There might not be a better view to wake up to than that at the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong. Overlooking the habour and seeing Kowloon from your room will quickly become one of your favourite things. Not to mention the hotel is next to a beautiful park, with close access to the Victoria Peak Tram, and to the Central neighbourhood filled with restaurants, bars and shops.

One of my favourite things about Hong Kong is just how many markets there are. You could spend an entire trip just perusing through the stalls at street and indoor markets. And, you will no doubt find exactly what you’re looking for. Hong Kong has a tradition of naming markets and shopping streets quite literally–wet markets are where you’ll find seafood, sneaker street is where you’ll find, you guessed it, sneakers. Kitchen street is where you’ll find everything you need for your kitchen… you get the idea. Hong Kong has 200-plus indoor and public markets, and dozens of street markets. These wet markets and shopping streets are crucial to local life. Iconic markets include the Temple Street Market, Ladies’ Market, Stanley Market, and Apliu Street Market.

For a moment of quiet and solitude from the busy streets and the hustle of the markets, stepping into a temple in Hong Kong is soul grounding. Religion plays a vital role in the culture of Hong Kong and temples and shrines are dotted all over the city, each with their own purpose and unique design. There are more than 600 temples, shrines, and monasteries in Hong Kong, reflecting a blend of Buddhist, Taoist, and local folk beliefs. Some of the most significant temples include:  Wong Tai Sin Temple: Famous for Taoist practices and the “What you request is what you get” philosophy. Po Lin Monastery: Located on Lantau Island, renowned for the giant outdoor bronze Big Buddha. Chi Lin Nunnery: A distinctive, large wooden temple complex built in the traditional Tang dynasty style.