. Lama Island also has two temples that are located on each end of the island. The temples are dedicated to Tin Hau-The Goddess of the Sea.

Lantau Island is a very cultural island and the largest island in Hong Kong . Lantau Island is home to the Po Lin Monastery. The monastery features the world's largest, outdoor-seated bronze of Buddha. The island features spectacular vistas and views. Lantau Island also features the Wisdom Path. The Wisdom Path is an outdoor replica of the centuries old Heart Sutra. The Heart Sutra is the best-known prayer that is revered by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists. Lantau Island was once home to 500 monks that lived in many Buddhist monasteries.

Sai Kung is the back garden island of Hong Kong . The island has many rural areas and features the Sai Kung seaside town. Hoi Pong Square is a popular destination in the town for seafood dining. The waters in Sai Kung are peaceful and surrounded by magnificent mountains.

Poi Toi is a rocky island that has developed the name " Ghost Island ." Poi Toi is located at the southeastern end of Hong Kong Island . The island gained its name from the locals who called the British observer's gweilos or "white ghosts."

Cheung Chau was once a buddhist island on which no meat was served or consumed. The island is barely a square mile. It is told that the 19 th century pirate Cheung Po Tsai once had a hideout in a cave on the island. Cars are banned on Cheung Chau Island as this island is the most traditional island in Hong Kong, however, the island is one of the most densely populates islands in Hong Kong. The island has a few major modern buildings and many Chinese shops. The island is popular for beaches and windsurfing. In the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Hong Kong received a gold medal in windsurfing through Lee Lai-shan.

Hong Kong has over 260 islands surrounding it. Many of the islands are basically small rocks sticking up out of the water. Many are inhabited but many are uninhabitable. There are many rural communities on these islands that give visitors a look at the culture of the Hong Kong people