After spending a few weeks in Shanghai, I took the overnight train straight to Hong Kong. And I loved it. It was refreshing to be out of China, comforting to be back in a city that felt a lot like NYC, and wonderful to connect with new and old friends. I’m certainly looking forward to returning to Hong Kong as soon as possible. A few photos of my time there.
Learning to play Chinese poker with my friends on the train to Hong Kong. This family was traveling to Hong Kong to buy baby formula.
Riding the overnight train from Shanghai into Hong Kong, I made friends with my cabinmates, and ended up hanging out with them quite a bit during the long train ride. Lots of fun!
People watching the Chinese countryside go by on my way to Hong Kong. As we got closer to the coast, the pollution in the air seemed to ease up a bit.
Clouds of pollution from Chinese manufacturing turn the otherwise quaint countryside into a toxic wasteland.
Lunch in the dining car with my new friends.
Admiring modern architecture in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
Entering Chungking Mansions – one of the most dense, sketchy, dirty, and interesting blocks in Kowloon.
In Chungking Mansions, I grabbed lunch, and explored the many corridors of the interconnected buildings.
Hong Kong has its own dedicated goldfish market, where almost any size of goldfish, or other aquarium fish, are available.
Fish are displayed in large tanks, with dramatic lighting throughout the many many many stalls.
Less expensive fish are sold in large racks of inflated plastic bags – each with a price.
Goldfish being sold on the street in a plastic bag.
Downtown Hong Kong, with dense signs, people everywhere.
Kids look into Hong Kong from the observation deck of the International Financial Center, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Staring straight up the IFC
Hong Kong has great dim sum, and this place was no exception. People clamor for the fresh baskets as soon as they come off of the steamer.
Dim Sum with a ground of friends from the Check Inn Hostel, let by owner Wincent.
Exploring the legendary Man Mo Temple, with coils of incense burning everywhere.
Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple
Reminance of British rule thankfully still remain in Hong Kong.
Super tasty seared duplings as served by legendary Din Tai Fung.
Dumplings and other dim sum being made fresh at Din Tai Fung Hong Kong.
Despite the limited space in Hong Kong, there are still lots of public parks. This park even has its own model speedboat racing pond. Cool!
My first night in Hong Kong, I had a quick drink at a rooftop bar, giving me a great intro to the cityscape. Hong Kong is great!
My friends from the Hong Kong Nike Running Club.
Nike Running Club in Hong Kong. Awesome!
Hong Kong has a Nike Running store, and hosts the Nike Run Club a few nights a week. I joined up with a great group of runners, and got to know the waterfront 10k at a time.
Running at night in Hong Kong.
Every Wednesday during the hot summer in Hong Kong is Happy Wednesday down at the Happy Valley horse racing track. I went with a group of friends from the Check Inn Hostel, where I stayed during my time in Hong Kong. Owner Wincent is great!
On Happy Wednesday, in addition to the races, there are also food vendors, sponsors, live bands, and lots of partying. I’d love to make a habit of going back to this.
Betting, and WINNING, at the Hong Kong Happy Valley Horse Races.
The tastiest pork buns at Michelin-starred Tim Ho Wan. This Dim Sum restaurant is in the Hong Kong subway station, and despite its location and cheap prices, it’s really really great. Again, I can’t wait to go back here.
Exploring the China Clipper Lounge at the Penninsula Hotel – this top-floor lounge serves helicopters at the Penninsula. A great place to get a drink.
The entry window, made from the fuselage panel from a DC-4.
Cocktails at the Ritz Carlton, at the top of the IFC. The world’s highest hotel.
Rooftop parties with friends in the center of Hong Kong.