Hong Kong Nightlife

Nightlife in Hong Kong is pretty reserved when compared to Tokyo and Bangkok . Many people go to clubs for socializing but most of their entertaining takes place in the large Chinese restaurants. Hong Kong has many festivals throughout the year and Chinese opera is still popular. The bar and nightclub scene is not as popular as it once was. There are still discos and dancing but they are not as popular as they are in the U.S. or in European cities. Kowloon has a concentrated nightlife and features many bars that are open to the streets. Some also have tables outside so you can sit and have a nice drink. Most bars charge cover charges and drinks can be expensive. Some bars, however, feature great happy hours. During happy hour you can get half price drinks or two for ones.

Topless and Hostess clubs were very popular in Hong Kong during the 50's and 60's. Hong Kong had a sort of reputation back then. The place was buzzing with soldiers and sailors during the Vietnam War and there was a fairly good market for such clubs. Today, there are a select few topless and hostess bars that travelers can visit. Most of Hong Kong has tried to become a little more respectable and such bars closed down. There may be many extra charges at these clubs including admission, drinks charges and hostess or dancer charges. Causeway Bay and Wan Chai has a few exotic dancing bars located on Luard and Lockhart streets.

The Hong Kong Performing Arts Festival is held annually in February and March. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Philharmonic and the Empire Brass from Boston have frequented these festivals. The Urban Council Ticketing Office has tickets to all of the festivals, shows, rock and pop concerts in Hong Kong.

Most of the hotels have high-class bars and restaurants that are good for a nightcap and to take in the view of the harbor. A lot of hotels have piano bars but the music isn't always the focus in these bars.

Watertours are great for seeing the city if you don't feel like exploring on your own. These tours combine harbor tours with various land attractions as well. Cocktail cruises at night are also available.

Victoria Peak is great for a night stroll. You can take in all the sights of the Hong Kong skyline. You can also take the peak tram around to the Peak Terminal. The peak has paths and trails that are lit at night.

Mahjong is a Hong Kong classic. You will hear people clacking the tiles everywhere you go in Hong Kong . Many restaurants have side rooms for playing Mahjong and somebody usually always has a set at all events. You will see them at weddings, restaurants, family gatherings, in the afternoon and late at night. Mahjong provides a type of gambling that doesn't involve money. Only horseracing is legal for gambling and the Hong Kong people have to find something else that passes the time. A game of Mahjong resembles a game of dominoes. The tiles have Chinese characters instead of dots. Tiles are drawn and discarded until somebody runs out. The game is usually played by four people. The game can also become quite lively like a domino game, as the players will slam the tiles on the table. A player wins by having a hand of four combinations of three tiles and two matching tiles. Betting chips are also a part of the game and adds a little excitement.

Night markets are also located throughout the city and offer an interesting shopping experience. These are great places to shop for clothing, accessories, jewelry, toys and more. You are sure to find many unique and interesting items in the night market.

To find local news about what is going on in Hong Kong be sure to pick up What's On-Hong Kong. It is a local guide that shows all of the entertainment and happenings in Hong Kong . Many hotels also have tourist desks and they should have up to date information as well.