Hong Kong by Night

By Lindsay Varty

Renowned as a ‘city that never sleeps’, Hong Kong offers a wide range of activities for all you avid night crawlers. Shops stay open till 10pm so it’s never too late to pick up a few more items for a new wardrobe. Pop down to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade to check out the beautiful harbour front and the city’s notorious neon skyline. At 8 o’clock every night, you can catch the electrifying ‘Symphony of lights’: a show of flashing lights and laser beams put together by over 40 of Hong Kong’s tallest skyscrapers.

Hop on the Star Ferry– Hong Kong’s famous cross-harbour boat that has been in operation since 1888, which provides a relaxing yet fascinating journey across the city’s harbour, and a fabulous way to take in the spectacular scenery and overall awe of this beautiful city.

Check out ‘Temple Street’ night market in Jordan. Open at 4pm until midnight, this bustling market features rows and rows of makeshift stalls, hawking a plethora of cheap items such as clothes, watches, sunglasses, bags and electronic gadgets. Have your palms read by one of the wise old fortune-tellers that gather at the Yau Ma Tei end of the street.

One of Hong Kong’s nocturnal highlights is the Wednesday night horseraces in Happy Valley. This stunning racecourse is smack in the middle of town, surrounded by huge sky-rise office blocks and lit up in fluorescent floodlights. You can either join the VIPs up in the galleries, or join the merry throng of expats and locals, some in fancy gowns, others in sweaty vests and shorts- all in it for the big bucks! Entrance is only $10 (less than £1) so you can’t say no!

When the sun sets in Hong Kong, everyone flees their offices and flocks to the beloved Lan Kwai Fong district- the city’s legendary drinking area. Located on a steep hill in the centre of town, this one little road is absolutely packed with heaving bars and clubs every night. Try Al’s Diner for a tray of jelly shots, or head to Balalaika’s- a Russian bar where you are provided with full-length fur coats and fur hats and can sip icy cold vodka in a frozen fridge room- A great option for the hot, humid summer nights!

But for the REALLY big parties in Hong Kong, we go all out! Next up, Hong Kong celebrations and festivals…