I'm thinking of taking the wife to either Beijing or Hong Kong for 4-5 days in September and was wondering if anyone has been to either cities. Seems like Hong Kong is pricier, in terms of food and lodging and Beijing has a lot more sight seeing opportunities. Non-reving won't be an issue as my wife will buy a ticket. Any experienced travelers? Thanks.
Beijing or Hong Kong
- Thread starter nc1982
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Screaming_Emu
Well-Known Member
Haven't been to Beijing, but Hong Kong is a lot of fun. Highly recommend.
A
Adler
Guest
Hong Kong is very easy for the first time Asia traveler.
Years ago I lived in Hong Kong and traveled to Beijing often. Both cities have changed a lot over the years, so their appearance will be different from when I was there, but some things will remain the same.
First, the weather. September can be a very nice month in Beijing. It's typically a little cooler and drier than the summer months. However, the air quality is poor, so your photos of the Temple of Heaven and Tianamin Square probably won't show beautiful blue skies. There are lots of places to visit in Beijing proper, and you can make a day trip to the Great Wall.
In HK it will still be warm and a bit humid, but not miserable. If you want to spoil your wife you can stay at one of the high end hotels. I really liked the Conrad on the island side. There is a ton of stuff to do in HK, and you could easily spend a week there and still have lots left to do at the end of your visit. You can get around on the MTR (fast and efficient, also cheap). You'll probably want to avoid taxis because traffic can be very slow. Some of the things I enjoyed: Kowloon night markets, dim sum (ask your concierge for a recommendation), bird cafes in Kowloon, jewelry shopping, fabric shopping (I know that sounds crazy, but we found fabric "alleys" that sold the most beautiful fabrics, and had many blouses, skirts, and dresses made for my wife), a day trip to Guanzhou to see the Quinping Market (amazing market where you can buy every manner of bug, fish, amphibian, mammal, and plant, all for the dinner table, exploring the old temples is cool, walking the old neighborhoods, taking the high speed ferry to Macau for a bit of gambling. I could go on and on.
The guide books are full of good info. Buy a couple, read the descriptions of both towns, and make your decision based on what sounds good to you. Have a great trip!
First, the weather. September can be a very nice month in Beijing. It's typically a little cooler and drier than the summer months. However, the air quality is poor, so your photos of the Temple of Heaven and Tianamin Square probably won't show beautiful blue skies. There are lots of places to visit in Beijing proper, and you can make a day trip to the Great Wall.
In HK it will still be warm and a bit humid, but not miserable. If you want to spoil your wife you can stay at one of the high end hotels. I really liked the Conrad on the island side. There is a ton of stuff to do in HK, and you could easily spend a week there and still have lots left to do at the end of your visit. You can get around on the MTR (fast and efficient, also cheap). You'll probably want to avoid taxis because traffic can be very slow. Some of the things I enjoyed: Kowloon night markets, dim sum (ask your concierge for a recommendation), bird cafes in Kowloon, jewelry shopping, fabric shopping (I know that sounds crazy, but we found fabric "alleys" that sold the most beautiful fabrics, and had many blouses, skirts, and dresses made for my wife), a day trip to Guanzhou to see the Quinping Market (amazing market where you can buy every manner of bug, fish, amphibian, mammal, and plant, all for the dinner table, exploring the old temples is cool, walking the old neighborhoods, taking the high speed ferry to Macau for a bit of gambling. I could go on and on.
The guide books are full of good info. Buy a couple, read the descriptions of both towns, and make your decision based on what sounds good to you. Have a great trip!
highflyer14
Well-Known Member
I second what Adler says, Hong Kong will be an easy trip. Nearly everyone there speaks English well so getting around the city is not in the least an issue. Sightseeing, food, and night life is excellent as well. Macau is also a quick ferry ride away and a great way to experience the Las Vegas of the East.
Dan208B
Well-Known Member
Having spent a lot of time in both, I'll echo the above statements... Hong Kong. It's not that expensive if you don't do tourist trap stuff and big fancy restaurants downtown. To me it's the very best first time asia experience because you have all the asian architecture and history but it's very easy to get around with everything still being in English as well as Chinese, you will not get lost there. Pollution is much better in HKG than PEK also. Absolutely no shortage of things to see and do in HKG, just google it or pick up a $5 book at any barnes and noble or off amazon about HKG and you'll have a wonderful time. I would also suggest that you spend at least a full day on Lan Tau Island (where the airport is), I personally think there's a lot of neat things to do there.
Nark
Macho Superpilot
Great memories from my 3 day whirl wind tour of HK:
Meeting a Muarentian (?) rufugee and wondering the city with her.
Haggling with little Bangladeshi dudes for a fake Rolex.
Being mistaken for being Russian, and thus being best friends with those same Bangladeshi dudes.
Bar hopping in Wan Chai and noticing one of the Filapina girls constantly scratching her crotch.
Learning elevator etiquette: push the close door button as fast as you can so you don't over weigh the tiny elevator.
Oh yeah, tourist stuff. Yadda yadda...
Meeting a Muarentian (?) rufugee and wondering the city with her.
Haggling with little Bangladeshi dudes for a fake Rolex.
Being mistaken for being Russian, and thus being best friends with those same Bangladeshi dudes.
Bar hopping in Wan Chai and noticing one of the Filapina girls constantly scratching her crotch.
Learning elevator etiquette: push the close door button as fast as you can so you don't over weigh the tiny elevator.
Oh yeah, tourist stuff. Yadda yadda...
A
Adler
Guest
After a few days of all the usual city stuff and far too many roast pork dishes and Portuguese Egg Tarts, a boat to Lamma Island followed by a hike across it to the other ferry station is amazing.
Also, Tai O is highly recommended.
Also, Tai O is highly recommended.
gocaps16
Well-Known Member
I have never been to Beijing but I have been to Hong Kong about 4 times when I lived in Yokohama, Japan. It is one of my favorite places to visit in Asia. Beijing is on my list to do if I manage to get a tourist visa., but I'll probably skip Beijing and go to Shanghai and take advantage for the 144 hour free stay visa.
Baronman
Well-Known Member
Hong Kong is very cool. I particularly liked Kowloon....As somebody above posed a photo of Tai O was a great excursion. I think we combined that with our trip to the Big Buddha. Taking the Cable Car to Big Buddha was unforgettable as well.
I've yet to hear anything about Beijing that interests me.
I've yet to hear anything about Beijing that interests me.
juxtapilot
Snowflake
Go to HK... Easy place to visit, and you'll enjoy it. Also Beijing requires a Chinese visa, HK does not.
