What to see in Hong Kong in 1 day

The Victoria Peak receives visitors from early morning: the historic Peak Tram, in service since 1888, climbs with a slope approaching forty-five degrees to the island's highest point, from which you see Hong Kong's entire skyline sprawled below.

Descending toward the port you reach Central, the financial quarter with its skyscrapers by renowned architects like Norman Foster, before taking the Star Ferry, the ferry in service since 1888 that crosses Victoria Harbour in minutes toward Kowloon.

From the opposite shore, the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade offers the most complete view of the island's skyline, with the Avenue of Stars celebrating Hong Kong cinema along the waterfront.

For lunch, dim sum restaurants around Kowloon offer a taste of Cantonese cuisine in small portions to share.

The Temple Street Night Market rises near the Wong Tai Sin temple, dedicated to a Taoist deity said to grant every request.

Returning to the island, Sheung Wan and Soho are quarters with the celebrated Mid-Levels Escalators, the longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world, among traditional herb shops and art galleries.

As evening falls, returning to the harbor, the light show A Symphony of Lights, involving dozens of skyscrapers on both shores, accompanies dinner in one of the restaurants facing the water.

Victoria Peak, the Star Ferry, and Tsim Sha Tsui already give a clear idea of the contrast between Hong Kong's two harbor shores, while the afternoon choice between Kowloon's markets and Sheung Wan and Soho neighborhoods adds the traditional or more contemporary side.

Lantau Island, with its giant Buddha, and a trip to the more remote islands of the archipelago remain chapters for a second trip. Seeing the skyscrapers illuminate on both sides of the harbor at dusk is perhaps the sharpest memory of Hong Kong.